Electrohydrodynamic control device
AssigneeAPR Technologies AB
InventorsRobert Thorslund, Peter Nilsson
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Abstract
A fluidic device is disclosed, comprising an enclosed passage that is adapted to convey a circulating fluid. The enclosed passage comprises a flow unit having a first electrode and a second electrode offset from the first electrode in a downstream direction of a flow of the circulating fluid. The first electrode is formed as a grid structure and arranged to allow the circulating fluid to flow through the first electrode. The fluidic device may be used for controlling or regulating the flow of the fluid circulating in the enclosed passage, and thereby act as a valve opening, reducing or even closing the passage.
Claims20
An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) device, comprising:
- an enclosed passage adapted to convey a circulating dielectric liquid;
- and
- a flow unit arranged in the enclosed passage, wherein the flow unit comprises:
- a first electrode;
- and
- a second electrode offset from the first electrode in a downstream direction of a flow of the circulating dielectric liquid, the first electrode and the second electrode being connectable to a voltage source;
- wherein the first electrode is formed as a grid structure and arranged to allow the circulating dielectric liquid to flow through the first electrode;
- wherein at least a portion of the enclosed passage is adapted to provide a thermal connection to allow transfer of heat between the circulating dielectric liquid and a surrounding of the EHD device;
- and
- wherein the enclosed passage defines a closed loop in which the circulating dielectric liquid circulates.
A method of controlling a circulating dielectric liquid in an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) device, the method comprising:
- activating a flow unit so as to induce a flow of the circulating dielectric liquid in the EHD device, wherein the flow unit is arranged in an enclosed passage that is adapted to convey the circulating dielectric liquid, the flow unit comprising a first electrode and a second electrode that is offset from the first electrode in a downstream direction of a flow of the circulating dielectric liquid, the first electrode and the second electrode being connectable to a voltage source, wherein the first electrode is formed as a grid structure and is arranged to allow the circulating dielectric liquid to flow through the first electrode;
- wherein at least a portion of the enclosed passage is adapted to provide a thermal connection to allow transfer of heat between the circulating dielectric liquid and a surrounding of the EHD device;
- and
- wherein the enclosed passage defines a closed loop in which the circulating dielectric liquid circulates;
- and
- deactivating the EHD device so as to impede the flow of the circulating dielectric liquid in the EHD device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.