A Two-Stage Electrohydrodynamic Gas Pump in a Rectangular Channel

Abstract

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) fluid pumps generate physical flux in a dielectric fluid without using any moving parts. The advantages of EHD pumps are implemented in a wide variety of applications especially when miniaturization and/or noise absence are required, such as in cooling applications. Research efforts focus on improving existing concepts of efficiency optimization. Researchers are recently considering the concept of cascading stages, among other options. In this research, an experimental investigation of a two-stage wire-to-mesh EHD air pump has been made, providing information on the air velocity generated and the electrical power demand. Based on the testing results, a two-stage cascading EHD pump has significantly higher airflow velocity and efficiency than the conventional single-stage design. The two-stage structure was found to preserve the advantages of EHD pumping technology while being directly comparable in terms of EHD flow characteristics with conventional mechanical fans of similar dimensions.