Apheros, a Swiss startup, is revolutionizing data center cooling with its novel metal foam technology. Data centers currently consume a significant amount of energy, with cooling accounting for nearly 40% of their total consumption. Apheros’ metal foam can improve cooling systems’ heat exchange by 90%, resulting in significant energy savings. The company recently secured $1.85 million in pre-seed funding and plans to expand its reach to global data centers.
The demand for more efficient cooling solutions in data centers has become critical due to the exponential growth in AI development. AI applications, especially those using complex algorithms and deep learning models, require specialized hardware like GPUs and TPUs, which significantly increase energy consumption. It is estimated that data centers will consume 3-4% of the world’s power by the end of the decade.
While many organizations are considering investing in newer, more power-efficient data centers, Apheros aims to upgrade existing infrastructure by focusing on cooling systems for specialized hardware. Traditional cooling methods using heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are not efficient enough to keep up with the growing server densities required by AI workloads. Immersion and on-chip cooling methods have emerged as alternatives, but Apheros’ metal foams offer even better performance.
Apheros’ metal foams have a 1000-fold higher surface area, making them ideal for heat exchange. The foams can be used as drop-in replacements for heat sinks and exchangers, providing up to 90% improved heat exchange from the chip to the surrounding liquid. This optimized thermal exchange allows the resource-intensive, heat-generating components to cool down more quickly, resulting in significant energy savings on the cooling front.
Furthermore, Apheros’ metal foams have several advantages over other manufacturing methods. They are manufactured using a proprietary and patented powder-based method at room temperature, which eliminates issues like lack of consistency and structural strength. The foams can be made from various metals, such as copper, nickel, iron, and stainless steel, allowing users to choose the best metal for their needs. The manufacturing process is highly scalable, ensuring cost control.
While the technology is yet to see widespread adoption, Apheros is working closely with key cooling system manufacturers to refine the metal foam technology based on their feedback. The company has experienced significant growth in its customer base and revenues, working with innovative corporates and deep tech startups. The price of the foams is relatively low, making them a cost-effective solution for data center vendors.
In conclusion, Apheros’ metal foam technology has the potential to revolutionize data center cooling and significantly reduce energy consumption. By improving heat exchange in cooling systems, Apheros is addressing the growing demand for more efficient cooling solutions in the AI-driven era. With its unique and scalable manufacturing process, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
