Numerical Modeling of Surface and Volumetric Cooling using Optimal T- and Y-shaped Flow Channels

The layout of T- and V-shaped flow channel networks on a surface can be optimized for minimum pressure drop and pumping power. The results of the optimization are in the form of geometric parameters such as length and diameter ratios of the stem and branch sections. While these flow channels are optimized for minimum pressure drop, they can also be used for surface and volumetric cooling applications such as heat exchangers, HVAC and electronics cooling, where minimizing the energy consumption is extremely important. In this research, an effort has been made to study the heat transfer characteristics of multiple T- and Y-shaped flow channel configurations using numerical simulations. All configurations are subjected to same input parameters and heat generation constraints. Results are validated using comparisons made with similar results published in literature.