Microfluidic heat transfer systems optimized for thermoelectric heat exchangers

This paper reports on the optimization of a microfluidic heat transfer system (μHTS) for improved output power performance of thermoelectric heat exchangers. By introducing micro structures and optimizing the fluid flow path inside the double-layer μHTS, a reduction of the thermal and hydrodynamic resistances was achieved. Several microchannel samples were designed based on results of a 3D-FEM simulation study. μHTSs with structured microchannels containing pin-fins and sidewall protrusions as well as rounded manifold nozzles were fabricated and characterized. The measured devices showed a heat transfer enhancement of up to 18% and a pressure loss reduction of up to 8% compared to an unstructured reference sample.