The end of noisy and bulky fans in laptops: this is generally what Ventiva, a Californian company, promises with its cooling system called “Ionic Cooling Engine” (ICE).
Based on the principle of ion propulsion, the technology ICE arouses the enthusiasm of technophiles; the famous YouTuber Dave2D was able to observe a functional prototype of a laptop PC equipped with this cooling system which is both quiet and efficient. Although the promises are tempting and the demonstrations attractive, this innovation still faces some technical and economic obstacles. Is the future of laptop cooling really changing or is it just hype?
A new lease of life for laptop cooling?
ICE technology Ventive is based on a relatively simple physical principle known for several decades: ion propulsion. An electric field created between two electrodes ionizes air molecules, which are then repelled by the positively charged emitter. This movement of ions then creates an air flow capable of dissipating heat.
Completely silent, this technology requires no moving parts, unlike the AirJet and its membranes which vibrate at very high frequency that the startup Frore Systems presented last year. Ventiva also claims that its system is more efficient and energy efficient than traditional fans; enough to appeal to manufacturers of portable computers (and other portable products) who will be able to take advantage of the compactness of the system to further miniaturize their products, or integrate a larger battery to improve autonomy.
Ion propulsion is not without its flaws
Attractive at first glance, this cooling technology ion propulsion is not, however, free from flaws. For example, we immediately think of dust capable of disrupting the air flow and reducing the efficiency of the system, where a conventional fan will be able to tolerate a certain quantity. Ion propulsion also raises the question of the production of ozone, a gas harmful to health. However, these two points do not seem to worry Ventiva, which explains that it has resolved these problems using patented technical solutions.
The main disadvantage lies in the low static pressure offered by this type of system, that is to say its ability to push air despite resistance. Traditional fans have high static pressure allowing them to draw air through multiple small openings and circulate it through complex components. Conversely, the low static pressure of ion propulsion will require manufacturers to rethink the internal architecture of their products to minimize resistance to air flow.
Ventiva seems to have entered into a partnership with a leading manufacturer, possibly Dell. We should know a little more during CES 2025, perhaps with the presentation of a laptop prototype equipped with this ICE technology. The opportunity will therefore be perfect to discover the real performance of this type of cooling, and perhaps its impact on the final price of the products concerned.
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Source :
Dave2D (Youtube)
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