New Metal Foam Cooling Solutions for Energy Efficiency in Data Centres

New Metal Foam Technology for Cooling

A new type of metal foam cooling is on the horizon, led by the female-driven startup, Apheros. With a focus on reducing energy consumption in data centres, which are key to supporting our digital infrastructure, this technology promises to address the exponential energy demands driven by the growth of AI and High Performance Computing (HPC).

The Energy Challenge

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centres consumed 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2022, with projections suggesting that this could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026. This is equivalent to the electricity consumption of Japan.

Apheros' Metal Foam Advantage

• Metal foam structures promise low density and high porosity.
• Surface area is 1,000 times greater than traditional cooling solutions.
• Materials used can include copper, iron, and stainless steel.

The primary focus of Apheros is on liquid cooling solutions, crucial for managing heat in data centre applications. As the metal foam encapsulates chips, it maximizes heat dissipation efficiency.

Urgent Need for Efficient Cooling

Gaëlle Andreatta, CTO of Apheros, emphasizes the urgent need for innovative cooling systems. With AI growth pushing energy use to new heights, efficient cooling solutions are no longer optional but essential.

Future Prospects

With the recent funding of $1.85 million, Apheros is set to expedite the development and commercialization of its cutting-edge metal foam products, aiming to create a significant impact on energy efficiency within the tech industry.