Patent ID: 8208252

Claim:
A forced induction airflow apparatus for a computer system, comprising: an enclosure having an interior space therein, wherein the enclosure is configured for having system component mounted thereon within the interior space; an electrically-powered airflow-inducing device mounted on the enclosure in a manner for allowing circulation of air between an ambient environment and the interior space; an energy conversion device mounted within the interior space, wherein the energy conversion device is configured for converting infrared (IR) energy emitted by the system component to electrical energy, wherein the energy conversion device is electrically connected to the electrically-powered airflow-inducing device for allowing electrical power generated by the energy conversion device to be provided to the electrically-powered airflow-inducing device; and an airflow directing structure engaged with the electrically-powered airflow-inducing device in a manner allowing airflow generated by the electrically-powered airflow-inducing device to flow therethrough, wherein the energy conversion device is mounted within the airflow directing structure, wherein the system component and the energy conversion device are spaced away from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of said airflow through the airflow directing structure and for causing a portion of said airflow to flow between system component and the energy conversion device.