Microchannel Assembly using Surface Mount Adhesives

Why is this technology needed?

There is a growing demand within industry for cheap microchannel heat exchangers made from aluminum. Aluminum alloys have tenacious, stable oxides that make soldering or brazing very difficult.

How does this technology address the need?

Surface mount adhesives have been developed with good chemical resistance up to 150C. The use of these adhesives within microchannel device designs (Figure 1) allows MBI business partners to leverage the large capital infrastructure within the electronic assembly industry. Metal forming of height control features directly onto microchannel laminae serves to eliminate spacer plates, traditionally used in microlamination. These two concepts together provide a platform for low-cost manufacturing of heat exchangers across a wide spectrum of materials including aluminum alloys.

How is MBI contributing to the solution?

OSU and PNNL have designed, produced and tested microchannel recuperators for operation within heat-actuated microchannel heat pumps (Figure 2).

This is a 2-fluid device concept that serves to improve the operational efficiency of the system.

Capabilities exist at the MBI Arrayed Microchannel Manufacturing (AMM) Fabrication Facility to design and prototype microchannel components using formed metal laminae and adhesive bonding.

Collaborators:

• Brian K. Paul
• Todd Miller

For additional information . . .

To learn more about this technology, please contact Brian Paul.