From micro to macro: Cooling data centers from the inside out

Academic buildings on the Purdue University campus.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

In the U.S., data centers account for approximately 2% of total electricity consumption; a large percentage of that is for cooling high-performance microchips. Purdue University researchers have received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop cooling systems for these microchips, making data centers more efficient and saving energy that will help mitigate climate change.

The grant comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), as part of its Cooling Operations Optimized for Leaps in Energy, Reliability, and Carbon Hyperefficiency for Information Processing Systems (COOLERCHIPS) program.

Read more on the School of Mechanical Engineering website.

Media are encouraged to share, post and publish this content.

Media contact: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu

More Purdue News

A graphic with photos of Kelly Hiller and Katie Ellis and the words “Top Women in Marketing Awards Ragan, 2026.”

Purdue Brand Studio’s Kelly Hiller, Katie Ellis recognized in Ragan’s Top Women in Marketing Awards

August 12, 2026

Graphic stating Purdue as No. 1 most recognized public university in U.S. for third straight year.

Purdue named most recognized public university in U.S., No. 4 overall in Global University Visibility rankings

August 10, 2026

The exterior of Purdue University's South Hall.

Purdue dedicates South Hall, expanding West Lafayette on-campus housing by nearly 900 beds

August 7, 2026

McClelland introduced as new athletics director at Purdue

August 6, 2026