Microfluidic fan

A device for controlling a flow of a gaseous fluid, the device comprising:

• a first electrode;
• a second electrode, wherein at least a portion of the second electrode is offset from at least a portion of the first electrode in a downstream direction of the flow, the electrodes being connectable to a voltage source;
• and
• at least one thermally conducting flange extending in a plane oriented along a direction of the flow and being adapted to dissipate heat from the gaseous fluid, wherein at least a portion of the first electrode has a maximum height in a direction parallel to a direction of the flow and a maximum width in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the flow, wherein said maximum height is larger than said maximum width.

A method for manufacturing a device for controlling a flow of a gaseous fluid, the method comprising:

• providing a first electrode, the first electrode comprising at least a portion having a maximum height in a direction parallel to the direction of the flow and a maximum width in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the flow, and wherein said maximum height is larger than said maximum width;
• providing a second electrode, the second electrode comprising a portion which is formed as a flange extending in a plane parallel to a direction of the flow;
• and
• arranging the second electrode offset from the first electrode in the direction of the flow.

A method for controlling the flow of a gaseous fluid, the method comprising:

• providing a first electrode of a device, the first electrode comprising at least a portion having a maximum height in a direction parallel to the direction of the flow and a maximum width in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the flow, and wherein said maximum height is larger than said maximum width;
• providing a second electrode of the device, the second electrode comprising a portion which is formed as a flange extending in a plane parallel to a direction of the flow;
• arranging the second electrode offset from the first electrode in the direction of the flow.
• providing a gaseous fluid that contacts the first electrode of the device;
• and
• applying an electric potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.