Electrostatic fluid accelerator for and method of controlling a fluid flow

An electrostatic fluid accelerator includes a first number of corona electrodes and a second number of accelerating electrodes spaced apart from and parallel to adjacent ones of the corona electrodes. An electrical power source is connected to supply the corona and accelerating electrodes with an operating voltage to produce a high intensity electric field in an inter-electrode space between the corona electrodes and the accelerating electrodes. The accelerating electrodes may be made of a high electrical resistivity material, each of the electrodes having mutually perpendicular length and height dimension oriented transverse to a desired fluid flow direction and a width dimension oriented parallel to the desired fluid flow direction. A length of the electrodes in a direction transverse to a desired fluid flow direction is greater than a width of the electrodes parallel to the fluid flow direction, and the width of the electrodes is at least ten times a height of the electrodes in a direction transverse to both the desired fluid flow direction and to the length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device for accelerating, and thereby imparting velocity and momentum to a fluid, and particularly to the use of corona discharge technology to generate ions and electrical fields especially through the use of ions and electrical fields for the movement and control of fluids such as air, other fluids, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

A number of patents (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,847 by Shannon, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,766 by Spurgin) describe ion generation using an electrode (termed the “corona electrode”), accelerating and, thereby, accelerating the ions toward another electrode (termed the “accelerating”, “collecting” or “target” electrode), thereby imparting momentum to the ions in a direction toward the accelerating electrode. Collisions between the ions and an intervening fluid, such as surrounding air molecules, transfer the momentum of the ions to the fluid inducing a corresponding movement of the fluid to achieve an overall movement in a desired fluid flow direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 of Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,564 of Weinberg, U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,977 of Taylor, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,745 of Sakakibara, et al. also describe air movement devices that accelerate air using an electrostatic field. Air velocity achieved in these devices is very low and is not practical for commercial or industrial applications.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,812,711 and 5,077,500 of Torok et al. describe the use of Electrostatic Air Accelerators (EFA) having a combination of different electrodes placed at various locations with respect to each other and different voltage potentials. These EFAs use a conductive or high resistance electrode material to conduct an electrical corona current.

Unfortunately, none of these devices is able to produce a commercially viable amount of the airflow. Varying relative location of the electrodes with respect to each other provides only a limited improvement in EFA performance and fluid velocity. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,711 reports generating an air velocity of only 0.5 m/s, far below that expected of and available from commercial fans and blowers.

Accordingly, a need exists for a practical electrostatic fluid accelerator capable of producing commercially useful flow rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addresses several deficiencies in the prior art limitations on airflow and the general inability to attain theoretical optimal performance. One of these deficiencies includes a limited ability to produce a substantial fluid flow suitable for commercial use. Another deficiency is a necessity for large electrode structures (other than the corona electrodes) to avoid generating a high intensity electric field. Using physically large electrodes further increases fluid flow resistance and limits EFA capacity and efficiency.

Still other problem arises when an EFA operates near or at maximum capacity, i.e., with some maximum voltage applied and power consumed. In this case, the operational voltage applied is characteristically maintained near a dielectric breakdown voltage such that undesirable electrical events may result such as sparking and/or arcing. Still a further disadvantage may result if unintended contact is made with one of the electrodes, potentially producing a substantial current flow through a person that is both unpleasant and often dangerous.

Still another problem arises using thin wires typically employed as corona electrodes. Such wires must be relatively thin (usually about 0.004″ in diameter) and are fragile and therefore difficult to clean or otherwise handle.

Still another problem arises when a more powerful fluid flow is necessary or desirable (e.g., higher fluid flow rates). Conventional multiple stage arrangements result in a relatively low electrode density (and, therefore, insufficient maximum achievable power) since the corona electrodes must be located at a minimum distance from each other in order to avoid mutual interference to their respective electrical fields. The spacing requirement increases volume and limits electrode density.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an innovative solution to increase fluid flow by using an innovative electrode geometry and optimized mutual electrode location (i.e., inter-electrode geometry) by the use of a high resistance material in the construction and fabrication of accelerating electrodes.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of corona electrodes and accelerating electrodes are positioned parallel to each other, some of the electrodes extending between respective planes perpendicular to an airflow direction. The corona electrodes are made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal or a conductive ceramic. The corona electrodes may be in the shape of thin wires, blades or strips. It should be noted that a corona discharge takes place at the narrow area of the corona electrode, these narrow areas termed here as “ionizing edges”. These edges are generally located at the downstream side of the corona electrodes with respect to a desired fluid flow direction. Other electrodes (e.g., accelerating electrodes) are in the shape of bars or thin strips that extend in a primary direction of fluid flow. Generally the number of the corona electrodes is equal to the number of the accelerating electrodes ±1. That is, each corona electrode is located opposite and parallel to one or two adjacent accelerating electrodes.

