Optimization of vertical heat sink fin spacing for natural convection

Abstract

The objective of the current work is to numerically investigate the fluid flow and heat transfer rate problem related to cooling of electronic devices using commercially available CFD codes. In this work heat transfer study is carried out on the finned surfaces with a view of optimizing the spaces between the fins. Thus, increase the rate of heat transfer. heat transfer co-efficient and Nusselt number obtained is validated using empirical correlation available in the literature. The percentage difference of error between simulated and correlation results is calculated. By the results we observed that there is increase in heat transfer rate when there is decrease in the spacing between fins. Optimum fin spacing where the maximum heat transfer rate occurring is at 0.00745m for 15 fins.