A lightweight compact self-contained microchannel heat exchanger includes
a multi-sided heat transfer member having an array of parallel
microgrooves (or rows of micropins) on each of the side, and positioned
in thermal contact with the heat generating object to be cooled. A fluid
distribution unit having a developed system of feed channels and exhaust
channels is mounted to the micropatterned surface for guiding an incoming
cold working fluid to remove heat from the microgrooves (or micropins).
The heat exchanging device includes in one embodiment a pair of
double-sided heat transfer plates having an array of microgrooves
extending on each of its opposed surfaces, the fluid distribution unit
being sandwiched between the double-sided heat transfer plates. The heat
transfer plates and distribution units may be stacked to form a
multi-layered cooling system with improved pressure drop and increased
heat transfer efficiency. The device may be used in several modes of
operation such as single phase convection, thin film evaporation, and
forced-feed boiling, and may operate with or without a pump depending on
heat transfer requirements.