Nano-scale thermal management devices, methods, and systems are provided.
According to some embodiments, a thermal management device configured to
remove heat from a heated area can comprise an inlet port and a cavity.
The cavity can be positioned intermediate a heat source and an opposing
surface spaced apart from the heat source. The inlet port can receive a
liquid (such as a coolant or cooling fluid) and direct the liquid to the
cavity. The cavity can be configured to control the thickness of the
liquid within the cavity. Liquid within the cavity can be heated by the
heat source, and the opposing surface can comprise openings to allow
evaporated liquid to exit the openings. A gas flow proximate the opposing
surface can be used to carry vapor and be used to enhance liquid
evaporation. Movement of the evaporated liquid enables heat from the heat
source to be removed. The opposing surface can be a perforated membrane
having micro-sized and nano-sized perforations. Other embodiments are
also claimed and described.