Methodology for predicting pin-fin fan-sink performance

A semi-empirical algorithm for determining the operating point and overall thermal conductance of a fan-sink assembly is developed. The algorithm links the fan characteristic equation to the heat sink pressure drop characteristic in the determination of assembly operating point. Three modeling scenarios for the fan characteristic equation are described and tested. Simple techniques for the measurement of fan-sink performance are used to develop a heat-sink heat transfer/pressure drop data base. Performance measurements with commercial fan-sinks show the calculation methodology developed can be used to accurately predict assembly performance. The effect of variations in heat sink geometry on overall fan-sink performance is described.