Automotive Vehicle
Energy/Photovoltaic
Networking/Consumer Electronics
PC/Server
News
0102030405
What Is a Heat Sink and How Does It Work?
2025-04-11
A heat sink is a critical component in thermal management systems, widely used in electronic devices. Its primary function is to absorb and dissipate excess heat generated during operation to ensure stable performance and avoid thermal damage.
How Does a Heat Sink Work?
The operation of a heat sink relies on two main mechanisms:
● Conduction: Transfers heat from the heat source (e.g., chips, power modules) to the heat sink;
● Convection: Releases heat into the surrounding air through natural airflow or forced cooling.
Common Types of Heat Sinks with Examples
1. Active Heat Pipe Heat Sink
Features:
● Combines copper heat pipes and aluminum fins for efficient heat dissipation
● Often used with a fan (active cooling)
● Ideal for servers, telecom base stations, and renewable energy equipmen
2. Passive Extruded Aluminum Heat Sink
Features:
● Compact and fanless, requires no maintenance
● Compact and fanless, requires no maintenance
● Relies on natural convection, completely silent
● Suitable for LED drivers, control units, and electronic modules
3. Large Custom Circular Heat Sink
Features:
● Designed for high power density systems
● Available with air or liquid cooling configurations
● Widely used in EVs, photovoltaic inverters, and rail transit equipment
How to Select the Right Heat Sink?
| Selection Criteria | Recommendations |
| Thermal resistance | Lower values mean better cooling performance |
| Size & shape | Match device space constraints |
| Material | Copper for max performance, aluminum for cost saving |
| Cooling environment | Use active types in airflow, passive in still air |
| Mounting method | Options include screws, clips, thermal adhesives |
Why Choose Us?
We specialize in custom thermal solutions, delivering reliable and efficient heat sinks tailored to various industries:
✅ Precision aluminum extrusions, skived fin, heat pipe, vapor chamber designs
✅ Fully customizable structure, surface finish, and mounting interfaces
✅ Thermal simulation and application-specific thermal design services
Contact us today for product catalogs or a free thermal analysis!
Contact us Linda / sales director
● Tel: 86-769-26626558
● Whatsapp: +86-15818382164
● Email: info@tongyu-group.com
● Website: www.tongyucooler.com
● Factory name: Dongguan Tongyu Electronics Co., Ltd.
● Address:
- Vietnam: Que Vo Town, Bac Ninh Province.
- China: DongGuan City, GuangDong Province.