Passive Cooling System for Laptop Computers using Phase Change Materials

Abstract Overheating hinders optimum functionality and makes computers vulnerable to malfunctioning during extensive usage. In this study, thermally conductive pads of phase change material (PCM) were developed to cool a CPU. The organic PCM, polyethylene glycol-1500 (PEG-1500), which has a melting range of 45.5-48.5oC, was selected for this study. Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were mixed for nano-enhancement. GO nanoparticles were prepared by the modified Hummer’s method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical compositions of PEG-1500 and GO/PEG-1500 were validated by FTIR. The thermal conductivities of pure PEG-1500 and the GO/PEG-1500 composite were studied by a thermal constant analyzer, and the incorporation of GO increased the thermal conductivity by 16.81%. The packs were placed at the spots of heat concentration, which led to an almost 10oC lower temperature. Recharging the molten pads does not require any external energy and provides a safe and inexpensive passive cooling system.