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A heat exchanger utilizing active fluid transport of a heat transfer fluid is manufactured with multiple discrete flow passages provided by a simple but versatile construction. The microstructured channels are replicated onto a film layer which is utilized in the fluid transfer heat exchanger. The s

A heat exchanger utilizing active fluid transport of a heat transfer fluid is manufactured with multiple discrete flow passages provided by a simple but versatile construction. The microstructured channels are replicated onto a film layer which is utilized in the fluid transfer heat exchanger. The surface structure defines the flow channels which are generally uninterrupted and highly ordered. These flow channels can take the form of linear, branching or dendritic type structures. A cover layer having favorably thermal conductive properties is provided on the structured bearing film surface. Such structured bearing film surfaces and the cover layer are thus used to define microstructure flow passages. The use of a film layer having a microstructured surface facilitates the ability to highly distribute a potential across the assembly of passages to promote active transport of a heat transfer fluid. The thermally conductive cover layer then effects heat transfer to an object, gas, or liquid in proximity with the heat exchanger.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger having a plurality of substantially discrete flow passages, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a first layer of polymeric film material having first and second major surfaces, wherein the first major surface includes a structured surface having a plu

1. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger having a plurality of substantially discrete flow passages, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a first layer of polymeric film material having first and second major surfaces, wherein the first major surface includes a structured surface having a plurality of flow channels that extend from a first point to a second point along the surface of the layer, the flow channels having a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius of no greater than about 300 micrometers; (b) providing a cover layer of material having a closing surface; and (c) positioning the cover layer over the channels of the first polymeric layer of material so that its closing surface makes a plurality of substantially discrete flow passages.