Plate-fin heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate fin and manifold assembly for a heat exchanger. In some examples, an assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The assembly also includes a plurality of fins disposed between the first plate and the second plate. In addition, the plurality of fins are spaced apart by a width sufficiently large to adapt to reverse flow of a plurality of fluids between adjacent fins of the plurality of fins. Further, the plurality of fins is configured to direct fluid flow through the length of the first plate and the second plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 392,752, filed on July 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to heat exchangers and, more particularly, to plate fin and manifold assemblies for heat exchangers. Background Art

[0004] Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems typically use a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool ambient or room temperature air. An HVAC system may include a heat exchanger that operates to remove heat from a refrigerant. For example, a heat exchanger may include plates or coils through which a refrigerant flows. A fan may blow air across the plates or coils to cool the refrigerant flowing therein. Less commonly, a heat exchanger may include a liquid desiccant to dehumidify the air during the cooling process. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The assembly also includes a plurality of fins disposed between the first plate and the second plate. In addition, the plurality of fins are spaced apart by a width large enough to accommodate reverse flow of a plurality of fluids between adjacent fins of the plurality of fins. In addition, the plurality of fins are configured to direct the flow of fluids through the length of the first plate and the second plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of fin assemblies, each fin assembly including a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate. The heat exchanger also includes a first manifold coupled to the plurality of fin assemblies and configured to direct a fluid to alternating fin assemblies of the plurality of fin assemblies. Additionally, the first manifold includes at least a first fin and a second fin, wherein a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end opposite the first end.

[0007] In some embodiments, a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger and a first manifold configured to direct a fluid to the heat exchanger. Additionally, the first manifold includes at least a first fin and a second fin, wherein a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end opposite to the first end. The heat exchanger system also includes a second manifold configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid from the heat exchanger. The second manifold includes at least a third fin and a fourth fin, wherein a first distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at the first end is narrower than a second distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The assembly also includes a plurality of fins disposed between the first plate and the second plate. In addition, the plurality of fins includes at least a first fin, a second fin, and a third fin, wherein the first fin and the second fin define a first channel, and the second fin and the third fin define a second channel. In addition, a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end of the first channel is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end of the first channel opposite to the first end of the first channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method of directing a fluid within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid through a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate in a first direction, wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is spaced a predetermined distance from at least another fin of the plurality of fins. The method further includes passing a second fluid through the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Further, the method includes passing a third fluid through a plurality of channels of at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method of transferring fluids within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid substantially along a first direction through a first portion of a plurality of channels defined by a plurality of manifold assemblies. The method also includes passing a second fluid substantially along a second direction opposite to the first direction through a second portion of the plurality of channels defined by the plurality of manifold assemblies.

[0011] In some embodiments, a method of transferring a fluid within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid substantially through a first channel defined by a plurality of fins in a first direction. The method also includes passing a second fluid substantially through a second channel defined by the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first channel and the second channel alternate along the plurality of fins. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0013] Figure 1A shows a heat exchanger according to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A The flow between the fins of the heat exchanger;

[0015] Figure 2A shows a heat exchanger with angled fins according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2B According to an embodiment Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger;

[0017] Figure 2C According to an embodiment Figure 2A A perspective view of a heat exchanger;

[0018] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another heat exchanger having angled fins according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4A A heat exchanger with a manifold according to one embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 4B A heat exchanger having multiple manifolds according to one embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 4C According to an embodiment Figure 4B A more detailed view of a heat exchanger with multiple manifolds;

[0022] Figure 5A shows multiple rows of manifolds in an offset configuration according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5B According to an embodiment Figure 5A Another view of the multi-row manifold;

[0024] Fig. 6A Another heat exchanger having multiple manifolds according to one embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 6B According to an embodiment Fig. 6A An exemplary portion of a heat exchanger;

[0026] Figure 6C According to an embodiment Fig. 6A An exemplary portion of a heat exchanger;

[0027] Figure 7A flow chart illustrating an example method of transferring fluid within a heat exchanger according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating another example method of transferring fluid within a heat exchanger according to one embodiment;

[0029] Fig. 9 a flow chart illustrating an example method of transferring fluid through a plate-fin assembly; and

[0030] 10A and 10B show portions of a prior art heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of heat and mass exchangers that are obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same parts and components in multiple views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and set forth only some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims. Further, the specific features described herein may be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and arrangements.

[0032] Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms will be given their broadest reasonable interpretation, including the meaning implied in the specification and the meaning understood by those skilled in the art and / or the meaning defined in dictionaries, papers, etc. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise stated, and the terms "include" and / or "include" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. In the specification, related terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "up", "down", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontal", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to directions as described later or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for ease of description and are generally not intended to require a specific direction. Terms including "up" and "down", "inward" and "outward", "longitudinal" and "lateral" should be interpreted as relative to each other or relative to an axis of elongation or an axis of rotation or a center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms regarding attachment, coupling, and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are fixed or connected to one another, either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The terms "operably coupled," "operably connected," and the like are such attachments, couplings, or connections that allow the related structures to operate as intended according to such relationship.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to heat exchangers, and more specifically to plate-fin heat exchangers that facilitate the flow of multiple fluids to transfer heat from a fluid (such as water or a refrigerant). Multiple streams of multiple fluids can include streams of different phases. For example, one stream can be in gas form (e.g., an air stream), and another stream can be in liquid form (e.g., a water stream), and both streams participate in a heat transfer process. For example, the two streams (e.g., an external stream) can be operated to remove heat from a third stream (e.g., an internal stream) (such as water or a refrigerant). In some examples, the streams can be at least partially mixed before or after passing through the plate-fin heat exchanger.

