Ionic wind amplifier for energy-efficient air propulsion: Prototype design, development, and evaluation

Abstract

Ionic wind, produced by electrohydrodynamic (EHD) processes, holds promise for efficient airflow generation using minimal power. However, practical applications have been limited by relatively low flow rates. This study introduces a novel prototype device designed to amplify ionic wind-generated flow rates by leveraging the Coanda effect. This scalable device features a unique needle electrode configuration, optimized geometry, and operating parameters to enhance flow rates and reduce electrical energy consumption. The experimental investigation encompasses two ground electrode configurations as collectors to evaluate velocity profiles within an extended wind channel setup. The analysis revealed that the rod collector arrangement slightly outperformed the plate collector regarding airflow rate and efficiency. Notably, a flow rate of up to 7.5 m3 h-1 was attained with an energy input of less than 2 W at 30 kV and a flow rate of 5 m3 h-1 within the optimal voltage range of 15–20 kV, requiring around 0.5 W. The findings indicate that a decrease in the number of needle emitters has a relatively negligible impact on the airflow rate, suggesting an opportunity to design more efficient devices with fewer needles. To complement the experimental results, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)--based digital mirror was utilized to obtain deeper insights into the flow field patterns. The use of the CFD model confirmed that our device can increase flow rates by a factor of around three. The findings of this research have far-reaching implications for developing next-generation ionic wind generators, particularly in sustainable fluid flow engineering. By confirming the effectiveness of amplified ionic wind-based airflow, we provide a clear path for this technology to contribute to cleaner production practices across various industries. Ionic wind amplifiers show potential in applications requiring precise airflow control, such as data centers, cleanrooms, sterilization, or drying processes, where removing excess heat or maintaining specific conditions is essential.