An analysis of parameters affecting volumetric airflow and efficiency of an ionic air moving device
WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Aaron Wayne Griffin (Creator)
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Michael June
Abstract: Ionic airflow is a phenomenon that is observed when a high electric potential is supplied to at least two electrodes classified as an emitter and a collector. The emitter has a sharp geometric profile such as a needle or thin wire. The collector has a smooth, blunt geometric profile such as a flat plate or ring with sufficient thickness and rounded edges. Air molecules are ionized once high electric potential is supplied. As ionized molecules collide with uncharged molecules in close proximity to the sharp electrode, steady air flow is generated due to transfer of momentum. Ionic air moving devices have the potential to replace fans and blowers, however, they are rarely utilized due to their low efficiency. These devices are of great interest to industry for electronic cooling applications due to their lack of moving parts and potentially silent operation. Previous research has demonstrated that device efficiency and airflow volume can be increased by varying parameters such as: the number of ionization sites, the distance between the ionization sites and the collector, the height of the collector, and the amount of supplied electric potential. In this study, an analysis of parameters including collector material, collector shape, and number of collectors has been conducted. The ionic air moving device parameters were evaluated through the use of a DOE (Design of Experiments) to determine their statistical significance related to volumetric airflow output. Additional investigation was performed to determine the effect of the device parameters on the overall efficiency. Results indicate that collector material, and collector shape have a statistically significant effect on volumetric airflow output. It was also observed that collector material, collector shape, and number of collectors have some effect on overall device efficiency. Further research focused on ionic air moving device parameters will need to be conducted in order to justify device implementation as a practical standalone electronics-cooling device. By optimizing device parameters, ionic air moving device efficiency could be increased to a level that would support their utilization for practical applications.
Ionic Air Moving Device
Ionized air
Ionization -- Equipment and supplies