A novel, energy-efficient computer cooling solution jointly developed by two government departments has scooped up a top prize at an international exhibition in Switzerland.

The award is one of 12 won by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) at this year’s International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April, after it nominated 10 projects.

Called the “two-phase immersion cooling system for high performance computer workstation”, it involves placing heat-generating computer components in a bath of non-conductive fluid. The coolant absorbs the heat, which is then dissipated as gas.

The system is developed in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department (CAD).

EMSD engineer Richard Li noted that high-performance computers are often housed in air-conditioned rooms, and while the method was effective, it was costly and not environmentally friendly.

The new cooling system, by contrast, allows computers to operate in naturally ventilated spaces. The system is already in use at one of the CAD's control tower simulator workstations.

“So after we have this trial project to prove this technology, we would like to extend our application to other users which are applicable, like for data centres or other departments with high-heat generation computers," Li said.

The invention won the “Prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva”, one of seven top awards at the prestigious exhibition.

Two other EMSD inventions were awarded a gold medal with the congratulations of jury, including a tracking solution to enhance outdoor activity safety.

One potential application, according to project manager Leo Yeung, would be for paragliders to report their whereabouts in emergencies.

A compact positioning device is attached to the paraglider, recording the flight path. It doubles as a panic button which the pilot can use to send a distress signal in dire situations.
Yeung said the device is waterproof and boasts an extended battery life.

"We are planning to optimise the system's features and collaborate with other relevant government departments and organisations to promote the application to other activities such as hiking and water sports. And these allow more outdoor activity participants to benefit from this technology," he told RTHK.