In this paper, measurements of surface temperature and air velocity are presented for the case of a printed circuit board with heated metal elements in a fan-induced flow. Surface temperature measurements were performed using infra red thermography, while air flow measurements were performed using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The aim is firstly to provide a physical explanation of the heat transfer process for the board situated in the inlet and exit air flow from the fan, and secondly to provide a set of data to test predictive methods. The results are presented in two parts: first, surface temperature distribution and velocity field data are presented for the case of the fan drawing air from the system. The flow was found to be parallel and uniform. There were symmetrical temperature gradients across the board that were readily explained in terms of board conduction and boundary layer growth. This data set is in strong contrast to that presented in the second part of the paper, which deals with the board mounted in the fan exit flow. In this case, both the flow and the heat transfer changed dramatically. The flow here is unsteady and swirling, giving rise to significantly higher Nusselt numbers over the whole of the board. A simple method of understanding these flows is presented to help the system designer to use them to advantage. The implications for increased system reliability, due to both the measured low component temperatures and the lower operational temperature of the fan are significant.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
March 2004
Technical Papers
Air Flow and Heat Transfer in Fan Cooled Electronic Systems
Mark Davies
Mark Davies
Stokes Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Search for other works by this author on:
Ronan Grimes
Mark Davies
Stokes Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Contributed by the Electronic and Photonic Packaging Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC PACKAGING. Manuscript received October 2003. Associate Editor: B. Sammakia.
J. Electron. Packag. Mar 2004, 126(1): 124-134 (11 pages)
Published Online: April 30, 2004
Article history
Received:
October 1, 2003
Online:
April 30, 2004
Citation
Grimes, R., and Davies, M. (April 30, 2004). "Air Flow and Heat Transfer in Fan Cooled Electronic Systems ." ASME. J. Electron. Packag. March 2004; 126(1): 124–134. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1649241
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Enhancing Mechanical Reliability of Silver-Sintered Joints With Copper Nanowires in High-Power Electronic Devices
J. Electron. Packag (December 2024)
Special Issue on InterPACK2023
J. Electron. Packag (December 2024)
Impact of Encapsulated Phase Change Material Additives for Improved Thermal Performance of Silicone Gel Insulation
J. Electron. Packag (December 2024)
Related Articles
Infrared Photographs of a Gas Loaded Flat Heat Pipe
J. Heat Transfer (August,2000)
Infrared Imaging of 2-D Temperature Distribution During Cryogen Spray Cooling
J Biomech Eng (December,2002)
A Zonal Model for Large Enclosures With Combined Stratification Cooling and Natural Ventilation: Part 1—Model Generation and its Procedure
J. Sol. Energy Eng (August,2006)
The Passing Behaviors of Vapor through Cloth
J. Heat Transfer (August,2006)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Thermoelectric Coolers
Thermal Management of Microelectronic Equipment
Fans and Air Handling Systems
Thermal Management of Telecommunications Equipment
Thermally Correct Systems That Do Not Perform
Heat Exchanger Engineering Techniques