US 6,688,381 B2 · Multiscale transport apparatus and methods

Abstract

Thermal management devices and methods include branching networks comprising flow channels of varying cross-sectional area. The branching networks can be fractal-like in nature with an increase in the total flow area following a flow channel bifurcation. In representative embodiments, the branching networks are defined in a channel pattern that is laminated between cover plates to form a thermal management device. The channel pattern includes bridging portions so that the branching network is defined with a single pattern piece. The branching networks can exhibit radial symmetry or be aligned with respect to one or more axes. Heat exchangers and diffusive mixers that include such networks are also provided.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A thermal management device (TMD), comprising:

an inlet configured to receive a fluid;
a branching network situated to receive the fluid from the inlet;
and
an outlet configured to receive the fluid from the branching network, wherein the branching network includes m branching levels having flow channels configured so that β = d k + 1 d k = n - 1 / α , ⁢ γ = L k + 1 L k = n - 1 / D , ⁢ and
wherein m is a positive integer greater than one, k is an integer such that 1≦k≦m, dk and Lk are a flow channel diameter and a channel length of a flow channel in a kth branching level, γ and β are ratios of channel diameters and channel lengths, respectively, n is a number of branches into which a single channel divides, α is a positive number greater than or equal to about 2, and D=2 for a two dimensional branching network and D=3 for a three dimensional branching network.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiscale transport apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Multiscale transport apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18