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Development of a high-efficiency power supply unit for computers

Computers can often be quite loud, as their internal fan makes a noise. Employees at the Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) and the Moscow Power Engineering Institute are working together to make these devices quieter.

Two men in discussion

Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin (r.) presents the new development. Left: Managing Director of Stadtwerke Kuno Werner © HTWG

General information

  • Project partners:
    • Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG)/Dr Alexander Kirjuchin
    • Moscow Power Engineering Institute/Ewgeni Komarov
  • Project period: 01/10/2009 - 30/09/2010

While conventional power supply units convert around 30 percent of the energy supplied into heat, with the power supply unit developed in Konstanz, this figure is reduced to just 10 percent. This means that the power supply unit developed does not require a fan at all.

The prototypes produced were extensively tested and optimised, and work perfectly. According to the researchers, the results of the tests are “outstanding and the heat generated is also within admissible limits”. There are plans to build 30 of the new-generation power supply units, which will be used to equip a computer centre at the university, where they will undergo long-term testing.

Another advantage of the new power supply unit is that it has less circuit feedback (disturbances) than conventional power supply units. With widespread use of the new technology, energy savings in the order of terawatt hours could be achieved in the German power grid.

The project, which is running as part of the strategic partnership and collaboration on education and research with Russia, was financed by the International Bureau on behalf of the BMBF and supported by Stadtwerke Konstanz GmbH.