Optimization of serpentine channel heat sink based on multi-objective genetic algorithm

In order to improve the efficiency of serpentine channel heat sink, optimization design must be done for it on the condition that outline dimensions of the heat sink (length, width and height) are chosen. The thermal resistance network model and pressure loss model are proposed based the discrete thermal resistance unit, which are parallel of N channels. Thermal resistance and pressure loss model are selected as objective functions, and structural parameters of heat sink are optimized in laminar flow range based on multi-objective genetic algorithm with fixed length, width and height. The variables include the number of channels, channel width and height and the velocity at the inlet. The Pareto optimal solutions are obtained after much iteration. Computational fluid dynamics simulation is performed to validate the correctness of thermal resistance model and pressure drop model. This method not only can provide some theoretical base for the optimization design of serpentine channel water-cooling heat sink, but also can be used in the engineering. © 2013 Journal of Mechanical Engineering.