Optimizing Heat Dissipation in Microchannel Heat Sinks using Hybrid Nanofluids: A Computational Study

Abstract

The use of microchannel heat sinks is one of the most popular methods for cooling electronic components. In recent years, fractal microchannels have attracted researchers' attention, leading to increased heat transfer and reduced pressure drop compared to parallel microchannels. In this study, two hybrid nanofluids under laminar flow conditions are used for cooling inside microchannels, and simulations are conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Parameters such as pumping power, maximum temperature, and performance evaluation coefficient are investigated for two hybrid nanofluids, Fe3O4-MoS2 and Fe3O4-Al2O3 (mixed 50%-50% and with a volume fraction of 1% for each nanoparticle). The results indicate that the thermal performance of Fe3O4-MoS2 hybrid nanofluid is superior, leading to a 0.5% improvement in the maximum temperature of the heat sink. On the other hand, the use of this hybrid nanofluid increases pumping power by 9% inside the microchannel. Ultimately, the overall system performance is enhanced with the use of both hybrid nanofluids, and the Fe3O4-MoS2 hybrid nanofluid improves the overall system performance by 3.2%, providing better performance and making it more suitable for cooling microchannel heat sinks.