[0034] In some examples, embodiments may include a plurality of fins spaced apart at a predetermined length to facilitate liquid flow. The fin may be coupled between two plates (such as two metal plates). In some examples, the fin may also be made of metal. In other examples, the fin may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. In some cases, the plate includes one or more microchannels that allow a fluid (such as a refrigerant) to flow. In some examples, a plurality of fins are angled to facilitate liquid flow through a first portion of the fin while facilitating gas flow through a second portion of the fin. In yet other examples, one or more manifolds are coupled to a plate-fin heat exchanger with parallel fins to transfer a plurality of streams. For each of these embodiments, a liquid stream (such as a water stream) may be opposite to a gas stream (such as an air stream). In this way, both streams may participate in heat transfer while reducing the ability of a stream (such as a liquid stream) to hinder another stream (such as an air stream).

[0035] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A An example heat exchanger 100 is shown. Heat exchanger 100 may also be referred to as a plate-fin heat exchanger. In one or more cases, heat exchanger 100 facilitates at least two external fluid flows, wherein both flows participate in a heat transfer process. The two external fluid flows may be different phases. For example, the first external flow may be a liquid desiccant, and the second external flow may be an air flow. In some examples, heat exchanger 100 may operate as a heat exchanger in, for example, an air conditioner, a regenerator, or any other suitable system requiring heat transfer.

[0036] The heat exchanger 100 may include a plurality of fins 102 disposed between a pair of corresponding plates 110. For example, each fin 102 may be coupled to a bottom surface 120 of a corresponding top plate 110A and to a top surface 122 of a corresponding bottom plate 110B. In some examples, the fins 102 and the plates 110 may be made of metal or other thermally conductive materials. The plates 110 may further include a plurality of microchannels 104 through which a fluid (such as a refrigerant or water) may flow. The heat exchanger 100 may include a plurality of rows of fins 102, such as fin rows 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150I, each row of fins being coupled between the plates 110. In this example, each fin 102 is angled toward another fin 102 at an angle, as shown in the enlarged illustration 170. In some examples, each fin 102 is angled to an adjacent fin 102 at an alternating angle of from twenty to eighty degrees (e.g., forty-five degrees in a zigzag pattern) when viewed from the front or back of the heat exchanger. Although in this example, each fin 102 is angled toward another fin 102 at an alternating angle relative to the top plate 110A and the bottom plate 110B, in other examples, each fin 102 may be substantially perpendicular to the plate 110 (i.e., the angle of the fin 102 relative to the plate 110 is approximately ninety degrees). As used herein, "substantially perpendicular" means that the flow is perpendicular or deviates from perpendicular by less than 10 degrees over the entire length of the corresponding channel (from each end of the channel within the plate or a straight line through the plate).

[0037] The plate 110 and the fin 102 may define a plurality of fluid channels 130A, 130B, through which one or more fluids may flow. The cooling of the air may cause condensation of water, which may then also flow through the plurality of channels 130A, 130B. In some examples, a second fluid, such as a liquid desiccant, is provided to the fin 102 and may flow through the fluid channels 130A, 130B. In some embodiments, the first fluid flows through some fin rows (e.g., 150A, 150C, 150E, 150G, etc.), and the second fluid flows through other fin rows (e.g., 150B, 150D, 150F, 150H, etc.). Therefore, the first fluid and the second fluid may alternate between adjacent fin rows. In some embodiments, the first fluid flows into the front of the heat exchanger, and the second fluid flows into the rear of the heat exchanger in a reverse flow arrangement. In some embodiments, the microchannel 104 guides the fluid through the heat exchanger 100. In this arrangement, fluid flow through the microchannels 104 is arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of flow through the fin rows 150A, 150B, and so on.

[0038] Further, the fins 102 can be positioned between the plates 110 so that each fin 102 is spaced a predetermined distance from an adjacent fin 102. In some examples, the fins 102 are spaced to allow a large amount of liquid flow (such as a large amount of water flow). For example, the heat exchanger 100 may include a plurality of fins 102 per unit distance. In some examples, the heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of fins 102 per inch of the length 140 of each plate 110. For example, the heat exchanger 100 may include five fins 102 per inch of the length 140 of each plate 110. In other examples, the heat exchanger 100 may include fifteen fins 102 per inch. In some instances, the heat exchanger 100 includes one to ten, two to six, seven to ten, or one to thirty fins per inch of the length of each plate 110. In some embodiments, the fins 102 are spaced to a certain extent to allow liquid to flow through the channel without blocking the channels 130A, 130B (e.g., due to the surface tension of the liquid). For example, in some examples, the fins 102 are spaced apart by a width that is large enough to accommodate (eg, enable) counter-flow of multiple fluids between adjacent ones of the fins 102 .

[0039] For example, Figure 1B Shown by Figure 1A As shown, both the liquid flow 180 and the air flow 190 travel through the channel 179 defined by the first fin 102A and the second fin 102B. In this example, the liquid flow 180 travels along the face of the fin 102A in a first direction (e.g., downward), while the air flow 190 travels through the channel 179 between the liquid flow 180 and the second fin 102B. The fins 102A, 102B are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance that is large enough, which will facilitate the flow of the liquid 180 and the air 190, as shown by the distance 193.

[0040] In contrast, Figures 10A and 10B show portions of a conventional heat exchanger including a plate 1002 and fins 1004. As shown in Figure 10A, in an ideal situation, the air flow 1010 travels upward through the fins 1004. Figure 10B shows a channel 1019 formed between the first fin 1004A and the second fin 1004B. In this more realistic (as opposed to ideal) example, a volume of falling liquid 1020 may prevent the air flow 1010 from traveling upward through the channel 1019, thereby interrupting the air flow 1010. For example, the liquid 1020 may bridge between the first fin 1004A and the second fin 1004B and may remain there, for example, due to surface tension. In Figure 1ASuch airflow obstruction does not occur in the heat exchanger of FIG. 10B at least because the gap between the fins 102A, 102B is larger than the gap between the first fin 1004A and the second fin 1004B in FIG. 10B. For example, the fins 102A and 102B are spaced apart so that at the flow rates experienced in use, the liquid does not flow between the first fin 1004A and the second fin 1004B as it would between the first fin 1004A and the second fin 1004B in FIG. 10B. Figure 1B The first fin 102A and the second fin 102B are bridged.

