Multi-objective optimization of various type finned heat sink with phase change materials (PCM)

The paper focuses on optimizing hybrid PCM filled heat sinks with a multi-objective approach. In the current study, the fins are oriented both horizontally at the sidewalls and vertically at the bottom side in the enclosure. Two heat sinks with different types of fin shapes are introduced in the enclosure. A rectangular shape finned heat sink, and a tapered shape finned heat sink is incorporated in both sidewalls and bottom walls. The study’s main goal is to optimize the PCM-based heat sink to prolong the charging cycle (melting) and shorten the discharging cycle (solidification). The PCM used in the study is n-eicosane, and the material for the heat sink is aluminum. A heat flux with constant supply of 2000 W/m2 is provided at the enclosure bottom, and the remaining walls are insulated. A 2-D numerical simulation is done using the commercial software ANSYS Fluent. The multi-objective optimization is carried out using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) optimization technique. For a constant PCM volume for both the cases, fin spacing, fin positioning, and fin heights are varied. The output results determined the optimum configuration for the stretched melting period and minimized solidification period.