Accelerating electrodes are made of high resistance material that provides a high resistance path, i.e., are made of a high resistivity material that readily conducts a corona current without incurring a significant voltage drop across the electrode. For example, the accelerating electrodes are made of a relatively high resistance material, such as carbon filled plastic, silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, boron nitride, silicon carbide, cadmium selenide, etc. These materials should typically have a specific resistivity ρ in the range of 103to 109′Ω-cm and, more preferably, between 105to 108′Ω-cm with a more preferred range between 106and 107′Ω-cm.)

At the same time, a geometry of the electrodes is selected so that a local event or disturbance, such as sparking or arcing, may be terminated without significant current increase or sound being generated.

The present invention increases EFA electrode density (typically measured in ‘electrode length’-per-volume) and significantly decreases aerodynamic fluid resistance caused by the electrode as related to the physical thickness of the electrode. An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides virtually spark-free operation irrespective of how near an operational voltage applied to the electrodes approaches an electrical dielectric breakdown limit. Still an additional advantage of the present invention is the provision of a more robust corona electrode shape making the electrode more sturdy and reliable. The design of the electrode makes it possible to make a “trouble-free” EFA, e.g., one that will not present a safety hazard if unintentionally touched.

Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is the use of electrodes using other than solid materials for providing a corona discharge. For example, a conductive fluid may be efficiently employed for the corona discharge emission, supporting greater power handling capabilities and, therefore, increased fluid velocity. In addition fluid may alter electrochemical processes in the vicinity of the corona discharge sheath and generate, for example, less ozone (in case of air) than might be generated by a solid corona material or provide chemical alteration of passing fluid (for instantaneous, harmful gases destruction).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of EFA device100including wire-like corona electrodes102(three are shown for purposes of the present example although other numbers may be included, a typical device having ten or hundreds of electrodes in appropriate arrays to provide a desired performance) and accelerating electrodes109(two in the present simplified example). Each of the accelerating electrodes109includes a relatively high resistance portion103and a low resistance portion108. High resistance portion portions103have a specific resistivity ρ within a range of 101to 109′Ω-cm and, more preferably, between 105and 108′Ω-cm with a more preferred range between 106and 107′Ω-cm.

All the electrodes are shown in cross section. Thus corona electrodes102are in the form or shape of thin wires, while accelerating electrodes109are in the shape of bars or plates. “Downstream” portions of corona electrodes102closest to accelerating electrodes109form ionizing edges110. Corona electrodes102as well as low resistance portion108of accelerating electrodes109are connected to opposite polarity terminals of high voltage power supply (HVPS)101via wire conductors104and105. Low resistance portion108has a specific resistivity ρ≦104′Ω-cm and preferably, no greater than 1 ′Ω-cm and, even more preferably, no greater than 0.1 ′Ω-cm. EFA100produces a fluid flow in a desired fluid flow direction shown by the arrow107.

HVPS101is configured to generate a predetermined voltage between electrodes102and collecting electrodes109such that an electric field is formed in between the electrodes. This electric field is represented by the dotted flux lines schematically shown as106. When the voltage exceeds a so-called “corona onset voltage,” a corona discharge activity is initiated in the vicinity of corona electrodes102, resulting in a corresponding ion emission process from corona electrodes102.