[0041] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C Various views of a heat exchanger 200 are shown, the heat exchanger including fins 202 that are angled toward each other along the width 215 of a corresponding plate 210. The fins 202 and the plate 210 are configured to form a plurality of channels 230, some of which include wider openings 231A from a first direction, while other channels include narrower openings 231B. Each channel 230 having a wider opening 231A from a first direction 261 has a narrower opening 231 when entering the channel from a second direction 263. Similarly, each channel 230 having a narrower opening 231B from a first direction has a wider opening 231A when entering the channel 230 from a second direction 263. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The fins 202 (such as fin 202C) may define a wall (e.g., a side wall) of the wider opening 231A on one side and a wall of the narrower opening 231B on the other side. In other words, the first surface of the fin 202C defines the walls of the wider opening 231A, and the second surface of the fin 202C may define the walls of the narrower opening 231B.

[0042] In some examples, a fluid, such as a liquid (e.g., water, liquid desiccant) flows through the channel 230 from a first direction 261, while a second fluid, such as air, flows through the channel 230 from a second direction 263. The fluid flowing in the first direction may tend to enter the portion of the channel 230 having a wider opening 231A from the first direction 261, while the fluid flowing in the second direction 263 may tend to enter the portion of the channel 230 having a wider opening 231A from the second direction. In some examples, a third fluid, such as a refrigerant, flows through the microchannels 204 within the plate 201 in a perpendicular direction. When a fluid, such as an air stream, travels through the channel 230, the refrigerant may cause heat to be transferred from the air stream flowing through the corresponding plate 210 to the refrigerant within the microchannel 204.

[0043] To form the channel 230, the fins 202 are angled along the width 215 of the corresponding plate 210. For example, the first fin 203A and the second fin 203B can be angled toward each other so that they are separated from each other by a first distance 271 at one end of the width of the plate 210, and they are separated from each other by a second distance 273 at the opposite end of the width of the plate 201. The first distance 271 can be greater than the second distance 273. For example, by separating the first and second fins 203A, 203B at one end of the width of the plate 201 by the first distance 271, and separating the same fins 203A, 203B at the opposite end of the width of the plate 201 by the second distance 273, the first fin 203A and the second fin 203B can form a wider opening 231A of the channel 230 from the first direction 261, and a narrower opening 231B of the same channel 230 from the second direction 263.

[0044] As described herein, by orienting the fins 202 (e.g., metal fins 202) toward each other, the heat exchanger 200 provides a preferential flow of a liquid in one direction and a preferential flow of another fluid in the opposite direction through the channels 230 defined by the fins 202 and the plate 210. For example, liquid flow in one direction tends not to significantly block air flow in the opposite direction because liquid flow in a first direction (e.g., downward) will tend to preferentially select a flow path having a wider inlet from the first direction (e.g., opening 231A) to enter the channel 230, while air flow in a second direction (e.g., upward) will tend to preferentially select a flow path having a wider inlet from the second direction (e.g., opening 231B) to enter the channel 230.

[0045] In some examples, and with reference to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C In the direction of the second direction 263, the desiccant is provided through the channels 230 in the downward direction 261. The desiccant is more likely to enter the wider openings 231A of the channels 230 from the first direction than the narrower openings 231B of the channels 230 from the first direction 261. Because the narrower openings 231B from the first direction 261 correspond to the channels 230 having the wider openings 231A from the second direction 263, the air flow from the second direction 263 (upward through the channels 230) is more likely to enter these channels 230.

[0046] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A single plate-fin assembly 201 with the right side plate removed to further illustrate the fins 202 configured to provide a wider opening 231A at one end of the width of the plate 210 and a corresponding narrower opening 231B at the opposite end of the width of the plate 210. Figure 2C Shows Figure 2BA cross-sectional view of a single plate-fin assembly 201.

[0047] Figure 2C It is further shown that the fins 202A and 202B are angled toward each other along a centerline 285 that traverses the width of the plate 210. In this example, the first fin 202A is positioned at a first angle 283 relative to the centerline 285, and the second fin 202B is positioned at a second angle 281 relative to the centerline 285. The second angle 281 can be equal to the first angle 283. For example, the second angle 281 and the first angle 283 can each be at forty-five degrees from the centerline 285. In some examples, each of the first angle 283 and the second angle 281 can be at any angle within a range from five degrees to forty-five degrees, ten degrees to eighty degrees, or from fifteen degrees to sixty degrees, or from twenty degrees to forty-five degrees, or from twenty degrees to thirty-five degrees, or any combination thereof, from the centerline.

[0048] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a first plate 210, a second plate 210, and a plurality of fins 202 disposed between the first plate 210 and the second plate 210. The plurality of fins 202 includes at least a first fin 202A, a second fin 202B, and a third fin 202C. The first fin 202A and the second fin 202B define a first channel, and the second fin 202B and the third fin 202C define a second channel. A first distance between the first fin 202A and the second fin 202B at a first end of the first channel (e.g., a wider opening 231A) is wider than a second distance between the first fin 202A and the second fin 202B at a second end of the first channel opposite to the first end of the first channel (e.g., a narrower opening 231B).

