A novel discharge-induced airflow device with low voltage operation

A novel low-voltage-operation method to yield surface airflow with electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force is proposed. The experimental results show (1) airflow near the device surface, (2) purple glow by surface discharge, and (3) instant transfer of electric charge among three linear electrodes where the supplied voltages generate strong electric field. The velocity of airflow is 2.0m/s at maximum. The observed charge transfer among the electrodes can be explained to correspond to formation of “wall charge” above the device surface. This fact indicates that the airflow is induced by EHD force based on discharged particle, asymmetric distribution of wall charge, and strong electric field in the vicinity of the device surface.