Performance optimisation of microchannel pin-fins using 2D CFD

As electronic devices become smaller, they need modern and efficient heat removal solutions. One such solution is microchannel arrays, where the flow around the pin-fins improves heat transfer. However, there is still no consensus on the best array configuration. This numerical study, therefore, focuses on the effect of pin-fins geometry, spacing, and arrangement on performance. Pressure drop and flow characteristics were investigated for 20 different inline and staggered layouts with circular or elliptical pin-fins. The results show that the diameter of the pins has an influence on the strength of the vortices. Larger diameters lead to flow stabilisation and lower pressure drop, while smaller diameters lead to stronger vortex shedding and higher pressure drop. In addition, the flow is more stable when the pin-fins are staggered and closely spaced. This behaviour can be attributed to the greater influence of the cross-sectional area than the meandering of the flow. Finally, the optimum perfor-mance was attained using the S-Dx100-Dy40-Px200-Py120 case.