The corona discharge process causes fluid ions to be emitted from corona electrodes102and accelerated toward accelerating electrodes109along and following the electric field lines106. The corona current, in the form of free ions and other charged particulates, approaches the closest ends of accelerating electrodes109. The corona current then flows along the path of lowest electrical resistance through the electrodes as opposed to some high resistance path of the surrounding fluid. Since high resistance portion103of accelerating electrodes109has a lower resistance that the surrounding ionized fluid, a significant portion of the corona current flows through the body of the accelerating electrodes109, i.e., through high resistance portion103to low resistance portion108, the return path to HVPS101completed via connecting wire105. As the electric current flows along the width (seeFIG. 1) of high resistance portion103(parallel to the main direction of airflow107a voltage drop Vd is produced along the current path). This voltage drop is proportional to the corona current Ic times a resistance R of high resistance portion103(ignoring, for the moment, resistance of low resistance portion108and connecting wires). Then actual voltage applied Va between corona wires102and the respective closest ends of the accelerating electrodes109is less than output voltage Vout of the HVPS101due to the resistance induced voltage drop, i.e.,
Va=Vout−Vd=Vout−Ic*R(1).

Note that the corona current is non-linearly proportional to the voltage Vabetween corona electrodes102and the ends of accelerating electrodes109, i.e., current increases more rapidly than does voltage. The voltage-current relationship may be approximated by the empirical expression:
Ic=k1*(Va−Vo)1.5,  (2)
where Vo=corona onset voltage and k1=is an empirically determined coefficient. This non-linear relation provides a desirable feedback that, in effect, automatically controls the value of the resultant voltage appearing across the electrodes, Va, and prevents, minimizes, mitigates or alleviates disturbances and irregularities of the corona discharge. Note that the corona discharge process is considered “irregular” by nature (i.e., “unpredictable”), the corona current value depending on multiple environmental factors subject to change, such as temperature, contamination, moisture, foreign objects, etc. If for some reason the corona current becomes greater at one location of an inter-electrode space than at some other location, a voltage drop Vdalong the corresponding high resistance portion103will be greater and therefore actual voltage Vaat this location will be lower. This, in turn, limits the corona current at this location and prevents or minimizes sparking or arcing onset.

The following example is presented for illustrative purposes using typical component values as might be used in one embodiment of the invention. In one of the embodiment of EFA100, as schematically shown in theFIG. 1, a corona onset voltage is assumed to be equal to 8.6 kV to achieve a minimum electric field strength of 30 kV/cm in the vicinity of the corona electrodes102. This value may be determined by calculation, measurement, or otherwise and is typical of a corona onset value for a corona/accelerating electrode spacing of 10 mm and a corona electrode diameter of 0.1 mm. The total resistance Rtotalof high resistance portion103for of accelerating electrodes109is equal to 0.5 M ′Ω while the width of high resistance portion103along airflow direction107(seeFIG. 1) is equal to 1 inch. The length of accelerating electrodes109transverse to the direction of airflow (i.e., into the drawing plane) is equal to 24 inches. Therefore, for each inch of accelerating electrodes109has a resistivity Rinch
Rinch=Rtotal*24=12 M′Ω

Empirical coefficient k1for this particular design is equal to 22*10−6. At an applied voltage Vaequal to 12.5 kV the corona current Icis equal to
Ic=4.6×10−9*(12,500V−8,600V)1.5=1.12 mA.
The corona current Ic/inchflowing through each inch of the semiconductor portion103however is equal to
1.12 mA/24 inches=47 μA/inch.
Thus, the voltage drop Vdacross this one-inch length of semiconductor portion103is equal to
Vd=47*10−6A*12*106′Ω=564V.
Voutfrom HVPS101is equal to the sum of voltage Vaapplied to the electrodes and the voltage drop Vdacross semiconductor portion103of accelerating electrode109as follows:
Vout=12,500+564=13,064V.
If, for some reason, the corona current at some local area increases to, for example, twice the fully distributed value of 47 μA/inch so that it is equal to 94 μA at some point, the resultant voltage drop Vdwill reflect this change and be equal to 1,128 V (i.e., Vd=94×10−6μA*12×106′Ω). Then Va=Vout−Vd=13,064−1,128=11,936V. Thus the increased voltage drop Vddampens the actual voltage level at the local area and limits the corona current at this area. According to formula (2) the corona current Icthrough this one inch length may be expressed as 4.6*10−9(11,936 −8,600V)1.5/24 inches=0.886 mA as opposed to 1.12 mA. This “negative feedback” effect thereby operates to restore normal EFA operation even in the event of some local irregularities. In an extreme situation of a short circuit caused by, for example, a foreign object coming within the inter-electrode space (e.g., dust, etc.), the maximum current through the circuit is effectively limited by the resistance of the local area at which the foreign object contacts the electrodes.

