Thermal Performance Analysis of Cross-Finned Heat Sinks Using Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material

Presented experimental study investigates on employing cross-finned heat sinks embedded with nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM) for thermal management applications. Paraffin as the phase change material (PCM), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) as nanoparticles and aluminium metallic fins have been employed. Six different configurations of heat sinks, namely single cavity (1 × 1), 4 cavity (2 × 2), 9 cavity (3 × 3), 16 cavity (4 × 4), 25 cavity (5 × 5) and 36 cavity (6 × 6) with two different nanoparticles weight concentration of 0.5% and 1% have been tested for a constant heat flux of 2.5 kW/m2. The analysis of temperature–time distribution and the operation time enhancement for different combinations of NePCM and heat sink is carried out. Results from the investigation show that due to the increased fin number, the temperature of the base of the heat sink was kept to a comparatively low value for a more extended period, than heat sinks with no fins. Further, it has been reported that the use of nanoparticle may not be advisable for a higher fin number heat sink.