Efficient cooling for data centres and more

February 2025

Empa spin-off Ionic Wind Technologies is revolutionising the cooling of high-performance electronics with its patented airflow amplifier for ionic wind. The technology utilises electrostatic fields to set air in motion without mechanical components. With this method, data centres could reduce their cooling energy consumption by up to 60 percent.

Until now, the use of ionic wind was limited as the air flow was too weak. The company has now developed new needle electrodes and optimised the housing shape according to the Coandă effect in order to efficiently increase the air flow. This combination allows up to three times the air speed with reduced energy requirements.

Wide range of applications
In addition to cooling data centres, the start-up sees great potential in other industries, such as drying systems and air purification processes. The technology enables air movement with minimal pressure difference and could replace conventional fans in the long term.

On the way to market maturity
The start-up has already received several awards and is supported by Venture Kick, the Gerbert Rüf Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation. While the company is pressing ahead with its own production set-up, it is also looking into a licence model. The technology could make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption in various sectors.

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