Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus for circulating a cooling material within a heat exchanger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer and an interface layer. The interface layer comprises one or more narrowing trenches. The manifold layer comprises a plurality of apertures, each positioned on either side of a narrowing trench. In operation, a cooling material is transmitted to an apertures, through a channel defined by the narrowing trench and a bottom surface of the manifold layer, and out an aperture, thereby cooling a heat-generating source coupled to a bottom surface of the interface layer. The method comprises forming a narrowing trench in an interface layer, which exhibits anisotropic etching, by etching the interface layer to form a trench having sloping sidewalls. The method further comprises coupling the interface layer to a manifold layer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of manufacturing thereof comprises an interface layer for cooling a heat source. The interface layer is coupled to the heat source and is configured to pass fluid therethrough. The heat exchanger further comprises a manifold layer that is coupled to the interface layer. The manifold layer includes at least one first port that is coupled to a first set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the first set. The manifold layer includes at least one second port coupled to a second set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the second set. The first set of holes and second set of holes are arranged to provide a minimized fluid path distance between the first and second ports to adequately cool the heat source. Preferably, each hole in the first set is positioned a closest optimal distance to an adjacent hole the second set.

Abstract: A vapor escape membrane for use in a heat exchanging device, including a heat pipe or heat sink that runs liquid into a cooling region positioned adjacent to the heat producing device, the vapor escape membrane comprising: a porous surface for removing vapor produced from the liquid in the cooling region, the membrane configured to confine the liquid only within the cooling region. The vapor escape membrane transfers vapor to a vapor region within the heat exchanging device, wherein the membrane is configured to prevent liquid in the cooling region from entering the vapor region. The membrane is configured to include a hydrophobic surface between the membrane and the cooling region, wherein the liquid in the cooling region does not flow through the porous surface. The vapor escape membrane includes a plurality of apertures for allowing vapor to transfer therethrough, each of the apertures having a predetermined dimension.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus and method of manufacturing comprising: an interface layer for cooling a heat source and configured to pass fluid therethrough, the interface layer having an appropriate thermal conductivity and a manifold layer for providing fluid to the interface layer, wherein the manifold layer is configured to achieve temperature uniformity in the heat source preferably by cooling interface hot spot regions. A plurality of fluid ports are configured to the heat exchanger such as an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the fluid ports are configured vertically and horizontally. The manifold layer circulates fluid to a predetermined interface hot spot region in the interface layer, wherein the interface hot spot region is associated with the hot spot. The heat exchanger preferably includes an intermediate layer positioned between the interface and manifold layers and optimally channels fluid to the interface hot spot region.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for a fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device is disclosed. The fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device utilizes fluid circulated through a channel heat exchanger for high heat dissipation and transfer area per unit volume. The device comprises a highly thermally conductive material, preferably with less than 200 W/m-K. The preferred channel heat exchanger comprises two coupled flat plates and a plurality of fins coupled to the flat plates. At least one of the plates preferably to receive flow of a fluid in a heated state. The fluid preferably carries heat from a heat source (such as a CPU, for example). Specifically, at least one of the plates preferably comprises a plurality of condenser channels configured to receive, to condense, and to cool the fluid in the heated state. The fluid in a cooler state is preferably carried from the device to the heat source, thereby cooling the heat source.

Abstract: A microchannel heat exchanger coupled to a heat source and configured for cooling the heat source comprising a first set of fingers for providing fluid at a first temperature to a heat exchange region, wherein fluid in the heat exchange region flows toward a second set of fingers and exits the heat exchanger at a second temperature, wherein each finger is spaced apart from an adjacent finger by an appropriate dimension to minimize pressure drop in the heat exchanger and arranged in parallel. The microchannel heat exchanger includes an interface layer having the heat exchange region. Preferably, a manifold layer includes the first set of fingers and the second set of fingers configured within to cool hot spots in the heat source. Alternatively, the interface layer includes the first set and second set of fingers configured along the heat exchange region.

