A micro-fluidic device. The device includes a semiconductor substrate attached to a fluid supply source. The substrate contains at least one vaporization heater, one or more bubble pumps for feeding fluid from the fluid supply source to the at least one vaporization heater, a fluid supply inlet from the fluid supply source in fluid flow communication with each of the one or more bubble pumps, and a vapor outlet in vapor flow communication with the at least one vaporization heater. The one or more bubble pumps each have a fluid flow path selected from a linear path, a spiral path, a circuitous path, and a combination thereof from the supply inlet to the at least one vaporization heater.

A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.

An electrochemically actuated pump and an electrochemical actuator for use with a pump. The pump includes one of various stroke volume multiplier configuration with the pressure of a pumping fluid assisting actuation of a driving fluid bellows. The electrochemical actuator has at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the first pump housing and at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the second pump housing. Accordingly, the electrochemical actuator selectively pressurized hydrogen gas within a driving fluid chamber.

An electrochemically actuated pump and an electrochemical actuator for use with a pump. The pump includes one of various stroke volume multiplier configuration with the pressure of a pumping fluid assisting actuation of a driving fluid bellows. The electrochemical actuator has at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the first pump housing and at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the second pump housing. Accordingly, the electrochemical actuator selectively pressurized hydrogen gas within a driving fluid chamber.

A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a plurality of bubble pumps operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to outlets of the bubble pumps; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlets of the bubble pumps to receive fluid from the bubble pumps.

A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a plurality of bubble pumps operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to outlets of the bubble pumps; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlets of the bubble pumps to receive fluid from the bubble pumps.

A solar-thermal refrigerant compression system employing refrigerants, such as R410a and R500, and a method of employing the system in refrigeration and air-conditioning units. The system includes a refrigerant storage tank, an evaporator, a mixing chamber, a condenser and an isochoric thermal compressor comprising a condensate heat exchanger and a heating coil connected to a solar collector field.

A solar-thermal refrigerant compression system employing refrigerants, such as R410a and R500, and a method of employing the system in refrigeration and air-conditioning units. The system includes a refrigerant storage tank, an evaporator, a mixing chamber, a condenser and an isochoric thermal compressor comprising a condensate heat exchanger and a heating coil connected to a solar collector field.

A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a bubble pump operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to an outlet of the bubble pump; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlet of the bubble pump to receive fluid from the bubble pump.

A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a bubble pump operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to an outlet of the bubble pump; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlet of the bubble pump to receive fluid from the bubble pump.