Heatsink Optimization for better thermal performance
 

Hi,

I am dealing a project in that heatsinks used in automotive claw pole alternators is to be optimized for better thermal performance. Because the temperature at heat sinks shoots more than 250 degree in the testing at 30 degree ambient temperature,Subsequently it results in diode failure. Hence the complete alternator become failed one. Our intention is to propos a heatsink design that will provide temperature drop of atleast 30 from existing value by CFD simulation.

Kindly help how i should approach this problem? Should i focus on heatsinks alone? or i should concentrate on complete alternator?.

In hand, i have following inputs, I don't have any data(Such as velocity,mass flow,convection coefficients etc.) on air flow characteristics of this machine

1.CAD Model
2.Heat loss values,temperatures measured from experiments on alternators.


Any help in this regard is welcome and thanks in advance


Regards

Anand.M