[0049] In some examples, the first channel is configured to guide the first fluid flow, and the second channel is configured to guide the second fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the first plate and the second plate each include a plurality of microchannels 204. In some examples, the plurality of microchannels 204 are configured to guide the third fluid flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. In some examples, the first distance (narrower opening 231B) between the second fin 202B and the third fin 202C at the first end of the second channel is narrower than the second distance (e.g., wider opening 231A) between the second fin 202B and the third fin 202C at the second end of the second channel opposite to the first end of the second channel.

[0050] Figure 3A single plate / fin assembly 300 of an exemplary heat exchanger is shown, the assembly including a plate 310 having a first fin 302 extending above a corresponding second fin 303. For example, each first fin 302 may have a first length, and each second fin 303 may have a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length. In some examples, the first length may be the same as the second length, or less than the second length, wherein the first fin 302 still extends above the second fin 303. In some examples, the first length is 5% to 50% longer than the second length (including the endpoints). The first fin 302, the second fin 303, and the interior surfaces of at least two plates 310 may form a channel 330 through which a fluid may flow. In some examples, the plate 310 includes a microchannel 304 arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the channel 330 to allow for fluid flow, such as refrigerant flow.

[0051] As in Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, each first fin 302 can form a first angle 311 with a center line 315 along the width of the plate 310, and each second fin 303 can form a second angle 373 with the center line 315. In some examples, the first angle 311 and the second angle 373 are different. In some examples, each first angle 311 and the second angle 373 are between fifteen degrees and eighty degrees. In some examples, the first angle 311 is greater than the second angle 373. In some examples, the top 341 of each first fin 302 is aligned with the top edge 342 of the corresponding second fin 303 in the transverse direction. The first fin 302, the second fin 303 and the inner surface of the plate 310 form a channel 320 through which a fluid can flow. For example, a fluid (such as water vapor or a liquid desiccant) can flow in a downward direction 361, and an air flow can flow in an upward direction 363. It can be understood that in any example provided herein, a fluid with a higher density can flow downward, while a fluid with a lower density can flow upward. Similarly, the microchannels may be arranged generally horizontally.

[0052] As in Figure 330B, in some embodiments, the fins 302 are arranged to prevent a fluid (such as a liquid) from flowing downward into a portion of a channel 330 (such as a channel 330 having a narrow opening 340B at an upper end). For example, a channel 330 having a narrow opening 340B at an upper end is at least partially blocked by the overlapping fins 302. A channel 330 including a wider opening 330A at a flow inlet end of the plate 310 along a downward direction 361 may include a narrower opening 330B at a flow outlet end of the channel 330. In this way, a flow along the downward direction 361 may more easily enter the wider opening 330A than the narrower opening 340B. Similarly, a channel 330 including a wider opening 340A at a flow inlet end of the plate 310 along an upward direction 363 may include a narrower opening 340B at a flow outlet end of the plate 310. Thus, flow in upward direction 363 may more easily enter wider opening 340A than narrower opening 330B.

[0053] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C A heat exchanger 400 is shown that includes a plurality of fins 404 disposed between corresponding plates 402, wherein each plate may include one or more microchannels 406. Figure 4A , the manifold 420 is positioned above the fins 404 within the fin row 430 to direct the fluid flow (such as water vapor flow or air flow) to the corresponding fin row 404. The manifold 402 can be coupled to one or more plates 402 and can include a first fin 421 and a second fin 423, wherein the first fin 421 and the second fin 423 themselves form a channel 425 through which the fluid can flow and be directed to the fin row 404 below. In this example, the first fin 421 and the second fin 423 are configured to form a wider opening 427 above the corresponding fin 402. The manifold 420 can include multiple plates for directing the fluid entering the heat exchanger 420 to a specific fin row 404 and away from other fin rows. For example, the fluid flowing downward into the heat exchanger 420 can be directed to every other fin row 404.

[0054] Figure 4BA heat exchanger 400 is shown having a plurality of manifolds 420, one manifold being located on one side (e.g., above) each fin row 402, and one manifold being located on the other side (e.g., below) each fin row 402. For example, a first fin 421 and a second fin 423 are positioned above the corresponding fin row 402A and angled to form a gradually narrowing opening 426 for fluid to flow downward, and a third fin 425 and a fourth fin 427 are positioned below the same fin row 402A and angled to form a gradually narrowing opening 431. Thus, the fluid flowing downward is directed into the desired fin row 402A through the upper manifold, and the fluid exiting the desired fin row 402A exits through the narrow opening 431 and can thus be easily collected.

[0055] The fourth fin 427 can form a manifold 440 with the sixth fin 438 to form a wider opening 437 adjacent to the narrower opening 431. Thus, the upwardly flowing fluid can be directed to the fin row 402B in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the fluid flowing downwardly through the fin row 402A. In addition, the second fin 423 can form a manifold 470 with the fifth fin 452 to form a narrow opening 453 adjacent to the wider opening 426. The manifold 470 can thus direct the upward flow through the fin row 402B through the narrow opening 453. In this way, the manifold allows separation of more than one fluid used in heat transfer. Because the fluid flow from either side of the heat exchanger 400 is directed to alternating fin rows 430 (402A, 402B), the heat exchanger 400 with a manifold allows multiple fluids to participate in the heat transfer process while reducing the obstruction that one fluid flow may cause to another fluid flow. For example, the liquid desiccant may be regenerated by heating the liquid desiccant as it pours down through fin row 402A while heated air flows in alternating fins 402B and a refrigerant (heat transfer fluid) flows through microchannels in plate 406 .

