Thermal analysis and parametric optimization of plate fin heat sinks under forced air convection

Abstract

Heat dissipation is becoming more and more challenging with the preface of new electronic components having staggering heat generation levels. Present day solutions should have optimized outcomes with reference to the heat sink scenarios. The experimental and theoretical results for plate type heat sink based on mathematical models have been presented in the first part of the paper. Then the parametric optimization (topology optimization) of plate type heat sink using Levenberg-Marquardt technique employed in the COMSOL Multiphysics? software is discussed. Thermal resistance of heat sink is taken as objective function against the variable length in a predefined range. Single as well as multi-parametric optimization of plate type heat sink is reported in the context of pressure drop and air velocity (Reynolds number) inside the tunnel. The results reported are compared with the numerical modeled data and experimental investigation establish the conformity of results for applied usage. Mutual reimbursements of greater heat dissipation with minimum flow rates are confidently achievable through balanced, heat sink geometry as evident by the presented simulation outcome. About 12% enhancement in pressure drop and up to 51% improvement in thermal resistance is reported for the optimized plate fin heat sink as per data manifested.