Linus Tech Tips reviews a $250, extremely niche, and expensive piezoelectric fan that uses electrical energy to create mechanical movement and blow air. The fan is unique in that it has no moving parts, no wear surfaces, and is extremely power-efficient, consuming only 100-200 milliwatts.
The fan works by using two piezoelectric ceramics that contract and expand when an electric current is applied, creating a vibration that blows air. The fan requires a specific frequency, which is why it only works with 60 Hz power and not 50 Hz power used in Europe.
The review highlights the fan's advantages, including its long lifespan (one fan ran for 26 years with minimal maintenance), low power consumption, and ability to create airflow without generating heat. The fan is also used in specialized applications such as zero-gravity environments, sensors, and laser cooling.
The review concludes that while the fan is not suitable for most applications, its unique properties and benefits make it an interesting and exotic cooling solution.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The fan costs $250.
2. The fan is powered by piezoelectric ceramics.
3. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy or vice versa.
4. The fan has two piezoelectric ceramics that contract with positive and negative voltage.
5. The fan vibrates when plugged into the wall due to AC power.
6. The fan's vibrations are very small and can be dampened by holding it.
7. The fan's blade must be carefully tuned to match the natural frequency of the input frequency.
8. The fan requires a power supply to maintain a consistent frequency.
9. The fan is designed to work with 60Hz AC power, making it incompatible with Europe's 50Hz power.
10. The fan's tuning must be within 1-2 Hz of the input frequency for it to work.
11. The fan was tested in a comparison with a traditional 40mm fan.
12. The piezoelectric fan has several advantages, including no wear surfaces, low power consumption, and the ability to shed no dust or oil.
13. The fan is rated for 0.5W, but its actual power consumption is around 1W due to the inefficiency of converting AC to DC power.
14. The fan's power consumption is around 100-200mW.
15. The fan has been tested in a steam deck application, where it was able to cool the device to 50°C.
16. The fan is also used in zero-gravity applications, such as on the space station, where convection does not occur naturally.
17. The fan is used in sensors, such as temperature sensors, smoke detectors, and chemical detectors.
18. The fan has a fast start and stop time, making it useful for applications that require rapid airflow changes.
19. The fan is used in laser applications, where it helps to cool the laser tube and maintain a consistent temperature.