Simulação do processo de arrefecimento de uma CPU

Abstract

This Final Year Project investigates improvements in air cooling systems for computers using concepts from fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Computational simulations were conducted using Ansys Fluent® software, modeling a desktop computer in two configurations: a standard setup and another featuring an air duct designed to direct external airflow toward the processor. The K-ω SST turbulence model was employed. The results indicated that the simulation without the air duct yielded processor temperatures close to laboratory measurements difference of 92.6°C versus 82°C, that represents up to 12,9% of difference, validating the reliability of the model. In the configuration with the air duct, there was a significant reduction in processor temperature, reaching 45°C, representing about 51% of reduction, due to the efficient redirection of external airflow. This study demonstrates that implementing a simple air duct can significantly enhance the thermal performance of CPUs, providing a practical and effective solution to improve cooling efficiency and extend the lifespan of electronic components.