This only works because the sky does not transmit much energy at the particular infrared frequency this operates at.
In contrast ordinary objects (the computer case, a tree, a wall), do transmit those frequencies.
This would have no effect - it's absorbing the frequencies emitted by the wall, and transmitting to the wall, the net effect is zero.
i.e. it only works under open sky. I suspect even clouds would block this from functioning. (Not sure about this - maybe water has a "window" at this frequency?)
8 to 14 microns is called the "atmospheric window", and a large portion(up to around 80%, from what I've seen) of energy at these wavelengths escapes the atmosphere. This window is a result of weak absorption by carbon dioxide and water, thus the IR emissions will pass right through clouds.
Comments
This would be awesome to put on cpus.
This only works because the sky does not transmit much energy at the particular infrared frequency this operates at.
In contrast ordinary objects (the computer case, a tree, a wall), do transmit those frequencies.
This would have no effect - it's absorbing the frequencies emitted by the wall, and transmitting to the wall, the net effect is zero.
i.e. it only works under open sky. I suspect even clouds would block this from functioning. (Not sure about this - maybe water has a "window" at this frequency?)
8 to 14 microns is called the "atmospheric window", and a large portion(up to around 80%, from what I've seen) of energy at these wavelengths escapes the atmosphere. This window is a result of weak absorption by carbon dioxide and water, thus the IR emissions will pass right through clouds.
You are actually totally correct, clouds would worsen cooling power.
Thankfully, clouds also reduce the amount of sunlight heating things up, so that might not be an issue for, say, cooling a house.
Water(and CO2) have an IR window right around where these are emitting.
I expect the radiated IR would just heat the device around the CPU. It's not like CPUs usually face outer space.
Not really. I doubt it's better than the existing CPU coolers we use, CPU coolers just aren't practical for cooling buildings.
Don't CPUs not usually play friendly with water?
The water exists only to transfer the heat over distance. If the heat sink and heat source are in direct contact, then no need for water.