Let us consider a foreign object like a finger or screwdriver shorting together two electrodes, i.e., providing a relatively low resistance (in comparison to the electrical resistance of the intervening fluid) electrical path between corona electrode102and accelerating electrode109. It may be reasonably assumed that current will flow through an area having a width that is approximately equal to the width of high resistivity portion103, i.e., 1 inch. Therefore, the foreign object may cause a maximum current flow Imaxequal to
Imax=Vout/Rtotal=13,064V/12*106′Ω=1.2 mA
that is just slightly greater than the nominal operational current 1.12 mA. Such a small increase in current should not cause any electrical shock danger or generate any unpleasant sounds (e.g., arcing and popping noises). At the same time maximum operational current of the entire EFA is limited to:
Imax=13,064V/0.5M ′Ω=26 mA
a value sufficient to produce a powerful fluid flow, e.g., at least 100 ft3/min. Should the accelerating electrodes be made of metal or another material with a relatively low resistivity (e.g., ρ≦104′106-cm, preferably ρ≦1 Ω-cm and more preferably ρ≦10−1Ω-cm), the short circuit current would be limited only by the maximum power (i.e., maximum current capability) of HVPS101and/or by any energy stored in its output filter (e.g., filter capacitor) and thereby present a significant shock hazard to a user, produce an unpleasant “snapping” or “popping” sound caused by sparking and/or generate electromagnetic disturbances (e.g., radio frequency interference or rfi). In general, the specific resistance characteristics and geometry (length versus width ratio) of high resistivity portion103is selected to provide trouble-free operation while not imposing current limits on EFA operation. This is achieved by providing a comparatively large ratio (preferably if at least ten) between (i) the total length of the accelerating electrode (size transverse to the main fluid flow direction) and (ii) accelerating electrode to its width (size along with fluid flow direction). Generally the length of an electrode should be greater than a width of that electrode. Optimal results may be achieved by providing multiple accelerating electrodes and preferably a number of accelerating electrodes equal to within plus or minus one of the number of corona electrodes, depending on the location and configuration of the electrodes. Note that whileFIG. 1shows two accelerating electrodes and three corona electrodes for purposes of illustration, other electrode configurations might well include three of four accelerating electrodes facing the same three corona electrodes, or comprise other numbers and configurations of alternative electrode configurations.

It should also be considered that localized excessive current may lead to deterioration of the high resistivity material. This is particularly true should a foreign body become lodged between electrodes for some extended period of time (e.g., more than a few milliseconds prior to being cleared). To prevent electrode damage and related failures due to an overcurrent condition, the HVPS may be equipped with a current sensor or other device capable of detecting such an overcurrent event and promptly interrupting power generation or otherwise inhibiting current flow. After a predetermined reset or rest period of time Toff, power generation may be restored for some minimum predetermined time period Tonsufficient for detection of any remaining or residual short circuit condition. If the short circuit condition persists, the HVPS may be shut down or otherwise disabled, again for at least the time period Toff. Thus, if the overcurrent problem persists, in order to ensure safe operation of the EFA and longevity of the electrodes, HVPS101may continue this on-off cycling operation for some number of cycles with Toffsubstantially greater (e.g., ten times or longer) than Ton. Note that, in certain cases, the cycling will have the effect of clearing certain shorting conditions without requiring manual intervention.

FIG. 2depicts another embodiment of an EFA with accelerating electrodes having high resistivity portions. The primary distinction between EFA100shown in the FIG.1and EFA200is that, in the latter, low resistivity portions208are completely contained within high resistivity portions203of accelerating electrodes209(i.e., are fully encapsulated by the surrounding high resistivity material). This modification provides at least two advantages to this embodiment of the invention. First, fully encapsulating low resistivity portions208within high resistivity portion203enhances safety of the EFA by preventing unintentional or accidental direct contact with the high voltage “hot” terminals of HVPS201. Secondly, the configuration forces the corona current to flow through a greater portion or volume of high resistivity portion203instead of merely a surface region. While surface conductivity for most high resistivity materials (e.g., plastic or rubber) is of the same order as volume (i.e., internal) conductivity, it may dramatically differ (e.g., change over time possibly increasing by several orders of magnitude) due to progressive surface contamination and degradation.

