Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably
utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure
and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of
unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated
reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably
fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance,
efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to
presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also
preferably allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials,
which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and
methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation
of the temperature of the device through electrical control of the flow
through the pump and can utilize multiple cooling loops to allow
independent regulation of the special and temporal characteristics of the
device temperature profiles. Novel microchannel structures are also
described.