Effect of emitting electrode number on the performance of EHD gas pump in a rectangular channel

Previous studies have shown that electric field in the form of corona wind can be used for gas pumping. It has also been shown that the maximal volume flow rate can be achieved by an optimal design and arrangement of electrode(s) involved. In this study, the number of emitting electrodes has been considered for its effects on the pump performance. To seek the relation between the electrode number and pump performance, an EHD gas pump with three configurations (4, 12, and 28 emitting electrodes) is critically evaluated by experimental measurements and numerical simulations. ► Performance of an EHD gas pump with 3 configurations has been critically evaluated. ► EHD-induced air velocity increases with an increase in the applied voltage. ► The induced airflow reveals a reversed parabolic velocity profile inside the channel. ► EHD gas pump with 4 emitting electrodes induces more flow than others at low voltages. ► The EHD gas pump proposed is more effective than most conventional fans.