Heat Sink:

Basic idea about selection of Heat

sink for Thyristor

By:
Priya Kumari
10921376
 What is Heat sink ?
 A heat sink is a device used to transfer heat from a heat
source to the surrounding environment.
 Heat transfer is achieved through a combination of
conduction, convection, and to a lesser extent, radiation.
 A heat sink typically has a base with multiple fins on top
that are designed to increase the surface area for heat
transfer to the surrounding fluid.(fluid can be air)
Components of Heat sink:
1. Base: A heat sink is typically a flat block or sheet of
material with excellent thermal conductivity. It is mounted
to the heat source with mounting hardware and thermal
paste.
2. Fins: Fins protruding from the heat sink are responsible
for the transfer of heat to the surrounding fluid.

(base of heat sink) (fins of heat sink)

3. Heat Pipes: A heat pipe is designed to transfer heat
along its axis.
4. Thermal Interface Material: Thermal interface
materials, or thermal pastes are used to improve heat
transfer between heat source and base of heat sink.

(heat pipes of heat sink) (thermal paste)

(metal, ceramic, or silicon based)
 What Materials Are Heat Sinks
Made Of?
1. Aluminium: Aluminium is a lightweight, low-cost material that
has good thermal conductivity. It is commonly used in heat sinks
for electronic devices, such as computers and LED lights.
2. Copper: Copper has excellent thermal conductivity and can be
used on more sensitive components like computer CPUs.
3. Aluminium Alloys: Pure aluminium can be difficult to work with
as it is too soft, so its alloys can be used.
4. Graphite: Graphite has conductivity approaching that of copper
but is significantly lighter.
5. Diamond: Diamond has significantly better heat conductivity
than copper, however its cost makes it impractical in most
applications.
HOW DOES A HEATSINK WORK?
 How heat is Transferred ?
The Heat is transferred from higher temperature to lower
temperature by the following 3 Ways-
1. Conduction: It happens due to movement of molecules.
Molecules at higher temperatures vibrate at a higher
amplitude and pass the energy to the lower temperature
molecules.
2. Convection: Heat is transferred from a hot surface to a
cool surface by the bulk movement of fluids (air or liquid).
3. Radiation: Heat transfer happens in the form of
Electromagnetic radiation.
Selection of Heat sink for Thyristor:
The following parameters needed to be consider while
selecting the heat sink for thyristor:
1. Thermal Requirements: Start by determining the
thyristor's maximum operating temperature (Tjmax) and
the maximum allowable junction temperature (Tj).
Operating the thyristor within its specified temperature
limits is crucial for its performance and longevity.
2. Power Dissipation: Calculate or measure the power
dissipation (Pd) of the thyristor, which is the amount of
heat generated during operation. This value helps
determine how much heat the heat sink needs to dissipate
to keep the thyristor within safe temperature limits.
3. Ambient Temperature: Consider the ambient
temperature (Ta), which is the temperature of the
surrounding environment where the thyristor will operate.
A higher ambient temperature requires more effective heat
dissipation to maintain the thyristor within its operating
limits.
4. Thermal Resistance: Look at the thermal resistance
specifications of the heat sink, usually provided in terms of
thermal resistance to ambient (Rth) or thermal resistance
to case (Rthc). Lower thermal resistance indicates better
heat transfer capability.
5. Surface Area: Choose a heat sink with sufficient
surface area to dissipate the heat generated by the
thyristor. A larger surface area allows for better airflow and
heat dissipation.
6. Thermal Conductivity: Consider the thermal conductivity
of the heat sink material. Materials with higher thermal
conductivity, such as aluminium or copper, facilitate better
heat transfer from the thyristor to the ambient environment.
7. Airflow: Ensure that the heat sink design allows for
adequate airflow around the thyristor. This can be achieved
through passive convection or active cooling methods like
fans. Proper airflow enhances heat dissipation efficiency.
8. Mounting Method: Consider the mounting method for
attaching the thyristor to the heat sink. Proper mounting
ensures good thermal contact between the thyristor and the
heat sink, maximizing heat transfer.
Applications of Heat Sink:
1. Computer Processors: Computer processors (CPUs) produce a
large amount of waste heat during operation. They often employ
copper heat sinks with an active cooling fan. Cool CPUs can operate
more effectively.
2. LED Lighting: LED lights don’t produce heat in the same way an
incandescent bulb does. However, the electronics used to make an
LED work produce a lot of waste heat that must be transferred
away. Small LEDs often use passive heat sinks.
3. Power Electronics: Power supplies convert AC power to DC power
for consumer electronics. This conversion process is inefficient and
produces some waste heat that can reduce the life of the power
supply unit. Heat sinks on power electronics sometimes employ
hybrid cooling and make use of aluminium heat sinks to reduce cost.
4. Automotive Industry: Heat sinks are also used to keep
electric motors cool during operation as well as to cool
onboard chargers for electric vehicles.
5. Aerospace Industry: Heat sinks can be found on control
circuitry used in aerospace applications. They are also used
on spacecraft to transfer heat to the vacuum of space.
However, these heat sinks transfer heat purely through
radiation as there is no heat transfer fluid in space.