The EFA has an inherent ability to collect particles present in a fluid at the surface of the accelerating electrodes. When some amount or quantity of particles is collected or otherwise accumulate on the accelerating electrodes, the particles may cover the surface of the electrode with a contiguous solid layer of contaminants, e.g., a continuous film. The electrical conductivity of this layer of contaminants may be higher that of the conductivity of the high resistivity material itself. In such a case, the corona current may flow through this contaminant layer and compromise the advantages provided by the high resistivity material. EFA200ofFIG. 2avoids this problem by fully encapsulating low resistivity portion208within high resistivity portion203. Note that low resistivity portion208need not be continuous or have any point in direct contact with the supply terminals of HVPS201or conductive wire205providing power from HVPS201. Is should be appreciated that a primary function of these conductive parts is to counterpoise the electric potential along the length of the accelerating electrodes209, i.e., distribute the current so that high resistivity portion203in contact with low resistivity portion208are maintained at some equipotential. If in addition, corona electrodes202(including ionizing edges210) are grounded, there is a substantially reduced or nonexistent opportunity for inadvertent or accidental exposure to dangerous current levels that may result in injury and/or electrocution by high operating voltages, this because there is no “hot” potential to touch throughout the structure.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram of an EFA assembly300with corona electrodes302(preferably formed as longitudinally oriented wires having ionizing edges310) and accelerating electrodes303consisting of a plurality of horizontally stacked high resistivity bars each with a different resistivity value decreasing along the width of the accelerating electrode. Accelerating electrodes303are made of several segments308through312each in intimate contact with its immediately adjacent neighbor(s). Each of these segments is made of a material or otherwise engineered to have a different specific resistivity value ρn. It has been determined that when the specific resistivity gradually decreases in a direction toward the HVPS301terminal connection (i.e., degressively from segment308to309,311and312) the resultant electric field is more uniform in terms of linearity with respect to the main direction of fluid flow. Note that inFIGS. 1 and 2the electric field lines depicted between corona electrodes102/202and acceleration electrodes103/203are not perfectly parallel to the main direction of fluid flow but are curved. This curvature causes ions and other charged particles to be accelerated over a range of directions thereby decreasing EFA efficiency. By having a progression of accelerating electrode resistivity values it has been found that ion trajectory is brought into alignment with the main direction of fluid flow particularly as the corona current reaches some maximum value. Also note that while accelerator electrodes303are depicted for purposes of illustration as comprising a number of discrete segments of respective resistivity values ρn, resistivity values may be made to continuously vary over the width of the electrode. Gradual resistivity variation over the width may be achieved by a number of processes including, for example, ion implantation of suitable impurity materials at appropriately varying concentration levels to achieve a gradual increase or decrease in resistivity.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare schematic diagrams of still another embodiment of an EFA400in which accelerating electrodes403are made of a high resistivity material. While, for illustrative purposes,FIGS. 4A and 4Bdepict a particular number of corona electrodes402and accelerating electrodes403, respectively, other numbers and configurations may be employed consistent with various embodiments of the invention.

Accelerating electrodes403are made of thin strips or layers of one or more high resistivity materials. Corona electrodes402are made of a low resistivity material such as metal or a conductive ceramic. HVPS401is connected to corona electrodes402and accelerating electrodes403by conducting wires404and405. The geometry of corona electrodes402is in contrast to geometries wherein the electrodes are formed as needles or thin wires which are inherently more difficult to maintain and install and are subject to damage during the course of normal operation of the EFA. A downstream edge of each corona electrode402includes an ionizing edge410. As with other small objects, the thin wire typically used for corona electrodes is fragile and therefore not reliable. Instead, the present embodiment depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4Bprovides corona electrodes in the shape of relatively wide metallic strips. While these metal strips are necessarily thin at a corona discharge end so as to readily generate a corona discharge along a “downwind” edge thereof, the strips are relatively wide (in a direction along the airflow direction) and thereby less fragile than a correspondingly thin wire.

