Auxiliary electrodes for enhanced electrostatic discharge
OwnerDaniel J. SCHLITZinventor
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Abstract
In general, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses that achieve high gas flow rates through the use of an electrostatic pump. According to some aspects, the present invention relates to additional, auxiliary electrodes that generate increased ion current at lower voltages, which leads to greater pumping power than a corona wind discharge. According to further aspects, the invention provides for a directional emission of the ions. This eliminates the back flow of ions and improves the electro-fluid power conversion efficiency and pumping performance. According to yet further aspects, the invention enables the electrodes to be fabricated directly on a dielectric substrate, making the system mechanically rugged and easily fabricated.
Claims20
An electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
- one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near a primary sharp electrode in a sharp/blunt electrode pair,
- wherein the electrode pair is configured such that when an electric field is applied between them, a partial breakdown of the gas between them occurs near the primary sharp electrode, which produces ions that are attracted to the blunt electrode,
- and wherein electric power applied to the one or more auxiliary electrodes is applied independently of the electric field applied to the electrode pair,
- and wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to direct the produced ions in a desired direction.
(canceled)
An electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
- a primary sharp electrode;
- a blunt electrode integrally formed in a fin of a heat sink;
- and
- one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near the primary sharp electrode,
- wherein the primary sharp and blunt electrodes are configured such that when an electric field is applied between them, a partial breakdown of the gas between them occurs near the primary sharp electrode, which produces ions that are attracted to the blunt electrode,
- and wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to enhance the ion production.
A heat sink, comprising:
- a plurality of separated fins;
- and
- an electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
- a primary sharp electrode,
- a plurality of blunt electrodes integrally formed in respective ones of the fins,
- one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near the primary sharp electrode,
- a voltage source coupled to the primary sharp and blunt electrodes for establishing an electric field between them, and
- an auxiliary voltage source coupled to the one or more auxiliary electrodes,
- wherein the auxiliary voltage source is controlled independently from the voltage source so as to enhance ions produced between the primary and blunt electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.