Effect of fluid distribution along the channel length on the cooling performance of microchannel heat sink

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct research on a new kind of division microchannel heat sink (D-MCHS), which can distribute cooling water along the channel-length direction. First, the pressure drops in the D-MCHS with different division region numbers were compared. Then, the cooling performance of the D-MCHS with different division region numbers was also comparatively investigated. Finally, the temperature distribution on the bottom surface of the D-MCHS was analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

First, experiments were conducted to investigate the numerical calculation method. Then, a three-dimensional steady, single-phase, laminar flow and solid-fluid conjugate heat transfer numerical model was used to research the flow and heat transfer characteristics in microchannels.

Findings

The pressure drop in the D-MCHS could be reduced by increasing the number of divided flow regions along the channel-length direction. The bottom average temperature of the D-MCHS could be simultaneously affected by the number of divided flow regions and the water flow rate. The thermal uniformity performance of the D-MCHS could be improved by increasing the number of division flow regions. The number of low-temperature and high-temperature areas on the bottom surface of the D-MCHS is corresponding to the division flow region number.

Originality/value

The D-MCHS exhibited a positive effect on the pressure drop decrease and thermal uniformity improvement. It not only keeps the electronic module working in a secure temperature environment but also consumes less pump power for a lower pressure drop.

Citation

Zhang, Y., Wang, S. and Liu, Z. (2022), "Effect of fluid distribution along the channel length on the cooling performance of microchannel heat sink", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 32 No. 12, pp. 3800-3823. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-02-2022-0124