In this paper, we show that improved air circulation above a heat sink is possible using thin winglet-type vortex generators that can be passively retrofitted to an existing unit. By mounting these vortex generators on the leading edge of heat sink fins, pairs of counter-rotating vortices are induced within the interfin spacing. The vortices disturb the boundary layers and serve to mix the air in the interfin channel. The devices we have designed are passive and can be added to existing systems using a simple clip-on mechanism. In this study, several designs are experimentally investigated for the purpose of identifying the optimal configuration that will be most conducive to flow enhancement and, therefore, heat transfer augmentation. Using the typical operational range of air velocities for PCs, routers and servers, an experimental simulation of the interfin channel reveals that certain vortex generators, when placed upstream, can outperform others in their ability to fill the channel with pairs of strong vortices. Multiple pairs can also be generated to further accentuate the heat transfer using dual vortex generators. A description of the specific shapes is furnished here along with particulars of the performance study. By control and manipulation of the vortices, our results suggest the possibility of optimizing the generator design. Experimentation was conducted in two phases. The first phase is a study of the ability to generate and control vortices within the fin channel. This aspect was simulated using a Lexan mock-up of the fin channel that permits introduction of glycerin smoke to visualize the shape, size, strength and structure of the vortices. The clear Lexan permitted viewing of the vortices by passing a red planar laser through the apparatus. The second phase involved using the optimization data gained in the first phase to generate vortices in an actual heat sink fitted with thermocouples to measure the temperatures at various points during heating.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2009 InterPACK Conference collocated with the ASME 2009 Summer Heat Transfer Conference and the ASME 2009 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability
July 19–23, 2009
San Francisco, California, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Electronic and Photonic Packaging Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4360-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Improving Flow Circulation in Heat Sinks Using Quadrupole Vortices Available to Purchase
Timothy J. Dake,
Timothy J. Dake
University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN
Search for other works by this author on:
Joseph Majdalani
Joseph Majdalani
University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN
Search for other works by this author on:
Timothy J. Dake
University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN
Joseph Majdalani
University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN
Paper No:
InterPACK2009-89211, pp. 463-470; 8 pages
Published Online:
December 24, 2010
Citation
Dake, TJ, & Majdalani, J. "Improving Flow Circulation in Heat Sinks Using Quadrupole Vortices." Proceedings of the ASME 2009 InterPACK Conference collocated with the ASME 2009 Summer Heat Transfer Conference and the ASME 2009 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability. ASME 2009 InterPACK Conference, Volume 2. San Francisco, California, USA. July 19–23, 2009. pp. 463-470. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/InterPACK2009-89211
Download citation file:
9
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
The Effect of Thermal Contact Resistance at Porous-Solid Interfaces in Finned Metal Foam Heat Sinks
J. Electron. Packag (December,2010)
Constructal Design of Complex Assembly of Fins
J. Heat Transfer (August,2011)
Optimal Shapes of Straight Fins and Finned Heat Sinks
J. Heat Transfer (June,2015)
Related Chapters
Outlook
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
Extended Surfaces
Thermal Management of Microelectronic Equipment, Second Edition
Extended Surfaces
Thermal Management of Microelectronic Equipment