Optimization of a phase change heat sink for extreme environments

Abstract

Results of numerical optimization are reported for a phase change heat sink used to cool electronic equipment in extreme environments. The heat sink consists of a conventional, extruded aluminum sink embedded in a block of phase change material. This type of heat sinkis used ininfraredcamerascaniedby fire fighters into burning buildings.Optimization of the geometry of the heat sink assembly involves determination of the fin length, the fin thichess, and the base thickness that maximizes the time time before the base of the heat sink reaches a critical temperature. The numerical model is briefly described, and representative results of the simulation are presented. The optimum design for a given combination of heat load, conductance to ambient, and phase change material is discussed. The model can easily be applied to other geometries, heat loads, and material properties.

A parametric study of phase change material (PCM)-based heat sinks

“…In this section, three commercial PCM materials (Eicosane, Heneicosane, and Suntech P116) were selected for comparison. Their thermal properties are shown in Table 5 [19,39,40]. Note that the initial temperature is T i = 308.15 K, while the input boundary temperature is T w = 353.15 K. Other parameters are kept as same.…”

“…Pal and Joshi [14] studied computationally and experimentally melting of a PCM, n-triacontane (C 30 H 62 ), in a side uniformly heated (isothermal wall) tall enclosure of aspect ratio 10 for avionics applications. Leland and Recktenwald [19] numerically optimized the geometry of a PCM heat sink used for extreme environment with neglected effect of convection in the molten PCM, edge effects on the ambient boundary, and heat spreading effects in the heat sink base. Zheng and Wirtz [20][21][22] used numerical models and experiments to optimize the performance of phase change heat sinks.…”

Protection of Electronics from Environmental Temperature Spikes by Phase Change Materials

“…In contrast, for protection from environmental heat, a thermal design that maximizes t p must be sought, taking into account internal PCM temperature gradients and phase-change inhomogeneity. In this direction, the proposed model could be applied in combination with the analysis presented in [14] for the design of optimal fin structures, including multi-cavity PCM container geometries [6,15]. In the experimental results, the thermal conductivity ratio for the polystyrene insulation and the paraffin PCM used is around one order of magnitude.…”

“…Three dimensional simulation modeling and experimental studies have been reported, revealing the benefits of PCM solutions [2,3]. Various applications have been studied such as portable electronics [4], photovoltaic thermal management [5], heat sinking for cameras carried by fire fighters [6] and high energy batteries including implementations for vehicles [7][8][9]. Reviews of the application of PCMs in thermal management of electronics can be found in the literature [10,11].…”

Numerical Investigation on the Heat Transfer Enhancement Using Micro/Nano Phase-Change Particulate Flow

“…Leland and Recktenwald (2003) numerically optimized the geometry of a phase change heat sink for extreme environments. They discussed the optimum design for a given combination of heat load, conductance to ambient, and phase change materials.…”