Another advantage of EFA400as depicted inFIG. 4Aincludes accelerating electrodes403that are substantially thinner than those used in prior systems. That is, prior accelerating electrodes are typically much thicker than the associated corona electrodes to avoid generation of an electric field around and about the edges of the accelerating electrodes. The configuration shown inFIG. 4Aminimizes or eliminates any electric field generation by accelerating electrodes403by placement of the edges of corona electrodes402(in the present illustration, the right “downwind” edges of the corona electrodes) counter or opposite to the flat surfaces of the accelerating electrodes403. That is, at least a portion of the main body of corona electrodes402extends downwind in a direction of desired fluid flow past a leading edge of accelerating electrodes403whereby an operative portion of corona electrodes402along a trailing edge thereof generates a corona discharge between and proximate the extended flat surfaces of accelerating electrodes403. This orientation and configuration provides an electric field strength in the vicinity of such flat surfaces that is substantially lower than the corresponding electric field strength formed about the trailing edge of corona electrodes402. Thus, a corona discharge is produced in the vicinity of the trailing edge of corona electrodes402and not at the surface of accelerating electrodes403.

Immediately upon initiation of a corona discharge, a corona current flows through the fluid to be accelerated (e.g., air, insulating liquid, etc.) located between corona electrodes402and accelerating electrodes403by the generation of ions and charged particles within the fluid and transfer of such charges along the body of accelerating electrodes403to HVPS401via conductive wire405. Since no current flows in the opposite direction (i.e., from accelerating electrodes403through the fluid to corona electrodes402), no back corona is produced. It has been further found that this configuration results in an electric field (represented by lines406) that is substantially more linear with respect to a direction of the desired fluid flow (shown by arrow407) than might otherwise be provided. The enhanced linearity of the electric field is caused by the voltage drop across accelerating electrodes403generating equipotential lines of the electric field that are transverse to the primary direction of fluid flow. Since the electric field lines are orthogonal to such equipotential lines, the electric field lines are more parallel to the direction of primary fluid flow.

Another advantage of EFA400as shown in theFIG. 4Ais provided by isolation of the active portions (i.e., right edges as depicted in the figure) of corona electrodes402from each other by the intervening structure of accelerating electrodes403. Thus, the corona electrodes “do not see” each other and therefore, in contrast to prior systems, corona electrodes402may be positioned in close proximity to one another (that is, in the vertical direction as depicted in FIG.4A). By employing the design features described in connection withFIG. 4A, two major obstacles to achieving substantial and greater fluid flows are avoided. A first of these obstacles is the high air resistance caused by the relatively thick fronted portions of typical accelerating electrodes. The present configuration provides for both corona and accelerating electrodes that have low drag geometries, that is, formed in aerodynamically “friendly” shapes. For example, these geometries provide a coefficient of drag Cd for air that is no greater than 1, preferably less than 0.1 and more preferably less than 0.01. The actual geometry or shape is necessarily dependent on the desired fluid flow and viscosity of the fluid to be accelerated these factors varying between designs.

A second obstacle overcome by the present embodiment of the invention is the resultant low density of electrodes possible due to conventional inter-electrode spacing requirements necessary according to and observed by prior configurations. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,711 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, depicts four corona electrodes spaced apart from each other by a distance of 50 mm. Not surprisingly, this relatively low density and small number of electrodes can accommodate only very low power levels with a resultant low level of fluid flow. In contrast, the present embodiments accommodate corona to attractor spacing of less than 10 mm and preferably less than 1 mm.

Still another configuration of electrodes is shown in connection with the EFA400of FIG.4B. In this case, corona electrodes402are placed a predetermined distance from accelerating electrodes403in a direction of the desired fluid flow as shown in arrow407. Again, the resultant electric field is substantially linear as depicted by the dashed lines emanating from corona electrodes402and directed to accelerating electrodes403. Note however, that with respect to the direction of the desired fluid flow, corona electrode402are not placed “in between” accelerating electrodes403.