[0056] Figure 4C Flow through the wider and narrower channels of the heat exchanger 400 is shown. In this example, liquid (e.g., liquid desiccant) flows downward through the top manifold 480, where a large amount (e.g., a majority) of the liquid flows through the channels with wider openings 482. For example, more liquid flows through the channels with wider openings 482 than through the channels with narrower openings 483, as shown by the downwardly directed arrows 485. The liquid continues to flow between the fins disposed between the corresponding plates 402 and then through the corresponding bottom manifold 490. Each top manifold 480 with a wider opening 482 has a corresponding bottom manifold 490 with a narrower opening 493. Therefore, the liquid flowing through the wider opening 482 of the top manifold 480 travels through the narrower opening 493 of the bottom manifold 490.

[0057] Similarly, the gas flows upward through the bottom manifold 490, with a greater amount of the gas flowing through the channels having wider openings 492. For example, more gas flows through the channels having wider openings 492 than through the channels having narrower openings 493, as indicated by the upwardly directed arrows 495. The gas continues to flow between the fins disposed between the corresponding plates 402 and then through the corresponding top manifold 480. Each bottom manifold 490 having a wider opening 492 has a corresponding top manifold 480 having a narrower opening 483. Thus, the gas flowing through the wider opening 492 of the bottom manifold 490 travels through the narrower opening 483 of the top manifold 480.

[0058] As a result, the heat exchanger 400 provides a heat exchange system that allows multiple fluids to participate in a heat transfer process, wherein a large amount of one fluid is directed to a first set of channels and a large amount of another fluid is directed to a second set of channels. In some examples, the fluids flow in opposite directions to each other. In addition, the manifold of the heat exchanger 400 is configured to provide alternating channels for liquid and gas flows (e.g., downward liquid flow and upward gas flow).

[0059] In some examples, the heat exchanger may include multiple rows of manifolds to further ensure separation of reverse-flowing fluids. Figure 5A A manifold assembly 500 is shown having multiple rows 510, 522 of manifolds 502, 504 in an offset configuration. The manifolds 502, 504 can be coupled to, for example, the sidewalls of a heat exchanger. A first flow, a downward fluid flow 505, is provided to the wider openings 511 and the narrower openings 512 of the first row 510 of the manifold 502. The downward fluid flow 505 can be water, a desiccant, or any other suitable liquid. A large amount of the fluid flow 505 is transferred to the wider openings 511 as shown by the first row 515 arrows compared to the narrower openings 512 of the first row 510 of the manifold 502, at least because the wider openings 511 are wider than the narrower openings 512. In some examples, the length of each narrower opening 512 is a predetermined percentage of the wider opening 511. For example, the length of each narrower opening 512 can be in the range of 1% to 50% of the length of each wider opening 511. In some examples, the length of each narrower opening 512 may be in the range of 1% to 10%, 2% to 8%, 3% to 11%, or 5% to 15% of the length of each wider opening 511 .

[0060] After traveling through the first row 510 of the manifold 502, the fluid stream 505 enters the second row 522 of the manifold 504. The second row 522 of the manifold 504 is offset from the first row 510 of the manifold 502 by a predetermined distance 530. The distance 530 can be a length such that the fluid stream flowing out of the narrow openings 513 of the manifold 502 and a large amount of the fluid flowing out of the wider openings 514 of the manifold 502 are captured by the wider openings 531 of the second row 522 of the manifold 504. For example, the distance 530 can be 10% to 40% of the length of the wider openings 511 of the manifold 502, wherein the length of the wider openings 531 of the manifold 504 is substantially the same as or the same as the length of the wider openings 511.

[0061] In some cases, the wider openings 511 of the manifolds 502 of the first row 510 are the same length as the wider openings 531 of the manifolds 504 of the second row 522. Similarly, in some cases, the narrower openings 513 of the manifolds 502 of the first row 510 are the same length as the narrower openings 533 of the manifolds 504 of the second row 522. By combining and offsetting multiple rows of manifolds, an organized downward liquid flow 570 can be provided. For example, the downward liquid flow 570 can be provided to alternating rows of fins of a heat exchanger, such as the fins 102 of the heat exchanger 100, or any other suitable heat exchanger.

[0062] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A 5. The manifold assembly 500 further illustrates a second flow, gas flow 590, in an upward direction toward the second row 533 of the manifold 504. A greater amount of the gas flow 590 is diverted to the wider openings 592 as compared to the narrower openings 593 of the second row 522 of the manifold 504, as indicated by the second row 575 arrows, at least because the wider openings 592 are wider than the narrower openings 593. In some examples, the length of each narrower opening 593 is substantially the same as the length of the narrower openings 512 of the manifold 502, and the length of each wider opening 592 is substantially the same as the length of the wider openings 511 of the manifold 502. After traveling through the second row 522 of the manifold 504, the gas flow 590 enters the first row 510 of the manifold 502.

[0063] Due to the configuration in which the first row 510 of the manifold 502 is offset from the second row 522 of the manifold 504, the manifold assembly 500 facilitates two flows in opposite directions from each other, with each flow substantially traveling through alternating channels defined by the manifolds 502, 504. For example, the manifold assembly 500 enables a greater amount of the fluid flow 505 to flow through the wider openings 511 of the manifold 502 than through the narrower openings 512 of the manifold 502. Further, after passing through the manifold 502, the fluid flow is substantially directed to the wide openings 595 of the manifold 504 than through the narrower openings 594 of the manifold 504. For example, a majority (e.g., more than 50%), if not all, of the fluid flow 505 passing through the wide channels 511 of the manifold 502 is directed to the corresponding wide channels 595 of the manifold 504. Additionally, most of the fluid flow 505 passing through the narrow channel 512 of the manifold 502 is directed to one of the two corresponding wide channels 595 of the manifold 504, while some of the fluid flow 505 passing through the narrow channel 512 may be directed to the corresponding narrow channel 594 of the manifold 504. As a result, a large amount of the fluid flow 505 is provided as a downward liquid flow 570 through the narrower opening 593 of the manifold 504.

