Influence of different insert configurations on the performance enhancement of a multichannel cooling plate

• A multichannel cooling plate with different insert configurations is proposed. • Three inserts are used inside central channels: coiled wire, twisted tape, and helical screw-tape. • Insert configurations effectively augmented the thermal performance of the cooling plate. • Helical screw-tape inserts with the maximum dimensions exhibit the highest comprehensive performance criterion of 1.41. Improved thermal performance in cooled plates with inserts is crucial for enhanced efficiency in advanced cooling systems. This research presents a numerical and experimental study to investigate the effects of insert configurations on the performance of a multichannel cooling plate. These configurations aimed to improve the cooling plate performance and flow uniformity through interrupting the thermal boundary and inducing vortices. Three insert types were utilized, namely coiled wire, twisted tape, and helical screw-tape, each with three different dimensions. The numerical simulations were conducted to determine the optimal design for nine models under total mass flow rates ranging from 0.003 to 0.007 kg/s. For consistent comparison, the dimensions of the inserts, such as diameters, turns, and pitches, were chosen to be identical. The new configurations exhibited a significant enhancement in thermal performance and flow uniformity distribution compared to the conventional cooled plate. Additionally, the study demonstrated that an increase in the external dimensions of the inserts led to enhanced Nusselt number and flow uniformity. Compared to smooth channels, Nusselt number improvements were 1.56, 1.58, and 1.61, while pressure drop increment ratios were 1.48, 1.47, and 1.49 for coiled wire, twisted tape, and helical screw-tape, respectively. Among nine insert configurations, the screw-tape inserts with maximum external dimensions provided the greatest overall improvement in cooling plate performance, with a performance criterion of 1.41.