Scientists have developed a technology based on 'ionic wind engines' that could dramatically improve computer chip cooling.

The Purdue University researchers, in work funded by Intel, demonstrated that the technique could increase chip cooling rates by as much as 250 per cent.

"Other experimental cooling-enhancement approaches might give you a 40 per cent or 50 per cent improvement," said Suresh Garimella, a professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue. "A 250 per cent improvement is quite unusual. "

When used in combination with a conventional fan, the experimental device enhanced the fan's effectiveness by increasing airflow to the surface of a mock computer chip.

The new technology could help engineers design thinner laptop computers that run cooler than today's machines, the researchers believe.

The new cooling technology could be introduced into computers within three years if researchers are able to miniaturise it and make the system rugged enough, Garimella said.

As the technology is further developed, such cooling devices might be integrated into portable consumer electronics products, including mobile phones.

The experimental cooling device works by generating electrically charged atoms using electrodes placed near one another.

The device contained a positively charged wire, or anode, and negatively charged electrodes, called cathodes.

The anode was positioned about 10mm above the cathodes. When voltage was passed through the device, the negatively charged electrodes discharged electrons toward the positively charged anode.

The electrons collided with air molecules, producing positively charged ions, which were then attracted back toward the negatively charged electrodes, creating an 'ionic wind'.

This 'breeze' was found to increase the airflow on the surface of the experimental chip and so dramatically improve cooling.