TY - JOUR
T1 - A theoretical and experimental investigation of the scaling of micro fan performance
AU - Grimes, Ronan
AU - Quin, David
AU - Walsh, Ed
AU - Davies, Mark
AU - Kunz, Stefan
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - Mobile phones and palm top computers are following trends of increased functionality and processor speed. To allow these trends to continue, compact cooling solutions are required. One potential solution is to introduce cooling fans. However, no fan currently exists which is small enough. This paper investigates the feasibility of producing a fan on the micro scale, which could be used. Theoretical analysis predicts a reduction in efficiency as fan size is reduced. A series of geometrically similar fans was produced so that the scaling could be experimentally investigated. These fans varied in size from the macro to the micro scale. The macro scale fan, which was used as a datum, is typical of those used to cool macro scale electronic systems. The authors developed techniques for the fabrication of the smaller scale fans. These included micro electro discharge machining. Methods for testing the performance of each of these fans were also developed. The pressure flow performance of each of the fans is measured, and confirms that as the micro scale is approached fan efficiency decreases.The observed decrease in efficiency is in agreement with theoretical prediction.
AB - Mobile phones and palm top computers are following trends of increased functionality and processor speed. To allow these trends to continue, compact cooling solutions are required. One potential solution is to introduce cooling fans. However, no fan currently exists which is small enough. This paper investigates the feasibility of producing a fan on the micro scale, which could be used. Theoretical analysis predicts a reduction in efficiency as fan size is reduced. A series of geometrically similar fans was produced so that the scaling could be experimentally investigated. These fans varied in size from the macro to the micro scale. The macro scale fan, which was used as a datum, is typical of those used to cool macro scale electronic systems. The authors developed techniques for the fabrication of the smaller scale fans. These included micro electro discharge machining. Methods for testing the performance of each of these fans were also developed. The pressure flow performance of each of the fans is measured, and confirms that as the micro scale is approached fan efficiency decreases.The observed decrease in efficiency is in agreement with theoretical prediction.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=1842427464&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1115/IMECE2003-41432
DO - 10.1115/IMECE2003-41432
M3 - Conference article
AN - SCOPUS:1842427464
SN - 0888-8116
VL - 259
SP - 553
EP - 560
JO - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Fluids Engineering Division (Publication) FED
JF - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Fluids Engineering Division (Publication) FED
T2 - 2003 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress
Y2 - 15 November 2003 through 21 November 2003
ER -
