Numerical Simulation and Application of a Channel Heat Sink with Diamond Ribs

Abstract

This paper presents a channel radiator with ribbed ribs and primarily investigates the fluid flow and heat-transfer characteristics of the channel radiator. A three-dimensional numerical simulation of the radiator’s pressure-drop and heat-transfer process was conducted using the finite volume method. A comparison between the experimental data and the simulation results demonstrates that the simulation in this paper is accurate, with a maximum error not exceeding 5%. Furthermore, the radiator was further subjected to geometric parameter studies, principally including the height ratio between the fins and the channel, the fin angle, and the spacing between the fins. The thermal resistance, Nusselt number, friction factor, and heat-transfer enhancement factor were calculated. The results indicate that if the geometric parameters are selected appropriately, the heat sink will enhance heat-transfer performance within an acceptable pressure drop. When the Reynolds number is greater than 507.5, the height ratio of 25%, the rib angle of 135°, and the rib spacing of 2.5 mm can be given priority. This heat sink is used in PCR devices, and experimental results show that the novel channel heat sink can meet the heat dissipation requirements of the TEC during the PCR process.