An object of various embodiments of the present invention as depicted inFIG. 4Ais directed to achieve closer spacing of corona electrodes (i.e., a higher density of electrodes) consistent with current manufacturing technology than otherwise possible or implemented by other EFA devices. That is, extremely thin and short electrodes may be readily manufactured by a single manufacturing process or step consistent with, for example modem micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and related semiconductor technologies and capabilities. Referring again toFIG. 4A, it can be seen that adjacent corona electrodes402may be vertically spaced apart by a distance less than 1 mm or even only several μm from each other. The resultant increase in electrode density provides enhanced fluid acceleration and flow rates. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,711 describes a device capable of producing an air velocity of only 0.5 meters per second (m/sec). If, instead, the electrodes are spaced 1 mm apart, a 50 fold increase in electrode density and enhanced power capabilities may be achieved to provide a corresponding increase in air velocity, i.e., to about 25 m/sec or 5,000 ft/min. Further, several EFA stages may be placed in succession or tandem in a horizontal direction of desired fluid flow, each stage further accelerating the fluid as it passes through the successive stages. Each of the stages are located a predetermined distance from immediately adjacent stages, this distance determined by the maximum voltage applied to the opposing electrodes of each stage. In particular, when corona discharge and accelerating electrodes of a stage are placed closer together, less voltage is required to initiate and maintain a corona discharge. Therefore, entire stages of an EFA may be similarly placed closer to each other in view of the lower operating voltage used within each stage. This relationship results in a stage density in a horizontal direction that is approximately proportional to the electrode density (e.g., in a vertical direction) within a stage. Thus it can be expected that an electrode “vertical” density increase will provide a similar in “horizontal” density such that fluid flow acceleration is inversely proportional to the square of the inter-electrode distances.

The advantages achieved by various embodiments of the invention are attributable at least in part to use of a high resistivity material as part of the accelerating electrodes. The high resistivity material may comprise a relatively high resistance material, such as carbon filled plastic or rubber, silicon, germanium, tin, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, boron nitride, silicon carbide, cadmium selenide, etc. These materials should have a specific resistivity ρ in the range of 101to 1010′Ω-cm and, more preferably, between 104to 109′Ω-cm with a more preferred range between 106and 107′Ω-cm. Use of the high resistivity material supports enhanced electrode densities. For example, closely spaced, metal accelerating electrodes exhibit unstable operating characteristics producing a high frequency of sparking events. In contrast, high resistivity electrodes according to embodiments of the present invention produce a more linear electric field, to thereby minimize the occurrence of sparking and the generation of a back corona emanating from sharp edges of the accelerating electrodes. Elimination of the back corona may be understood with reference to FIG.4A.

Referring again toFIG. 4A, it can be shown that corona discharge events take place at or along the trailing or right edges of corona electrodes402but not along the leading or left edges of accelerating electrodes403. This is because of the voltage and electric field distribution produced by the corona discharge process. For example, the left edges of accelerating electrodes403are at least somewhat thicker than are the right edges of corona electrodes402, which are either thin or sharpened. Because the electric field near an electrode is approximately proportional to a thickness of the electrode, the corona discharge starts at the trailing edge of corona electrodes402. The resultant corona current then flows from the trailing edges of corona electrodes402to the high voltage terminal of HVPS401through two paths. A first path is through ionized portions of the fluid along the electric field depicted by lines406. A second path is through the body of accelerating electrodes403. The corona current, flowing through the body of accelerating electrodes403, results in a voltage drop along this body. This voltage drop progresses from the high voltage terminal as applied to the right edge of accelerating electrodes403toward the left edge of the electrode. As the corona current increases, a corresponding increase is exhibited in this voltage drop. When the output voltage of HVPS401reaches a level sufficient to initiate corona discharge along the left edge of accelerating electrodes403, the voltage drop at these edges is sufficiently high to dampen any voltage increase and prevent a corona discharge along the edge of the accelerating electrodes.

Other embodiments of the invention may decrease inter-electrode spacing to the order of, for example, several microns. At such spacing, a corona discharge condition may be initiated by relatively low voltages, the corona discharge being caused, not by the voltage itself, but by the high-intensity electric field generated by the voltage. This electric field strength is approximately proportional to the voltage applied and inversely proportional to the distance between the opposing electrodes. For example, a voltage of about 8 kV is sufficient to initiate a corona discharge with an inter-electrode spacing of approximately 1 cm. Decreasing the inter-electrode spacing by a factor of ten to 1 mm reduces the voltage required for corona discharge initiation to approximately 800V. Further reduction of inter-electrode spacing to 0.1 mm reduces the required corona initiation voltage to 80V, while 10 micron spacing requires only 8V to initiate a corona discharge. These lower voltages provide for closer inter-electrode spacing and spacing between each stage, thereby increasing total fluid acceleration several fold. As previously described, the increase is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the electrodes resulting in an overall increases of 100, 10,000 and 1,000,000 in air flow, respectively compared to a 1 cm spacing.

