An electrohydrodynamic conduction liquid pumping system includes a vessel configured to contain a liquid or a liquid/vapor therein. This... Show moreAn electrohydrodynamic conduction liquid pumping system includes a vessel configured to contain a liquid or a liquid/vapor therein. This vessel can be of a elongate conduit configuration, an elongate channel configuration or a liquid enclosure configuration. At least a single pair of electrodes are disposed in a spaced apart relation to each other on the vessel and configured to be oriented in the liquid. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and operable to generate electric fields in between the pair of electrodes, the electric forces inducing a net liquid movement relative to the vessel. Various electrode designs are embraced within the concept of this invention. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less
An electrode configuration for use in association with a heat transfer member provided in a thermal energy transfer system. Separate multiple... Show moreAn electrode configuration for use in association with a heat transfer member provided in a thermal energy transfer system. Separate multiple electrical conductors are each received on a respective first surface alteration. Each of the multiple conductors is connected to a different terminal of a multiphase alternating power source so that an electric traveling wave moves in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member so as to induce pumping of at least the liquid phase in the longitudinal direction to thereby enhance the thermal energy transfer characteristics of the thermal energy transfer system. In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned heat transfer members are provided inside of an outer conduit. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less
An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pump is provided for pumping dielectric liquids, and a particular adaptation for mass transport of... Show moreAn electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pump is provided for pumping dielectric liquids, and a particular adaptation for mass transport of isothermal and non-isothermal single phase liquids. The EHD conduction pump does not require direct injection of electric charges into the fluid. The EHD conduction pump includes an EHD pumping section and associated connecting tubes with electrodes arranged in series in the pumping section. The electrodes are coupled to a high voltage low current dc power supply. A positive polarity dc voltage is applied to the electrodes. Various electrode configurations may be used, such as three-needle, hollow-tube, or pin-needle electrode configuration. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less
