Design and Experimental Evaluation of Innovative Wire-to-Plane Fins’ Configuration for Atmosphere Corona-Discharge Cooling Devices

Abstract

Electro-fluid-dynamic cooling devices (EFAs) are being recognized due to their enormous advantages for their application in several industrial sectors, their performance benefits from generated ionic winds and their singular features, which make them competitive with conventional fans and heatsinks. Due to the problems in the electronics industry, where traditional refrigeration systems are not effective due to their dimensions, this study analyzes an innovative arrangement based on wire-to-plane fins by direct current (DC) positive corona discharge in atmospheric air for applications. The paper focuses on optimizing the multicriteria geometry of the electrodes. Several parameters are analyzed such as the gap between emitter and ground electrodes, the electrode materials and geometry, the diameter of the high-voltage electrode and the influence of the dielectric barriers located near the corona electrode to improve heat exchange. Experimental validation shows the potential of this arrangement related to weight, volume, non-mobile parts and silence.