Improving Thermal Conductivity in Heat Sink Using Copper Foam-Paraffin Phase Change Materials

Fawad Ali; Muhammad Alam Zaib Khan

Authors

Fawad Ali Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering and Technology, 25120 Peshawar.
Muhammad Alam Zaib Khan Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, 25120 Pakistan

Keywords:

Aluminium Heat Sink, Copper Metal Foam, Paraffin, Phase Change Material

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are essential in thermal energy storage systems due to their abilities in heat transfer and storage. Yet, their low thermal conductivity restricts the rate at which energy is stored and released. Introducing copper metal foam into PCMs can greatly enhance their thermal conductivity. This research examines the boost in thermal conductivity of a metal foam-paraffin composite compared to pure paraffin. Copper metal foam, noted for its high thermal conductivity, effectively heightens the heat transfer rate within the composite. Both theoretical and experimental assessments of the thermal conductivity of the copper foam/PCM composite were carried out and compared. Findings indicated that the composite's thermal conductivity reached 5.5 W/mK at 13 W, which is significantly higher than the 0.2 W/mK of pure PCM. Furthermore, the copper/PCM composite lowered the heat sink's temperature by 25-30%. This improvement is due to the enhanced thermal pathways offered by the copper foam's structure, notwithstanding the inverse relationship between infiltration ratio and pore density.

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