Review of the conical pin fin heat sink

Abstract

In industrial and electronic applications, the research on enhancing the performance of heat sinks is of increasing importance. The objective is to reduce weight and costs while simultaneously improving thermal and hydraulic efficiency. This study provides a thorough examination of theoretical, numerical, and experimental research that pertains to the optimization and design of heat sinks with a variety of geometric shapes.  We theoretically derived analytical equations for one-dimensional conductive heat transfer, which facilitated the determination of the optimal dimensions of fins of various types, including rectangular, triangular, vertical, and circular fins, as well as fins with conical, concave, and convex shapes. These theoretical findings established a scientific foundation for the development of fins that optimize thermal efficiency, minimize material consumption and weight, and consider the impact of physical and thermal properties on performance. By simulating heat transfer and fluid flow using sophisticated tools, we designed numerical studies to enhance the performance of heat sinks. These studies evaluated the impact of multiple design factors, such as fin dimensions, number, arrangement, angles of inclination, and different geometric shapes, under a variety of flow conditions. The objective of these studies was to enhance the heat transfer rate and minimize thermal waste, all while creating innovative designs that can operate efficiently under a variety of operating conditions, including natural and forced cooling systems.