In this paper a numerical analysis of three-dimensional laminar flow through rectangular channel heat sinks of different geometric configuration is presented and a comparison of thermal performance among the heat sinks is discussed. Liquid water was used as coolant in the aluminum made heat sink with a glass cover above it. The aspect ratio (section height to width) of rectangular channels of the mini-channel heat sink was 0.33. A heat flux of 20 W/cm2 was continuously applied at the bottom of the channel with different inlet velocity for Reynold’s number ranging from 150 to 1044. Interconnectors and obstacles at different positions and numbers inside the channel were introduced in order to enhance the thermal performance. These modifications cause secondary flow between the parallel channels and the obstacles disrupt the boundary layer formation of the flow inside the channel which leads to the increase in heat transfer rate. Finally, Nusselt number, overall thermal resistance and maximum temperature of the heat sink were calculated to compare the performances of the modified heat sinks with the conventional mini channel heat sink and it was observed that the heat sink with both interconnectors and obstacles enhanced the thermal performance more significantly than other configurations. A maximum of 36% increase in Nusselt number was observed (for Re =1044).
Study of Mini Channel Heat Sink with Different Internal Configuration