Heat transfer efficiency optimization of a multi-nozzle micro-channel heat sink utilizing response surface methodology

Abstract

Optimum heat transfer in modern micro-channel heat sinks (MCHSs) plays a considerable role in ameliorating the efficiency and power of these devices. The response surface methodology (RSM) is one of the recently developed techniques to study and optimize the thermal and hydraulic behaviors of the MCHSs. In the current investigation, a multi-nozzle MCHS with circular fins on both sidewalls of the micro-channels was elected to analyze. The RSM method predicted the Nusselt number ( Nu ) of the MCHS and pressure drop (ΔP) of the coolant (the responses of the model). The diameter, the longitudinal pitch, and the transverse pitch of the circular fins were considered as the independent variables. These variables were changed in the ranges of 0.02–0.06 mm (diameter), 0.1–0.4 mm (longitudinal pitch), and 0.1–0.2 mm (transverse pitch). The impact of changing the mentioned variables on Nu and ΔP of the coolant to achieve the higher cooling capacity was studied. At first, Nu and ΔP values were calculated by the numerical procedure and then predicted by the RSM. Comparing the values derived by the numerical and the RSM models, it was observed that the values predicted by the RSM were close to the ones calculated by the numerical simulation. The RSM model with the coefficient of determination of 97.51% and 98.74% for Nu and ΔP could predict these responses accurately.