Optimization of different pin-fins on heat transfer and pressure drop of a heat sink for antifreeze liquid case

Background: This paper presents numerical simulation of flow of water, ethylene glycol, and water-ethylene glycol (50:50) in a heatsink with new geometry. A large number of cylindrical pin-fin with differen cross sections in a spiral arrangement are used to extend the heat transfer surfaces of the heat sink. Methods: The heatsink that is designed for cooling microprocessors has an inlet and four outlets. A portion of the heatsink receives a steady heat flux of 100 W/cm2. The simulations are carried out with COMSOL commercial software and the finite element approach. Significant findings: The results showed that as the Re is increased, the maximum and average values of THS as well as THR are reduced and better TPU is achieved. Using water instead of ethylene glycol at low values of Re can reduce the THS by 19.8%. This reduction is 13.7% for high amounts of Re. The use of a circular pin-fin at Re = 500 and 1000 relative to the elliptical one can reduce the amount of PMP required for water circulation by 12.7% and 13.1%, respectively. The minimum THR and the best TPU occur for square and circular pin-fins, respectively.

Automated summary

This paper presents a numerical simulation of water flow, ethylene glycol flow, and water-ethylene glycol flow in a heatsink with a new geometry. The heatsink uses cylindrical pin-fin with different cross sections in a spiral arrangement to increase the heat transfer surfaces. The simulations show that increasing the Reynolds number leads to lower THS and THR values, and better TPU. Using water instead of ethylene glycol can reduce THS by 19.8% at low Reynolds numbers and by 13.7% at high Reynolds numbers. Circular pin-fins reduce the required pump power by 12.7% and 13.1% compared to elliptical pin-fins at Reynolds numbers of 500 and 1000, respectively. The minimum THR and the best TPU are achieved with square and circular pin-fins, respectively.