Patent · US Expired

Closed-loop microchannel cooling system

US7334630B2 · kind B2 · utility

95Cited by
178References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 25, 2005
Grant dateFeb 26, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 25, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2924/3011
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods according to the present invention utilize micropumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These micropumps are fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These micropumps also can allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation of the temperature of the device through electrical control of the flow through the pump and can utilize multiple cooling loops to allow independent regulation of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the device temperature profiles. Novel enclosed microchannel structures are also described.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.