Performance analysis of microchannel with different pin fin layouts

A numerical analysis is carried out in this study to understand the effect of the different pin fin layouts in the microchannel heat sinks. The performance analysis is done using the conjugate heat transfer module of COMSOL Multiphysics software. Initially, a microchannel with elliptical pin fins of 500-mu m fin height in it is validated with the results from the literature. Further, the performance of microchannels with three different pin fin layouts is compared with the baseline model. The investigation is done for different coolant inflow velocities, keeping the channel and pin fin dimensions constant, and the results are presented in terms of the Nusselt number and pressure drop. The highest value of 19.287 Nusselt number is obtained for case b with a maximum inlet velocity of 1 m/s. A maximum increment of 16.8% and a minimum increment of 11.1% in the Nusselt number is observed in case d and case a, respectively, with 0.2 m/s inlet velocity. The minimum value of the pressure drop is observed in case d. From the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that a staggered pin fin orientation in the microchannel enhances the thermal performance better than inline arrangement.