[0064] However, the upwardly flowing gas stream 590 may travel through substantially different flow paths. For example, a large amount of the gas stream 590 travels through the wider opening 592 of the manifold 504 compared to the narrower opening 593 of the manifold 504. The gas stream 590 is then directed to the wider opening 514 of the corresponding manifold 502. The gas stream 590 that travels through the narrow opening 593 of the manifold 504 may be directed to one of the two wider openings 514 of the manifold 502, while some of the gas stream 590 may travel through the narrow opening 513 between the two wider openings 514. In this way, a majority of the gas stream 590 leaves the manifold 502 of the first row 510 through the wider opening 511 compared to the narrower opening 512.

[0065] Thus, for example, when the fluid flow 505 passes generally downward through the wider opening 511 of the manifold 502, the gas flow 590 passes generally upward through the narrower opening 512. Likewise, when the fluid flow 505 passes generally downward through the wider opening 595 of the manifold 504, the gas flow 590 passes generally upward through the narrower opening 594 of the manifold 504. Further, when the fluid flow 505 exits generally through the narrower opening 593 of the manifold 504, the gas flow 590 enters generally upward through the wider opening 592 of the manifold 504.

[0066] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The use of the manifold assembly 500 of FIG. 5 is shown, identified as manifold assembly 500A and manifold assembly 500B. Fig. 6AAs shown in FIG. 6 , manifold assembly 500A is configured as a desiccant distributor and manifold assembly 500B is configured as a desiccant collector, which are suitable for distributing liquid desiccant over heat exchanger system 600. Heat exchanger system 600 may be any dual fluid heat exchanger, such as a regenerator.

[0067] In this example, refrigerant 611 is provided to an input valve 615, which provides refrigerant 611 to one or more microchannels of the first plate-fin assembly 610A. Refrigerant 611 travels through the microchannels to a first tube 611A connecting the first plate-fin assembly 610A to the second plate-fin assembly 610B. Further, refrigerant 611 travels through the first tube 611A and reaches the second tube 611B through the microchannels of the second plate-fin assembly 610B. Similarly, refrigerant 611 travels through the second tube 611B connecting the second plate-fin assembly 610B to the third plate-fin assembly 610C, and reaches the third tube 611C through the microchannels of the third plate-fin assembly 610C.

[0068] The refrigerant 611 continues to travel through the third tube 611C connecting the third plate-fin assembly 610C to the fourth plate-fin assembly 610D, and reaches the fourth tube 611D through the microchannel of the fourth plate-fin assembly 610D. Further, the refrigerant 611 travels through the fourth tube 611D connecting the fourth plate-fin assembly 610D to the fifth plate-fin assembly 610E, and reaches the fifth tube 611E through the microchannel of the fifth plate-fin assembly 610E.

[0069] The refrigerant 611 travels through the fifth tube 611E connecting the fifth plate-fin assembly 610E to the sixth plate-fin assembly 610F, and reaches the sixth tube 611F through the microchannel of the sixth plate-fin assembly 610F. The refrigerant 611 travels through the sixth tube 611F connecting the sixth plate-fin assembly 610F to the seventh plate-fin assembly 610G, and reaches the receiver 620 through the microchannel of the seventh plate-fin assembly 610G. The receiver 620 provides the received refrigerant 611 to the refrigerant cooler 622 that cools the refrigerant. After cooling, the refrigerant 611 leaves the refrigerant cooler 622 through the outlet valve 675 and can be directed back to the input valve 615.

[0070] Air flow 631 is provided (e.g., by a fan) to a manifold assembly 500B, which distributes air flow 631 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 5A , Figure 5B 610A). The air flow 631 is heated by the refrigerant 611 as it passes through the plates. After passing through the plates, the air flow 631 can travel through the manifold assembly 500A, which can transfer the air flow (e.g., as described in reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B 631 ) is distributed to the evaporator 628. The evaporator 628 condenses any moisture in the air flow 631 and outputs any condensate 629 produced.

[0071] Desiccant 601 is disposed above manifold assembly 500A, which distributes desiccant 601 above first plate 610A (e.g., as described in reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B ). Desiccant 601 may travel through plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G and may be collected by manifold assembly 500B, which may transfer the collected desiccant 601 (e.g., as described in reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B ) is distributed to the storage 630 of the output desiccant 601.

[0072] In this way, the heat exchanger 600 allows air flow 631 to travel in one direction (e.g., from bottom to top) through the plate-fin assemblies 610G, 610F, 610E, 610D, 610C, 610B, 610A, and allows liquid desiccant to travel in the opposite direction (e.g., from top to bottom) through the plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G. The manifold assembly 500A distributes the desiccant 601 through the plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G, and also distributes the air flow 631 (e.g., hot air flow) to the evaporator 628. Manifold assembly 500B directs desiccant 601 from plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G to reservoir 630 and also directs air flow 631 through plate-fin assemblies 610G, 610F, 610E, 610D, 610C, 610B, 610A.

[0073] In some examples, each plate-fin assembly 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G may include an additional offset manifold assembly to allow each different fluid to be transferred to a separate channel of the corresponding plate-fin assembly 610A, 610B, 610C, 610E, 610F, 610G or another plate-fin assembly 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G.

[0074] Thus, in this example, the desiccant can flow downward through the channels formed by the fins of the manifold assembly 500A, continue through the plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G, and through the channels formed by the fins of the manifold assembly 500B. However, the air flow can travel in the opposite direction. For example, the air flow can travel upward through the channels formed by the fins of the manifold assembly 500B, pass through the plate-fin assemblies 610G, 610F, 610E, 610D, 610C, 610B, 610A, and through the channels formed by the fins of the manifold assembly 500A. When the refrigerant 611 flows through the microchannels of the plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G, the refrigerant 611 is cooled by the air flow. Further, as the desiccant flows downward and through the plate-fin assemblies 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 610G, the desiccant may dehumidify the air stream flowing in the opposite direction.

