What Is The Difference Between Cold Plate And Heat Sink

We all used various types of electronic gadgets in our lives. And if they are used for a long time, they will heat up gradually and not only affect the device operation but also its capacity.

So, it is essential to keep the electronic devices cool to boost their working capabilities as well as life span.

When you want to design a new power supply the first question that arises in your mind is how to deliver appropriate thermal management.

So, the basic purpose of a heat sink as well as a cold plate is to cool down the devices for better working performance.

There are various options of cooling for the power supply but our concern in this article is the difference between a heat sink and a cold plate. Because choosing the right cooling method is essential to design a reliable power supply.

When we talk about thermal management, we see the close relationship between the heat sink and cold plate because both are used for cooling.

The primary and basic difference between the heat sink and the cold plate is the presence and absence of fins.

Heat sinks have fins of different sizes sticking out from metal plates while cold plates lack fins and are produced from the thicker metal plates. Let's make out the difference between a heat sink and a cold plate. But before we proceed, we would like to explain both the heat sink and cold plate separately for better understanding.

What Is heat sink

A heat sink usually brings the heat flow away from a hot device by increasing the amount of low-temperature fluid along with the device's working surface that moves around to enlarge the surface area.

Based on all devices configuration, ultimate capabilities, design, and aesthetic of all heat sinks are unique. Its basic purpose is to move the heat away from the component and it works in four steps…

1. The source generates heat

2. Heat transfers away from the source

3. Heat distributed throughout the heat sink

4. Heat moves away from the heat sink

Heat sink has two types which are active heat sink and passive heat sink. And their performance is based on these facts…

● Geometry

● Material

● Surface treatment

● Air velocity

● Interface with device

What Is cold plate

Cold plates are made with metal and basically cold plates absorb the waste heat and dissipate it through the flow path by using liquid cooling.

And flow paths can be of various shapes and sizes, and allow the cold plates to absorb and dissipate/transfer a high amount of energy.

Heat Transfer coefficient based on the following points…

● available surface area

● the liquid used,

● the flow rate of the liquid,

● material used to make the cold plate.

It has root in various industries such as automation controls;

● large-scale cooling systems

● refrigeration

● air-conditioning units;

● boilers and dryers;

● machine tools.

Types of Cold Plates

Since its inception in the 1960s, cold plate technology has become more effective and efficient.

So liquid cold plates are metal blocks usually with copper and aluminum along with inlets and outlets plus internal tubing that allow liquid coolant to flow in it.

Cold plates are usually put on the components which need cooling. They absorb and dissipate the heat and this heat cycle continues in the system.

The fluids which are used in cold plates are of different types such as…

● Water.

● Deionized water.

● Inhibited glycol-and-water solutions

● Dielectric fluids.

1. Heat Sink Takes More Space While Cold Plate Less

During the selection of the best cooling system for the power supply, you should consider the space restrictions as well.

The heat sink is more effective in dissipating heat and that's the reason they take more space as compared to the cold plates which can adjust in a small space.

2. Weight Difference

Weight and space also matter of concern, as they help in selection guide thatg which one should use for cooling process. Heat Sink as we know are more quick in energy dissipation and that is the reason they demand more space.

In terms of weight, a heat sink does have more weight than its counterpart cold metal. Similarly, cold plates grab less space than heat sink and more weight than heat sink.

3. Energy Absorption Capacity Difference

Both heat sink and cold plate are suitable for a broad array of ac-dc or dc-dc power supplies.

As the heat sink has fins and high heat dissipation, therefore, it absorbs less energy as compared to a cold plate having no fins with slow heat dissipation.

4. Heat Sink Provides Fast Heat Transfer And Cold Plate Slower…..

As heat sink has varying fins to dissipate energy because it has vast surface to contact with air, that is the reason it deliver fast heat.

Similarly, cold plates demand less space and but meanwhile absorb more energy along with slower heat dissipation.

Final Verdict

In this post we tried to explain the cold plate and heat sink, their usage, types, and differences. Hopefully you are able to make a decision that will suit your next project.

Now you are able to make a good decision to choose the best choice. If you still find any confusion, just comment in the comments section and we will turn back to solve your queries.

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Need an effective power supply for your industrial project, aircraft, electric vehicle, defense, and rock mountain applications?

Just contact us today and get our customers support, because our cold plates provide 30% better thermal performance than our competitors in the market.

We offer customizable products to meet your project necessities and meet different applications. We have expertise, resources, and products and provide latest thermal solutions for power electronics industries plus improve our valuable clients’ operations.

Our customers sometime get amazed with our products that we not only improve their concept design but also offer cost saving benefits and higher efficiency beyond their expectations. Be our client and get our versatile advantages.

Our custom cold plates are designed to revolutionize air-to-water and air-to-air heat exchangers, and we also offer higher heat conductivity for those application that need high heat. To learn more, just call us at +86-13922909212 Or Email us at wst01@winsharethermal.com . Our sincere team is always available to solve your queries.