OnePlus 11 Concept: Taking Cell Phone Cooling to the Next Level – Boréas Technologies

Written by Marc-andré Morin | Apr 17, 2023 4:00:00 AM

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and we rely on them for various tasks, from staying connected with others to access the info on the go. As smartphone technology advances, manufacturers continually strive to improve their devices, making them faster, more efficient, and more comfortable. One area where smartphone manufacturers are constantly rethinking their approach is smartphone cooling. 

Thermal management is crucial for any electronic device, especially smartphones, as they generate considerable heat during use. Overheating can lead to several issues, including reduced battery life, decreased performance, and even device damage. Therefore, smartphone manufacturers have been exploring various methods to keep their devices cool, including design alterations like thermal vents and cooling systems. 

The new OnePlus 11 concept has recently generated massive waves in the mobile world due to its innovative cooling features. One of the primary methods used in this concept is incorporating piezoelectric micropumps to circulate cooling liquid inside the device. This technology allows the device to actively spread heat across a larger surface to help dissipate heat generated during use. Which can help dissipate heat generated during use. Let's learn more about that phone. 

  

What Is the OnePlus 11 Concept? 

 

At the 2023 Mobile World Conference, OnePlus introduced a new conceptual design for its upcoming smartphone, the OnePlus 11 concept. This innovative device utilizes a piezoelectric-powered pump to circulate a cooling liquid throughout the phone when it heats up, effectively reducing the temperature by up to 2.1 degrees Celsius during intensive usages, such as gaming. It should be noted, however, that this integration was primarily designed for visual appeal rather than cooling optimization. Despite this, the device can still reduce the phone's temperature by up to 2.1 degrees Celsius, providing a noticeable benefit for users. Overheating is a critical concern for any electronic device, and this technology addresses this problem. With this groundbreaking design, OnePlus is setting the standard for smartphone cooling systems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mobile technology. 

  

Design and Architecture 

The OnePlus 11 concept Active CryoFlux technology resembles a gaming PC's liquid cooling system on a smaller scale. The phone uses a ceramic, piezoelectric micro-pump in the back of the device. When the phone begins heating up, the pump engages, pushing a liquid coolant through a system of pipes and valves. The pump is thin and light, which makes it ideal for a smartphone, as manufacturers don't have to sacrifice battery size for efficiency. 

The novel technology works by instituting a piezo actuator. When the actuator receives voltage, it flexes, powering the coolant pump to lower the device temperature. This new design is more efficient because it actively moves heat away from the source, as opposed to a vapor chamber which relies on passive heat dissipation.  

 

Performance 

OnePlus showcased the micropump's ability to cool the device during the conceptual premiere, using blue colors to outline the coolant circulation chart, showing how the lines stretched throughout the device. The pump is small but powerful. It's able to push coolant through pipes that run through the entirety of the phone. After a trial run, results showed that the concept design lowered the phone's temperature by 2.1 degrees Celsius. 

The new cooling system in the OnePlus 11 concept demonstrates the importance of addressing smartphone overheating issues. By implementing a more effective cooling solution, manufacturers can provide users better performance, longer battery life, and increased device longevity. Overall, the OnePlus 11 concept's cooling system is a step in the right direction for smartphone technology. 

  

The Challenge of Keeping a Gaming Phone Cool 

One of the biggest challenges smartphone manufacturers faces is managing heat generated by high-performance devices. As mentioned earlier, excessive heat can lead to reduced battery life, decreased performance, and even damage to internal components. One solution is to throttle the performance of certain apps to prevent the device from overheating. 

 

This is common among OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) that produce high-performance smartphones. Throttling can help to manage heat and ensure the longevity of the device. Still, it can also result in slower app performance and a less enjoyable user experience for some users. 

 

 

 

As smartphone technology continues to advance, the power of the processors inside them is increasing rapidly. For example, Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips have been growing in power year after year. While this is great for performance, it also means that heat management is becoming more of an issue. Throttling can only do so much, and there are better solutions. Ideally, smartphone manufacturers would find ways to keep devices cool without throttling. 

 

One potential solution is through innovative cooling solutions like piezoelectric-powered micropumps. Companies like OnePlus are developing these pumps, which could be a game-changer for heat management in high-performance smartphones. As the demand for more powerful devices increases, we'll likely see even more creative solutions for managing heat.  

 

Understanding the OnePlus 11 Concept's State-of-the-Art Mobile Device Cooling 

Of course, understanding the concepts behind piezoelectric cooling technology, specifically the micropump, is an essential step toward explaining why this moment is so crucial to the future of gaming phones.  

 

How the Piezoelectric Micropump Works 

Here's how it works. Piezoelectric micropumps use the voltage from a power source, probably a piezo driver, to manipulate an element. In the case of the OnePlus 11 concept, this piezoelectric element is a membrane coated in piezoelectric crystals. As voltage pumps into the piezo ceramic, it bends back and forth, acting as a pump to move the coolant. This motor generates enough power to push liquid coolant through fluid chambers. 

 

If you want to learn more about how piezoelectric pumps and CapDrive technology are changing designs across many industries, visit Boreas' website to learn how to incorporate their kits into your devices. 

 

Overall Cooling Effects 

As mentioned, the coolant flows throughout the phone and keeps the device from overheating. The OnePlus 11 Concept reduced the phone's heat by 2.1 Celsius while in gaming mode. However, it is worth noting that the piezoelectric micropump used in this device was primarily designed for its aesthetic appeal rather than for cooling optimization. Despite this, the device was still able to achieve a temperature reduction of 2.1 degrees Celsius while gaming. In addition, with wireless and wired charging, the piezoelectric micropump decreased the phone's charging temperature by 1.6 Celsius, demonstrating its effectiveness even in non-intensive usage scenarios. 

  

The Bottom Line: The OnePlus 11 Piezo-Powered Concept Is the Future of Cooling

In conclusion, the OnePlus 11 Piezo-Powered Concept phone has opened the door to a new era of phone cooling systems utilizing piezoelectric technology. This breakthrough in cooling technology presents an opportunity for phone and device manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve and improve the performance of their products. 

 

Choosing a provider for a piezoelectric driver, such as Boreas Technologies, is crucial for accessing the most advanced and efficient options. Boreas Technologies offers highly advanced piezo drivers up to 10 times as power-efficient as leading competitors. Additionally, these drivers are highly flexible and may be used in various applications. 

 

Moreover, piezoelectric technology is not limited to phone cooling systems but has applications in other industries such as haptic, medical, automotive, and audio devices. This versatile technology allows businesses to stay on the cutting edge of innovation and provide top-of-the-line products to consumers. 

 

Therefore, taking the next step in powering your devices with the best piezoelectric technology available is essential for staying competitive in today's market. By partnering with Boreas Technologies, you can access the most advanced, efficient, and versatile piezoelectric solutions and provide your customers with the best technology.