US Patent 10935330 Heat exchangers capable of bidirectional fluid flow

A heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of objects includes two coolant ports that can interchangeably serve as either a coolant inlet or a coolant outlet. The heat exchanger includes sealedly engaged top, middle, and bottom plates that form passageways that distribute coolant through the heat exchanger. A top manifold is formed between the top and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a first port, while a bottom manifold is formed between the bottom and middle plates and is fluidly coupled with a second port. The top and bottom manifolds are configured such that, during operation, coolant can be directed from the first port to the second port, or vice versa, thereby enabling the heat exchanger to operate bidirectionally—without materially affecting the temperature regulation effects of the heat exchanger. In this manner, the same heat exchanger construction can be used in multiple orientations within a thermal management system.