CFD Analysis of Micro-Channel Heat Exchangers

Abstract

Due to the high performance of electronics components, the heat generation is increasing dramatically. Heat dissipation becomes a significant issue for stable operation of components. Micro channels provide very high heat transfer coefficients because of their small diameters. In this study, two dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer in a rectangular micro channel heat sink are analyzed using FLUENT as a solver with water as cooling fluid. With strong literature study, it is found that down to 50 μm of hydraulic diameter, macro scale model can be applicable. Three channels of height 50 μm, 100 μm and 150 μm are considered. The study is mainly focused on Nusselt Number and height effects on micro channel thermal performance. The highest temperature is encountered at the heated surface of the heat sink immediately above the channel outlet. The thermal resistance becomes smaller at the small channel height, indicating that the heat transfer performance can be enhanced at small channel height. Pressure drop becomes more for large channel height and length.