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The research, carried out at Purdue University, focuses on learning how to design miniature compressors and evaporators, which are critical for refrigeration systems. The research is led by Suresh Garimella and Eckhard Groll; both professors of mechanical engineering.

"We feel we have a very good handle on this technology now, but there still are difficulties in implementing it in practical applications," said

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Garimella. "One challenge is that it's difficult to make a compressor really small that runs efficiently and reliably."

Garimella argues that a new revolutionary way of cooling is required, as microprocessors will generate "ten times more heat" in the future than they do today. According to Groll, miniature refrigeration has a key advantage over other cooling technologies as it allows cooling below surrounding temperatures, whereas other cooling methods can only bring temperatures down to ambient temperature. This advantage could result in more powerful computers being smaller in size and reduce long-term damage caused by heating.

The researchers have found that it is feasible to implement a refrigeration cooling system in a laptop, but an obstacle now in their way is manufacturing the system at a low cost, with the industry requirements dictating that cooling systems cost just £15 each to produce. "We can't currently produce them at this price, but maybe in the future," Groll admitted.