Flow Characteristics in a Channel With Corona Wind Generator

Electrohydrodynamically induced flows have shown great potential for many engineering applications. Previous studies have revealed that a corona wind generator can be used to enhance flow transport in a channel. In this study, a corona wind generator with emitting wire electrodes flush mounted on the channel walls is considered for a wide range of operating conditions. Specifically, three configurations of the generator (with 4, 12, and 28 pins of emitting electrodes) are evaluated for their effectiveness in delivering the air flow. To investigate the flow characteristics inside a square channel, three-dimensional governing equations for electric and flow fields are numerically solved. The corona current is first measured experimentally and used in the numerical calculations. Numerical predictions on the velocity profile of corona-induced air flows as well as the volume flow rate delivered have been successfully verified by experimental results.