Abstract: A heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of objects includes two coolant ports that can interchangeably serve as either a coolant inlet or a coolant outlet. The heat exchanger includes sealedly engaged top, middle, and bottom plates that form passageways that distribute coolant through the heat exchanger. A top manifold is formed between the top and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a first port, while a bottom manifold is formed between the bottom and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a second port. The top and bottom manifolds are configured such that, during operation, coolant can be directed from the first port to the second port, or vice versa, thereby enabling the heat exchanger to operate bidirectionally—without materially affecting the temperature regulation effects of the heat exchanger. In this manner, the same heat exchanger construction can be used in multiple orientations within a thermal management system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of objects using coolant includes a top plate, a middle plate, and a bottom plate that are sealedly engaged for circulation of coolant, and collectively form a stacked cooling block. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant flow channels, including sets of feed and return channels, which are formed between the top, middle, and bottom plates, and which operably cool one or more cooling surfaces of the heat exchanger. An inlet manifold of the heat exchanger distributes coolant through a plurality of distribution apertures, into a set of coolant feed channels. The coolant feed channels are fluidly connected with a set of coolant return channels, which in turn direct coolant toward and into an outlet manifold. The inlet manifold is adapted to substantially evenly distribute fluid through the plurality of coolant flow channels, by way of one or more flow-balancing elements integrated therewith.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of objects includes two coolant ports that can interchangeably serve as either a coolant inlet or a coolant outlet. The heat exchanger includes sealedly engaged top, middle, and bottom plates that form passageways that distribute coolant through the heat exchanger. A top manifold is formed between the top and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a first port, while a bottom manifold is formed between the bottom and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a second port. The top and bottom manifolds are configured such that, during operation, coolant can be directed from the first port to the second port, or vice versa, thereby enabling the heat exchanger to operate bidirectionally—without materially affecting the temperature regulation effects of the heat exchanger. In this manner, the same heat exchanger construction can be used in multiple orientations within a thermal management system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of objects using coolant includes a top plate, a middle plate, and a bottom plate that are sealedly engaged for circulation of coolant, and collectively form a stacked cooling block. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant flow channels, including sets of feed and return channels, which are formed between the top, middle, and bottom plates, and which operably cool one or more cooling surfaces of the heat exchanger. An inlet manifold of the heat exchanger distributes coolant through a plurality of distribution apertures, into a set of coolant feed channels. The coolant feed channels are fluidly connected with a set of coolant return channels, which in turn direct coolant toward and into an outlet manifold. The inlet manifold is adapted to substantially evenly distribute fluid through the plurality of coolant flow channels, by way of one or more flow-balancing elements integrated therewith.