Single- and multi-functional arrayed microchannel fluidic devices

Graduation date: 2011Novel fluidic devices that utilize an array of microchannels to achieve their designed purpose are discussed. Examples of devices include: fuel reforming using Microreactors, chip cooling using microchannel heat sinks, and microchannel devices used for biological applications. The devices that have directly contributed to this research include: a microchannel water pasteurizer and a microchannel device for waste heat energy conversion. The water pasteurizer discussion focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of the device. The design and fabrication of a microchannel boiler (waste heat energy conversion) is also discussed, but the device has not yet been tested. These devices were designed using well-established heat exchanger calculation methods (log mean temperature difference) and fabrication methods (chemical etching and diffusion bonding). The pasteurizer testing returned positive results; the thermal profile matched the predictions and the device was capable of pasteurizing water per the design inputs