A further explanation of the benefits of use of a high resistivity electrode structure is explained with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B. Referring toFIG. 5A, EFA500includes corona electrode502and accelerating electrode503. Accelerating electrode503in turn, includes a low resistivity portion504and a high resistivity portion506. A corona current flows through an ionized fluid present between corona electrode502and accelerating electrode503(i.e., through the inter-electrode space) over a current path indicated by arrows505, the path continuing through high resistivity portion506of accelerating electrode503as indicated by the arrows. Upon the occurrence of a local disturbance, for example a spark event, a resultant discharge current is directed through a narrow path depicted by arrow507of FIG.5B. The current then proceeds along a wider path508across high resistivity portion506. Because the increase current flow emanates from a small region of acceleration electrode503, only gradually expanding outwardly over path508, the resulting resistance over path508is substantially higher than when such current is distributed over the entirety of high resistivity portion506. Thus, the spark or a pre-spark event signaled by an increased current flow is limited by the resistance along path508thereby limiting the current. If high resistivity portion506is selected to have a specific resistance and width to length ratio, any significant current increase can be avoided or mitigated. Such current increases may be caused by a number of events including the aforementioned electrical discharge or spark, presence of a foreign object (e.g., dust, insect, etc.) on or between the electrodes, screwdriver, or even a finger placed between and coming into contact with the electrodes.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.6. As shown, EFA600includes a comb-like high resistivity portion606of accelerating electrode603. Any localized event such as a spark clearly is restricted to flow over a small portion of attracting electrode603such as over a single or a small number of teeth near the event. A corona current associated with a normal operating condition is shown by arrows605. For example, an event such as a spark shown at arrows607and608is limited to flowing along finger or tooth606. The resistance over this path is sufficiently high to moderate any increase in current caused by the event. Note that performance is enhanced with increasing number of teeth rather than a selection of a width to length ratio. A typical width to length ratio of 1 to 0.1 may be appropriate with a more preferred ratio of 0.05 to 1 or less.

As described, embodiments of the present invention make it possible to use materials other than solids for producing a corona discharge or emission of ions. Generally, solid materials only “reluctantly” give up and produce ions thereby limiting EFA acceleration of a fluid. At the same time, many fluids, such as water, may release more ions if positioned and shaped to produce a corona discharge. For example, use of a conductive fluid as a corona emitting material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,751,715. Therein, a teardrop shaped container is described as a trough for containing a conductive fluid. The conductive fluid may be, for example, tap water or more preferably, an aqueous solution including a strong electrolyte such as NaCl, HNO3, NaOH, etc.FIG. 7shows the operation of an EFA according to an embodiment of the present invention in which EFA700includes five accelerating electrodes703and four corona electrodes702. All of these electrodes are shown in cross section. The corona electrodes each consist of narrow elongate non-conductive shells709made of an insulating material such as plastic or silicon with slots711formed at ionizing edge710in the trailing edge or right sides of the shells. The shells709of corona electrodes702are connected to a conductive fluid supply or reservoir, not shown, via an appropriate supply tube. Slots711formed in the trailing edge of corona electrodes702are sufficiently narrow so that fluid is contained within shells709by fluid molecular tension. Slots711may be equipped with sponge-like “stoppages” or nozzle portions to provide a constant, slow release of conductive fluid through the slot. HVPS701generates a voltage sufficient to produce a corona discharge such that conductive fluid708acts as a sharp-edged conductor and emits ions from the trailing edge of corona electrode702at slots711. Resultant ions of conductive fluid708migrate from slot711toward accelerating high resistivity electrodes703along an electric field represented by lines706. As fluid is consumed in production of the corona discharge, the fluid is replenished via shells709from an appropriate fluid supply or reservoir (not shown).

It should be noted and understood that all publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill in the art to which the invention pertains. All publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.