Enhanced Heat Transfer (HT) in Plate and Pin Fin Heat Sinks Using Phase Change Materials (PCM-PFHS) and Geometric Modifications

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering
© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal
Volume 12 Issue 1
Year of Publication : 2025
Authors : Amol More, Sanjeev Kumar, Sandeep Kore
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How to Cite?

Amol More, Sanjeev Kumar, Sandeep Kore, "Enhanced Heat Transfer (HT) in Plate and Pin Fin Heat Sinks Using Phase Change Materials (PCM-PFHS) and Geometric Modifications," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 1, pp. 127-142, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I1P114

Abstract:

This study investigates three new approaches to enhance heat dissipation in the plate (channel) and Round Pin Fin Heat Sinks (RPFHS) for cooling systems: rectangular heat absorbers filled with Paraffin Wax Phase Change Materials (PCM), a mix of alumina balls and PCM Paraffin Wax, and modifications in the shape using baffles. The main goal is to evaluate how effective these methods are in enhancing the thermal performance and heat dissipation abilities of PFHS in scenarios resembling practical applications, like cooling for electronics. To ensure the accuracy of comparison, the heat sinks were made of 1050 aluminum, and each configuration type had the same geometric dimensions; controlled heat flux stipulated working conditions. The core parameters such as thermal resistance, temperature distribution and overall heat dissipation efficiency were all assessed in the study. Measured thermal performance indicated improvement for all of the experimental techniques. For example now, the addition of flow baffles to the PFHS design improved heat transfer efficiency through flow turbulence, resulting in a 12% reduction in thermal resistance. The presence of alumina balls with PCM reduces thermal resistance by 18%, corroborating that the best thermal behavior occurs when paraffin wax combines with materials with the highest capacities for heat absorption. The closer to this that the contained PCM shows, the better heat transfer will be affected, as it is seen here with a 25% drop in resistance to heat transfer, all while maintaining a much more even temperature field. These results highlight the pivotal role PCM paraffin wax displays, particularly upon geometry reconfiguration, for an out-and-out positive thermal management outcome of heat sinks. Using embedded PCM paraffin wax with structural changes is a good prospect for the excellent thermal byte for working with thermal applications that require high efficiency and durable heat regulation. This study provides important insight into enhancing the designs of heat sinks where efficient heat removal is crucial, such as in electronics and thermal processing systems.

Keywords:

Heat transfer enhancement, Geometric modifications, Heat sink, Fluid dynamics, Thermal management, Pin fin heat sinks (PFHS), Paraffin Wax Phase change materials (PCM), Electronics cooling Devices.

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