Effect of Inter-Connector on Thermo-Hydraulic Characteristics of Parallel and Counter Flow Mini-Channel Heat Sink

A numerical investigation of three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer was performed to quantify the thermal and hydraulic performance of an inter-connected parallel and counter flow mini-channel heat sink under laminar flow condition and within the single-phase regime. The aspect ratio (height/width) and the hydraulic diameter of the mini-channel were 0.33 and 750μm respectively. Three different widths of the inter-connector were selected to analyze the effect of cross flow for Reynolds number ranging from 150 to 1044, at a constant heat flux (20 W/cm2). To understand the fluid flow and heat transfer mechanism inside the inter-connector and their effects on overall thermal performance of the heat sink, Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor, pumping power, and overall thermal resistance were analyzed. Results show that the inter-connector has significantly higher effect on counter flow mini-channel heat sink than parallel flow mini-channel heat sink.