"A company called Cool Chips plc is showing off a cooling device that claims unbelievable efficiencies using what they call 'quantum mechanical electron tunneling'. A choice quote from their press release: "A panel of Cool Chips one inch square will provide enough cooling for a refrigerator; a panel about two inches square will have the capacity to provide the air conditioning for a living room". They also mention using them to cool microprocessors. I used to think this company was nuts, but Boeing is making me think twice. Oh, and by the way, they work in reverse to make electricity from heat. Should I sell my baseball cards and buy their stock now, or can an army of slashdotters poke holes in their claims?" Fascinating stuff. Makes peltier coolers look pretty old school. In the press release they claim up to 80% efficiency, compared to 5-8% for peltier coolers and 50% for conventional refrigeration. I will say the cool chips corporate logo is baffling, though.

Boeing Completes Evaluation of Borealis Cool Chips? Technology
SEAL BEACH, Nov. 30, 2001-- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) has completed an evaluation of a new technology called Cool Chips? that could provide lighter, more efficient and more affordable cooling systems in the future.
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Because they are smaller and lighter than competing technologies, and promise greater efficiency, Cool Chips have potential applications for thermal management in aircraft and spacecraft, where size, weight and power requirements are at a premium. Such applications include the cooling of avionics, sensors, environmental air and galleys.