Analysis of performances of a manifold microchannel heat sink with nanofluids

Hydraulic and thermal performances of a manifold microchannel heat sink (MMHS) with and without nanofluids as working fluids have been investigated by a finite volume method. Effects of volume fraction, particle diameter of nanoparticles, and Reynolds number on the Nusselt number, pumping power, performance index, and entropy generation in a 3D unit cell were evaluated. The results showed that with increasing volume fraction of nanoparticles, Nusselt number and pumping power increase, but total entropy generation decreases. Increasing particle diameter leads to decreasing Nusselt number, pumping power, and performance index, but increasing the total entropy generation. Finally increasing the Reynolds number leads to increasing the Nusselt number and pumping power, but decreasing performance index and total entropy generation. •Performances of a manifold microchannel heat sink with nanofluid were studied.•Nusselt number and pumping power increase as nanoparticle concentration increases.•Total entropy generation decreases as nanoparticle concentration increases.•Nusselt number and pumping power decrease as particle diameter increases.•Nusselt number and pumping power increase with increasing the Reynolds number.