Flow Distribution Control in Meso Scale via Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping

Abstract

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping technology offers an innovative way to control flow distribution in multiscale environments. In EHD conduction, the interaction between a strong electric field and dissociated electrolyte species in a dielectric fluid generates a net body force and therefore a net flow. EHD conduction pumps have simple designs with no moving parts, low power consumption, and the ability to operate in microgravity. These pumps perform better at smaller scales and have been shown to be effective for heat transfer enhancement, with possible applications in electronics cooling terrestrially and in space. Flow distribution control using EHD conduction pumps was previously examined only in macro scale. This study experimentally and numerically examines isothermal liquid flow distribution control between parallel tubes 1 mm in diameter, utilizing EHD conduction pumps in meso scale. The working fluid is Novec 7600 Engineering Fluid operated at ambient conditions.