Abstract: An electrokinetic pump for pumping a liquid includes a pumping body having a plurality of narrow, short and straight pore apertures for channeling the liquid through the body. A pair of electrodes for applying a voltage differential are formed on opposing surfaces of the pumping body at opposite ends of the pore apertures. The pumping body is formed on a support structure to maintain a mechanical integrity of the pumping body. The pump can be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processing steps. The pores are preferably formed using plasma etching. The structure is oxidized to insulate the structure and also narrow the pores. A support structure is formed by etching a substrate and removing an interface oxide layer. Electrodes are formed to apply a voltage potential across the pumping body. Another method of fabricating an electrokinetic pump includes providing etch stop alignment marks so that the etch step self-terminates.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing heat from a heat generating device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plate thermally coupled to the heat generating device and thermally coupled to two beat pipes wherein each heat pipe is configured to have a predetermined boiling point temperature selected according to design criteria. The apparatus can include one or more additional heat pipes coupled to the plate. The apparatus can include a heat spreader, wherein the heat spreader is in thermal contact with the heat generating device and with at least one of the heat pipes. The heat pipes can differ in outer cross-sectional dimensions depending on thermal distance position relative to the heat generating device, such that the heat pipes located a farther thermal distance from the heat generating device have smaller outer cross-sectional dimensions than the heat pipes located a shorter thermal distance from the heat generating device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A mounting assembly comprises a rigid support bracket configured to substantially surround a heat source. The rigid support bracket is coupled to a circuit board. The mounting assembly also comprises a removable lid that is coupled to the rigid support bracket and configured to provide selective access to the heat source. The mounting assembly further comprises a heat exchanger coupled to the heat source, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned between the heat source and the removable lid. The removable lid is preferably configured and has a desired stiffness to urge the heat exchanger in contact by a substantially constant force with the heat source and prevents unwanted movement of the heat source. Further, the support bracket structure is configured to transfer the substantially constant force over a relatively large surface area on the circuit board thereby protecting the heat source from bending, breaking or collapsing from the substantially constant force.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of manufacturing thereof comprises an interface layer for cooling a heat source. The interface layer is coupled to the heat source and is configured to pass fluid therethrough. The heat exchanger further comprises a manifold layer that is coupled to the interface layer. The manifold layer includes at least one first port that is coupled to a first set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the first set. The manifold layer includes at least one second port coupled to a second set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the second set. The first set of holes and second set of holes are arranged to provide a minimized fluid path distance between the first and second ports to adequately cool the heat source. Preferably, each hole in the first set is positioned a closest optimal distance to an adjacent hole the second set.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for a fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device is disclosed. The fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device utilizes fluid circulated through a channel heat exchanger for high heat dissipation and transfer area per unit volume. The device comprises a highly thermally conductive material, preferably with less than 200 W/m-K. The preferred channel heat exchanger comprises two coupled flat plates and a plurality of fins coupled to the flat plates. At least one of the plates preferably to receive flow of a fluid in a heated state. The fluid preferably carries heat from a heat source (such as a CPU, for example). Specifically, at least one of the plates preferably comprises a plurality of condenser channels configured to receive, to condense, and to cool the fluid in the heated state. The fluid in a cooler state is preferably carried from the device to the heat source, thereby cooling the heat source.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for a fluid cooled micro-scaled heat exchanger is disclosed. The fluid cooled micro-scaled heat exchanger utilizes a micro-scaled region and a spreader region with specific materials and ranges of dimensions, to yield high heat dissipation and transfer area per unit volume from a heat source. The micro-scaled region preferably comprises microchannels, but in alternate embodiments, comprises a micro-porous structure, or micro-pillars, or is comprised from the group of microchannels, a micro-porous structure, and micro-pillars.

Abstract: A spring loaded mounting assembly and method of manufacturing thereof for securing a heat exchanger coupled to a heat source, the mounting assembly comprising: at least one support bracket positioned at one or more fixed locations with respect to the heat source; and a clip coupled to the support bracket and configured to maintain the heat exchanger in contact with the heat source. The mounting assembly further comprises at least one bracket for securing a pump and heat rejector thereupon, wherein the heat exchanger and the pump are independently moveable with respect to one another. The heat rejector is preferably positioned above and alternatively positioned adjacent to the heat exchanger. The clip applies a downward force to the heat exchanger and consistently urges the heat exchanger in contact with the heat source irrespective of movements.

Abstract: A method of cooling at least one heat generating device using a cooling system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of using at least one pump to cause a fluid to flow in at least one heat exchanger and adjusting a pressure of the fluid to correspondingly adjust a boiling point temperature of the fluid in the at least one heat exchanger. The method can also include the step of providing at least one heat rejector for rejecting heat from the system, the at least one heat rejector being situated downstream of the at least one heat exchanger. The step of adjusting a pressure of the fluid can comprise adjusting a pressure of the fluid during charging and sealing of the system. Further, the step of adjusting a pressure of the fluid can comprise adjusting a composition and volume of a gas and liquid introduced during charging of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus for circulating a cooling material within a heat exchanger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer and an interface layer. The interface layer comprises one or more narrowing trenches. The manifold layer comprises a plurality of apertures, each positioned on either side of a narrowing trench. In operation, a cooling material is transmitted to an apertures, through a channel defined by the narrowing trench and a bottom surface of the manifold layer, and out an aperture, thereby cooling a heat-generating source coupled to a bottom surface of the interface layer. The method comprises forming a narrowing trench in an interface layer, which exhibits anisotropic etching, by etching the interface layer to form a trench having sloping sidewalls. The method further comprises coupling the interface layer to a manifold layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of circulating a heat-absorbing material within a heat exchanger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer coupled to an interface layer. The manifold layer comprises an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The interface layer comprises a plurality of channels that extend from the inlet manifold, toward a heat-exchanging plane, and turn away from the heat-exchanging plane, terminating at the outlet manifold. The plurality of channels are stacked in a plane non-parallel to the heat-exchanging plane. Each of the channels is adjacent to another, thus allowing heat radiated from a heat-generating device to be conducted to a cooling material circulating within the channels, away from the heat-generating device. Preferably, each of the channels has a U-shape or an elongated U-shape.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.