Complementary Study of Physical and Geometrical Parameters for a Better Understanding of Ionic Wind Generation

Abstract

An electrical discharge is generated between two electrodes, one subjected to high voltage and the other grounded, within a gaseous environment. In such a setup, the plasma behavior is primarily influenced by physical parameters (e.g., high applied voltage, injected power) and geometric configurations (e.g., electrode spacing, electrode symmetry). This discharge results in the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing what is known as electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow or "ionic wind," characterized by a specific velocity. Ionic ventilation technologies have gained significant importance over the years in applications such as cooling microelectronic devices, preserving food products, and reducing training loads for astronauts. These systems are compact, easy to understand, silent, non-polluting, and economically efficient. To better understand, control, and exploit ionic ventilation generated by electrical discharge, this study integrates comprehensive research on modeling, validation, and applications of corona discharge in EHD systems. It combines numerical simulation, experimental validation, and innovative design optimization to address both fundamental and practical aspects. Key contributions include a detailed overview of plasma and electrical discharges, with a focus on corona discharge and ionic wind phenomena, the development of a flexible methodology to determine space charge distribution and EHD force density—crucial for understanding ionic wind dynamics—and addressing challenges related to numerical convergence. The study also validates numerical models against experimental data, optimizes electrode designs for EHD air pumps to enhance cooling systems, particularly for microelectronics, investigates shielding effects between corona discharge electrodes in electrostatic precipitators, and explores EHD cleaning systems for photovoltaic panels, highlighting their effectiveness in mitigating dust accumulation and improving performance. This research provides a unified framework for advancing EHD applications, paving the way for cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions across multiple engineering fields.