Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumps

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumps have been investigated in theoretical and experimental studies. In general, EHD pumps contain no moving parts. They generate pressure gradients and/or flows in dielectric liquids via any of a variety of interactions between (1) applied electric fields and (2) free and/or bound electric charges in the liquids. Like a related prior device denoted an EHD ion-drag pump, an EHD conduction pump exploits interactions with free charges in liquids, but unlike an ion-drag pump, a conduction pump functions without direct injection of electric charges into the liquid. In the absence of direct injection, EHD conduction pumps are the only EHD devices that can pump isothermal liquids. EHD conduction pumps could be suitable for use as compact, low-power-consumption pumps to enhance flows and thus heat-transfer rates in heat pipes and capillary-pumped loops.