< Back to previous page

Project

Electrohydrodynamic air propulsion for ventilation

This work investigates a novel fluid-dynamics concept for creating an air propulsion device, based on electrohydrodynamics (EHD). Ionic wind can be produced from corona discharge, which provides a low-energy alternative for airflow generation compared to conventional fans. Efficiency gains are expected in a number of applications such as industrial drying of plant-based materials, airflow control and convective cooling of food products. This project starts with experimental work on an EHD test-rig. We aim to exploit the air-amplifying Coanda effect for low-energy airflow generation. Physics-based simulations of the electrohydrodynamic process and the associated ionic wind are used to optimize the EHD air propulsion device design. Finally, a prototype is built to test if our new concept for air propulsion works. This prototype is used to analyze convective cooling processes.

Date:22 Jul 2020 →  4 Oct 2023
Keywords:Electrohydrodynamics, Ionic wind, Air propulsion
Disciplines:Electrostatics, Fluid physics and dynamics, Air propulsion, Numerical modelling and design, Energy conversion
Project type:PhD project