Parametric model and experimental investigation of a distribution header to relieve heat sink coolant maldistribution

Abstract

Coolant maldistribution has obvious negative effects on the liquid cooled heat sink (LCHS) performance. This work proposed a distribution header parametric model to improve flow distribution and compared with conventional I-type LCHS. The distribution header was a symmetrical S-shaped structure with a drop-shaped baffle. The S-shaped outline was obtained through a streamlined design to reduce the flow resistance. The structure characteristics of the drop-shaped baffle, which first expands and then contracts, were conducive to change the flow direction and relieve flow maldistribution. The experimental and numerical results indicate that the S-shaped outline parameters exhibited small impact on fluid distribution improvement, but distinctly affected pressure drop. The parameters of the drop-shaped baffle had significant influence on the fluid distribution. Notably, compared with conventional I-type LCHS, the LCHS with distribution header can improve the heat transfer, fluid distribution and flow performance. The maximum temperature of the measuring points was significantly decreased by 12.12 %−14.62 %, pressure drop was reduced by 2.78 %–4.44 %, and the flow distribution was improved by 68.32 %. The conclusions proved that the distribution header is based on a simple design with lower energy consumption, and which can be used into LCHS to relieve the flow maldistribution.