Demand for increased density circuit architecture, micro- and nano-scale devices, and the overall down-scaling of system components has driven research into understanding transport phenomena at reduced scales. One method to enhance transport processes is the utilization of mini-, micro-, or nano-channels which drive uniform temperature and velocity profiles throughout the system. This work specifically examines a unique heat exchanger. The exchanger is developed as a closed system, with 300μm width channels, fabricated entirely with copper.
The heat exchanger has been designed for widespread use in varied environments. Further, the exchanger is working fluid non-specific, allowing for different fluids to be specified for various temperature ranges. The system design can be used equally well as a standalone heat exchanger or coupled with another device to provide a thermal energy storage system.
Fabricating the heat exchanger with copper for the substrate as well as the channels themselves allows the exchanger to maintain a high thermal conductivity which aides in the fluid energy transference. The exchanger was fabricated to be a closed system removing any excess equipment such as pumps. In testing, the exchanger showed thermal absorption of 2.2kW/m2 given input of 2.63kW/m2 and working fluid amounts of 37μL. The general design and use of copper in the exchanger allowed maximum absorption of 84% of the input with operation below the boiling point of the working fluid.
