Heat Sinks: Optimization Routines

Develop a PC-based design tool that will assist designers in the selection of an optimized heat sink based on prescribed design conditions. Design conditions will be classified as firm constraints, variable over an allowable range of values, or unconstrained. The analysis routine will eliminate those options that do not meet the overall design constraints, resulting in a limited set of design options that can be assessed in a thermal optimization routine. The models will be integrated into a Graphics User Interface, that provide a convenient mechanism for entering design constraints, design variables, thermophysical properties and other related design information. In addition, the low computational overhead associated with the analytical models allows the design tool to be easily implemented within the hardware and software capacity of a personal computer.

The optimization procedure is based on a minimization of entropy generation, where the rate of change in entropy generation is expressed in terms of system dependent variables. Entropy minimization in heat sink applications is based on establishing a balance between the entropy generation produced as a result of thermal and hydraulic conditions. The generation term is then minimized with respect to each independent parameter, thereby producing a concurrent selection of optimized design choices. In addition to the thermal design, physical design, cost, safety standards plus aesthetic considerations can be factored into the final design and selection procedure.