Multi-parameters optimization for microchannel heat sink using inverse problem method

Abstract This work describes an inverse problem method to optimize the geometric design for microchannel heat sinks using a novel multi-parameter optimization approach, which integrates the simplified conjugate-gradient scheme and a fully developing three-dimensional heat transfer and flow model. Overall thermal resistance is the objective function to be minimized with number of channels, N , channel aspect ratio, α , and the ratio of channel width to pitch, β , as search variables. With a constant bottom area (10 mm × 10 mm), constant heat flux applied to the heat sink bottom surface (100 W cm −2 ), and constant pumping power (0.05 W), the optimal design values are N  = 71, α  = 8.24, and β  = 0.6, with a minimum overall thermal resistance of 0.144 K W −1 . Increasing pumping power reduces overall thermal resistance of the optimal design; however, the design’s effectiveness declines significantly under high pumping power. The N and α values in the optimal design increase and β decreases as pumping power increases.