Optimization of Heat Transfer in Microchannel Heat Sinks Using Nanofluids: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Abstract

This study focuses on optimizing heat transfer in microchannel heat sinks (MCHS) by utilizing nanofluids—fluids embedded with nanoparticles to enhance thermal properties. As electronics and high-power devices continue to shrink in size, efficient thermal management becomes critical. MCHS offer a promising solution due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, but they are often limited by trade-offs between heat transfer efficiency, pressure drop, and pumping power. In this research, we investigate the effects of various nanofluids (Aluminum Oxide, Copper Oxide, and Carbon Nanotubes) on the thermal performance of MCHS through both experimental and numerical methods. The experimental setup measures key parameters such as temperature, pressure drop, and heat transfer coefficient across different nanofluid concentrations. A numerical model, developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), is validated against the experimental data and used to perform a parametric study. The results demonstrate that nanofluids significantly enhance the heat transfer efficiency of MCHS, with carbon nanotube nanofluids showing the best performance. Optimal design and operational parameters are identified, resulting in a 25% improvement in heat transfer coefficient while maintaining acceptable pressure drops. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of next-generation cooling systems in microelectronics.