A numerical simulation of the hydrothermal characteristics of a microchannel using cavities, ribs, and secondary channels

Abstract

To tackle the overheating problem in microelectronic devices, microchannel heat sinks (MCHSs) are promising solutions. However, there is a need to improve their thermal performance while maintaining an acceptable pressure drop. This research investigates the effect of integrating multiple passive techniques for heat transfer enhancement, specifically examining the impact of combining triangular cavities, streamlined ribs, and oblique secondary channels (TC-SR-SC) on hydrothermal characteristics across a range of Reynolds numbers 100 to 600. By exploring the influence of each technique and their combining effects on fluid flow and heat transfer, the study aims to strike a balance between high thermal performance and low-pressure drop. Furthermore, the research also explores the thermal resistance, overall performance, entropy generation, and irreversibility of the novel design, comparing it numerically with commensurate geometries using the commercial software, FLUENT. The results reveal that the design of isosceles triangular cavities, streamlined ribs, and secondary channels combination (TC-SR-SC) achieves a maximum overall performance of 1.70 at Re = 400 due to the interruption and redevelopment of the thermal boundary layer. The presence of oblique secondary channels leads to the diversion of mainstream flow, resulting in better flow mixing between main adjacent channels. It also represents the lowest flow and heat transfer irreversibility, ultimately improving thermal performance based on the second law of thermodynamics perspective.