[0075] As in Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown in , in some examples, a wicking medium 695, such as aluminum or fiber (e.g., paperboard) medium, is positioned between the plate-fin assemblies. For example, the wicking medium 695 can be in direct contact with the side of the plate of the plate-fin assembly that is opposite the side of the plate having the plurality of fins. In some examples, the wicking medium 695 is in direct contact with each of the plate-fin assemblies. For example, the wicking medium 695 can be in direct contact with the lower edge of the plate-fin assembly (such as the lower edge 697 of the first plate-fin assembly 610A). For example, as in Figure 6C As shown in FIG. 6A , the wicking medium 696 can be in direct contact with the lower edge 697 of at least one of the first plate 615 and the second plate 617 of the first plate-fin assembly 610A. In some examples, the wicking medium 695 can additionally or alternatively be in contact with the upper edge of the plate-fin assembly (such as the upper edge 699 of the second plate-fin assembly 610B), as in FIG. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In some cases, liquid may tend to adhere to the bottom edge of the heat exchanger and thus impede air flow. To help deal with this liquid accumulation, in some cases, the wicking medium 695 can be positioned in direct contact with the bottom of the heat exchanger system 600, such as along the lower edge 687 of the seventh plate-fin assembly 610G, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As shown in .

[0076] Figure 77 is a flow chart of a method for transferring a fluid within a heat exchanger, such as heat exchanger 100. Beginning at step 702, a first fluid is passed through a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate in a first direction. Each of the plurality of fins is spaced apart from at least another fin of the plurality of fins by a predetermined distance. For example, the first fluid may be a desiccant and may pass through a plurality of fins 102 disposed between plates 110A, 110B in a downward direction. Further, the plurality of fins 102 may be spaced apart such that there are five to fifteen fins 102 per inch of length of plates 110A, 110B. In some examples, the plurality of fins are spaced apart by a width large enough to enable counter-current flow of two fluids within a single fin channel.

[0077] Proceeding to step 704, a second fluid is passed through the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, air can be provided through the plurality of fins 102 in an upward direction (e.g., by a fan). At step 706, a third fluid is passed through a plurality of channels of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. For example, a refrigerant can be passed through microchannels of at least one of the plates 110A, 110B. The refrigerant can cool the air moving upward through the plurality of fins 102.

[0078] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart of another method of transferring fluids within a heat exchanger, such as heat exchanger 400. Beginning at step 802, a first fluid is substantially passed through a first portion of a plurality of channels defined by a plurality of manifold assemblies in a first direction. For example, the first fluid may be a desiccant and may travel downward through a wider opening 511 defined by manifold 502 of manifold assembly 500 and out of a narrower opening 513.

[0079] At step 804, a second fluid is passed substantially through a second portion of the plurality of channels defined by the plurality of manifold assemblies in a second direction opposite the first direction. For example, the second fluid may be forced air and may travel upward through the wider opening 514 defined by the manifold 502 of the manifold assembly 500 and out the narrower opening 512.

[0080] Fig. 9 Flow chart of an example method of transferring a fluid through an assembly such as assembly 300. Beginning at step 902, a first fluid is substantially passed through a first channel defined by a plurality of fins in a first direction. For example, the first fluid may be a desiccant and may travel downward through channel 330A defined by first fin 302 and second fin 303.

[0081] At step 904, a second fluid is passed substantially through a second channel defined by the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first channel and the second channel alternate along the plurality of fins. For example, the second fluid may be forced air and may travel upward through the wider opening 340A, wherein the channels 330A and 340A alternate along the first fin 302 and the second fin 303.

[0082] In some first embodiments, an assembly includes a first plate, a second plate, and a plurality of fins disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the plurality of fins are spaced apart by a width large enough to accommodate counter-flow of a plurality of fluids between adjacent fins of the plurality of fins, and wherein the plurality of fins are configured to direct the flow of the fluid through the length of the first plate and the second plate.

[0083] In some first embodiments, the plurality of fins of the assembly are arranged at a ratio of five to fifteen fins per inch along the length of the first plate and the second plate. In some first embodiments, each of the first plate and the second plate includes a plurality of microchannels. In some first embodiments, the plurality of microchannels are configured to direct an additional fluid flow in a direction perpendicular to a direction of a fluid flow directed by the plurality of fins.

[0084] In some first embodiments, the assembly includes a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.

[0085] In some second embodiments, a heat exchanger includes a plurality of fin assemblies, each fin assembly including a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate. The heat exchanger also includes a first manifold coupled to the plurality of fin assemblies and configured to direct a fluid to alternating fin assemblies of the plurality of fin assemblies, wherein the first manifold includes at least a first fin and a second fin, wherein a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end opposite the first end.

[0086] In some second embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a second manifold coupled to the first manifold. In some second embodiments, the heat exchanger includes the second manifold, the third manifold, and the fourth manifold. In some second embodiments, each of the first manifold, the second manifold, the third manifold, and the fourth manifold is configured to transfer the first fluid in a first direction and transfer the second fluid in a second direction. In some second embodiments, the first fluid is a liquid desiccant and the second fluid is a gas.

[0087] In some second embodiments, the second manifold is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid from the heat exchanger, wherein the second manifold includes at least a third fin and a fourth fin. In some second embodiments, a third distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at the first end is narrower than a second distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0088] In some second embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a third manifold configured to collect fluid from the first manifold and direct the collected fluid to the first manifold, wherein the third manifold includes at least a fifth fin and a sixth fin. In some second embodiments, the fourth manifold is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid from the second manifold, wherein the fourth manifold includes at least a seventh fin and an eighth fin.

