Perforation space impact on the heat dissipation performance in pin fins heat sinks

Abstract

In this study, a numerical analysis is carried out to optimize the pin fins heat sink (PFHS) performance. The investigation is conducted by using Comsol Multiphysics v.5.4 software based on the finite elements method (FEM). The effect of the perforation space through the pin fins is tested. Five configurations are proposed for investigation: cylindrical pin fins (CPFs) and PFHS-1 to 4. The fluid flow and convective heat transfer characteristics are analyzed for Reynolds number (Re) ranging from 8,547 to 21,367. The results found that PFHS-1 creates an enhanced heat transfer execution with a moderate pressure drop. In addition, this case ensures the highest hydrothermal performance factor of 1.34. The comparison is reported for CPFs available in the literature, where a satisfactory agreement is observed.