Ultra-thin Laptops Possible with GE Cooling Innovation

By: | February 8th, 2013

Electronics cooling technology so quiet, users won’t even know the laptop is running.

Adapted from technology that GE researchers originally developed for commercial jet engines, GE (NYSE: GE) has announced a major technology breakthrough, called DCJ, which adapts this technology for the cooling of consumer electronics. DCJ will support the next generation of thinner, quieter and more powerful tablets, laptops and other electronic devices. To view a demonstration of the technology.

GE’s DCJ (Dual Piezoelectric Cooling Jets), behave as a micro-fluidic bellows that provide high-velocity jets of air to cool electronic components. The turbulent air flow of the DCJ increases the heat transfer rate to more than ten times that of natural convection.

GE’s DCJ technology enables cooling solutions that is a little thicker than a credit card, only 4mm tall. In addition, the DCJ is very stingy on power, consuming less than half the power of a comparable fan, and its simple construction will deliver higher reliability leading to millions of dollars in repair cost savings for OEMs.

“With new tablet and netbook roadmaps moving to platforms measuring less than 6mm high, it is clear that consumers are demanding thinner and more powerful electronic devices.” said Chris Giovanniello, VP Microelectronics & Thermal Business Development at GE Licensing. “GE’s patented DCJ technology not only frees up precious space for system designers, but it consumes significantly less power, allowing as much as 30 minutes of extra battery life. Best of all, DCJ can be made so quiet that users won’t even know it’s running. Thermal management is becoming a big problem for many companies trying to miniaturize their electronics, and as a result we are getting strong demand to evaluate the DCJ technology in many markets, from consumer electronics, to automotive, to telecom and industrial sectors.”

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.

Michael Cooney

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