[0089] In some second embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first plate or the second plate.

[0090] In some third embodiments, an assembly includes a first plate, a second plate, and a plurality of fins disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the plurality of fins includes at least a first fin, a second fin, and a third fin. Additionally, the first fin and the second fin define a first channel, and the second fin and the third fin define a second channel, and wherein a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end of the first channel is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end of the first channel opposite the first end of the first channel.

[0091] In some third embodiments, the first channel is configured to direct a first fluid flow, and the second channel is configured to direct a second fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some third embodiments, the first plate and the second plate each include a plurality of microchannels. In some third embodiments, the plurality of microchannels are configured to direct a third fluid flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow.

[0092] In some third embodiments, the second fin extends above the first fin.

[0093] In some third embodiments, the length of the second fin is greater than the length of the first fin.

[0094] In some third embodiments, a first distance between the second fin and the third fin at a first end of the second channel is narrower than a second distance between the second fin and the third fin at a second end of the second channel opposite the first end of the second channel.

[0095] In some third embodiments, the assembly includes a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.

[0096] In some embodiments, a first method of directing a fluid within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid through a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate in a first direction, wherein each fin in the plurality of fins is spaced a predetermined distance from at least another fin in the plurality of fins. The first method also includes passing a second fluid through the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Further, the first method includes passing a third fluid through a plurality of channels of at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0097] In some embodiments, a second method of transferring fluids within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid substantially along a first direction through a first portion of a plurality of channels defined by a plurality of manifold assemblies. The second method also includes passing a second fluid substantially along a second direction opposite to the first direction through a second portion of the plurality of channels defined by the plurality of manifold assemblies.

[0098] In some embodiments, a third method of transferring a fluid within a heat exchanger includes passing a first fluid substantially along a first direction through a first channel defined by a plurality of fins. The third method also includes passing a second fluid substantially along a second direction opposite to the first direction through a second channel defined by the plurality of fins, wherein the first channel and the second channel alternate along the plurality of fins.

[0099] The various embodiments described above are provided as examples only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A component comprising: First board; Second board; A plurality of fins are disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the plurality of fins are spaced apart by a width sufficient to accommodate counter-flow of a plurality of fluids between adjacent ones of the plurality of fins, and wherein the plurality of fins are configured to direct fluid flow through the length of the first plate and the second plate.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of fins are arranged at a ratio of five to fifteen fins per inch along the length of the first plate and the second plate; or Each of the first plate and the second plate includes a plurality of microchannels configured to direct an additional fluid flow in a direction perpendicular to a direction of a fluid flow directed by the plurality of fins.

3. The assembly of claim 1, comprising a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.

4. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of fin assemblies, each fin assembly comprising a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate; a first manifold coupled to the plurality of fin assemblies and configured to direct fluid to alternating fin assemblies of the plurality of fin assemblies, wherein the first manifold comprises at least first fins and second fins, wherein a first distance between the first fins and the second fins at a first end is wider than a second distance between the first fins and the second fins at a second end opposite the first end.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a second manifold coupled to the first manifold; or The heat exchanger includes a second manifold, a third manifold, and a fourth manifold coupled to the first manifold, wherein each of the first manifold, the second manifold, the third manifold, and the fourth manifold is configured to: transferring a first fluid in a first direction; and transferring a second fluid in a second direction; or The heat exchanger includes a second manifold configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid from the heat exchanger, wherein the second manifold includes at least a third fin and a fourth fin, wherein a third distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at a first end is narrower than a second distance between the third fin and the fourth fin at a second end opposite to the first end.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein: The third manifold is configured to collect fluid from the first manifold and direct the collected fluid to the first manifold, wherein the third manifold includes at least a fifth fin and a sixth fin; and The fourth manifold is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid from the second manifold, wherein the fourth manifold includes at least a seventh fin and an eighth fin.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein: The first fluid is a liquid desiccant and the second fluid is a gas.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 4, comprising a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first plate or the second plate.

9. A component comprising: First board; Second board; and A plurality of fins are arranged between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the plurality of fins include at least a first fin, a second fin, and a third fin, wherein the first fin and the second fin define a first channel, and the second fin and the third fin define a second channel, and wherein a first distance between the first fin and the second fin at a first end of the first channel is wider than a second distance between the first fin and the second fin at a second end of the first channel opposite to the first end of the first channel.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first channel is configured to direct a first fluid flow, and the second channel is configured to direct a second fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction; or The first plate and the second plate each include a plurality of microchannels; or The second fin extends above the first fin; or The length of the second fin is greater than the length of the first fin; or A first distance between the second fin and the third fin at a first end of the second channel is narrower than a second distance between the second fin and the third fin at a second end of the second channel opposite to the first end of the second channel.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of microchannels are configured to direct a third fluid flow in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow.

12. The assembly of claim 9, comprising a wicking medium positioned in direct contact with a lower edge of at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.

13. A method of directing a fluid within a heat exchanger, the method comprising: passing a first fluid in a first direction through a plurality of fins disposed between a first plate and a second plate, wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is spaced apart from at least another fin of the plurality of fins by a predetermined distance; passing a second fluid through the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and A third fluid is passed through the plurality of channels of at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

14. A method of transferring a fluid within a heat exchanger, the method comprising: passing a first fluid substantially in a first direction through a first portion of a plurality of passages defined by the plurality of manifold assemblies; and A second fluid is passed substantially through a second portion of the plurality of channels defined by the plurality of manifold assemblies in a second direction opposite the first direction.

15. A method of transferring a fluid within a heat exchanger, the method comprising: passing a first fluid substantially along a first direction through a first channel defined by the plurality of fins; and A second fluid is passed substantially through second channels defined by the plurality of fins in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the first channels and the second channels alternate along the plurality of fins.

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