General Characterization of Jet Impingement Array Heat Sinks With Interspersed Fluid Extraction Ports for Uniform High-Flux Cooling

Abstract

In conventional jet impingement array heat sinks, all the spent coolant is extracted from component edges, resulting in cross-flow interference and nonuniform heat transfer. Jet impingement arrays with interspersed fluid extraction ports can reduce cross-flow, improving heat transfer uniformity and reducing pumping loads. While this configuration offers technical advantages, limited pressure drop and heat transfer data are available. In this investigation, simulations are performed for laminar single-phase jet impingement arrays with interspersed fluid extraction ports over varying flow rates (Rej = 20–500), fluid transport properties (Pr = 1–100), and geometries (jet pitch to diameter ratios of 1.8–7.1 and jet diameter to gap height ratios of 0.1–4.0). The simulation approach is validated for isolated jet impingement, and grid sensitivity studies are performed to quantify numerical uncertainty. Over 1000 randomized cases are evaluated to develop new correlations for Nusselt number and pressure-drop k-factors. Conjugate heat transfer studies are performed to compare heat sinks (5 × 5 mm heated, 500 W m−2 heat flux) employing jet arrays with interspersed fluid extraction ports, microchannels, and jet arrays with edge fluid extraction. The design with jet arrays with interspersed fluid extraction ports yields lower average temperatures, improved temperature uniformity, and modest pressure drops. This study provides new data for jet impingement thermal management and highlights the technical potential of configurations with interspersed fluid extraction ports.