Experimental study of EHD conduction pumping at the meso- and micro-scale

Electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping can generate flow in many dielectric liquids. Studies to-date have focused on macro-scale devices with applied voltages on the order of 10 kV. Conduction pumping generation depends primarily on the intensity of the imposed electric field, so the magnitude of the applied voltage can be significantly reduced in micro-scale pumps. The simplicity of conduction pumps makes them well-suited for pressure generation in micro-scale fluid and heat transfer devices. This experimental study examines the flow and pressure generation of two conduction micro-pumps embedded within rectangular meso- and micro-channels.

► Experimental study of electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping at the meso- and micro-scale. ► Rectangular fluid channels with flushed electrodes at the wall, 50 μm minimum between electrodes. ► Pump flow and pressure generation characteristics were measured and found to be significant. ► Measured flow rates suggest suitability for pumping of coolant in micro-scale thermal systems.