TUMA19: Optimization of Heat Pipe Configuration in an Air-Cooled Aluminum Heat Sink for a Radio Frequency Amplifier

Abstract
The performance of an RF amplifier air-cooled heat sink is compared for three heat pipe configurations. The heat sink dissipates a total of 1900W split between two drivers (150W, 35.9 W/cm2 each) and eight transistors (200W, 47.9 W/cm2 each). All cases are simulated utilizing CFD to test the thermal resistance of each heat sink. Simulation results have been validated with physical experiments. The heat sink is tested for three flow rates of 150, 200, and 250 cfm results are compared for , and pressure loss. Heat pipes are monitored for dry-out.