Flow and thermal modeling of liquid metal in expanded microchannel heat sink

Liquid metal, with its superior thermal conductivity, has been utilized as a novel coolant in microchannel heat sinks (MCHS). However, Liquid metal-based MCHSs suffer from the low heat capacity of coolant, resulting in an excessive temperature rise of coolant and heat sink when dealing with high-power heat dissipation.

Recently, it is found by a research team led by Prof. Weil Rao from Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS that the convection at the end of the fins is not significant for heat transfer enhancement. By cutting the fin ends and thus reserving expanded space to increase the flow rate of coolant in the fixed size, the heat transfer will be much more effective. This expanded microchannel heat sink (E-MCHS) allows more cooling medium to flow through without changing the size of the heat sink, increasing the difficulty of processing, and destroying the stability of the heat sink. This study entitled “Flow and thermal modeling of liquid metal in expanded microchannel heat sink” can be found in Frontiers in Energy.

In this study, the flow and thermal performance of liquid metal in E-MCHS have been investigated by using numerical simulation and the 1D thermal resistance model. Compared to MCHSs, E-MCHSs provide expanded space for coolant by truncating the fins or raising the cover plate, and the expanded space at the top of fins could distribute the heat inside microchannels, reducing the temperature rise of coolant and heat sink. The heat conduction of liquid metal in the Z direction and the heat convection between the top surface of fins and the liquid metal can lead to a maximum reduction of 36% in total thermal resistance. The above process was effective for microchannels with low channel aspect ratio, low mean velocity or long heat sink length.

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About Frontiers in Energy

Frontiers in Energy, a peer-reviewed international journal launched in January 2007, presents a unique platform for reporting the most advanced research and strategic thinking on energy technology. The Journal publishes review and mini-review articles, original research articles, perspective, news & highlights, viewpoints, comments, etc. by individual researchers and research groups. The journal is strictly peer-reviewed and accepts only original submissions in English. The scope of the Journal covers (but not limited to): energy conversion and utilization; renewable energy; energy storage; hydrogen and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilization and storage; advanced nuclear technology; smart grids and microgrids; power cells and electric vehicles; new energy systems; energy and environment; energy economics and policy, etc. Interdisciplinary papers are encouraged.