Abstract
Background: Fluid flow control techniques gained many advantages when, under the newly coined name fluidics, were found ways of operating without moving or deformed mechanical components. In particular, it became possible to handle fluid motion at very small scales and/or high frequencies. The control signals upon which this motion depends, are often produced by microelectronic devices, also operating without moving components. The transducers from electric to fluidic signals and actions, especially if the latter operate with air, however, cannot so far avoid two-stage indirect conversion, with intermediate mechanical motions of components which are difficult to manufacture, have limited life, and are slow due to mechanical parts inertia.
Objective: Development of transducer for direct electric control of flow of air, circumventing the fact that air is electrically neutral and therefore not influenced by voltage or electric current and therefore not influenced by applied voltage or electric current.
Methods: The solution is achieved by using ionic wind generated by non-thermal plasma discharge inside cavities the configuration of which correspond to a fluidic bistable diverter amplifier. By using the Coanda effect, the jet of air remains alternatively attached to one of the two attachment walls so that the ionic wind only briefly switches the jet between them.
Results: Laboratory models of an electric-to-fluidic transducer were demonstrated to operate reliably with the input electric switching signal voltage increased in a transformer (inexpensive because mass produced for other purposes). The absence of inertia of mechanical components made it possible to operate at quite high switching frequency (above 100 Hz).
Conclusion: Patent covering various alternative transducer configurations based on the ionic wind idea was recently grated to the present authors - unfortunately valid only within the boundaries of the Czech Republic.
Keywords: Fluidics, plasma, ionic wind, dielectric barrier, fluidic amplifier, Coanda effect.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Experimental, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Intelligent Computing Techniques on Complex Multiphase Flow Problems
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Intelligent computing are very emerging technology in various industrial applications. Multiphase flow problems are very dominant in hydro as well as power plants, mining, marine, cementing, food processing, and ore-processing industries. Multiphase flows include gas-solid as well as liquid-solid flows. The solid like ores, ash, ...read more
Advanced materials for energy production, transmission, and utilization
Hydrogen storage and production materials: Developing high-performance hydrogen generation and storage materials, as well as researching the mechanism of hydrogen-material interaction. The emphasis for supercapacitors is on carbon-based materials derived from various biomass carbonization methods, as well as carbon-containing electrode materials such as metal sulfide, oxides, and other similar compounds. ...read more
Advancements in Machine Learning for Medical Applications in Material Science
The fusion of machine learning with medical applications and material science has ushered in a new era of innovation, offering transformative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. "Advancements in Machine Learning for Medical Applications in Material Science," a special issue, serves as a crucible for exploring the remarkable synergy between these ...read more
Computational Methods in Engineering
In recent decades, computational methods have revolutionized the field of engineering, playing a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and innovation across various disciplines. This proposed thematic issue aims to explore and showcase the latest advancements, challenges, and applications of computational methods in engineering. As technology continues to evolve, computational ...read more
Related Books
Intelligent Technologies for Automated Electronic Systems
Modern Radio Signals Filtering Devices Methods, Technologies, & Structures
Functional Bio-based Materials for Regenerative Medicine: From Bench to Bedside (Part 2)
Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Applications
Multistage Interconnection Network Design for Engineers
Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Applications
Semi-rotary and Linear Actuators for Compressed Air Energy Storage and Energy Efficient Pneumatic Applications
Waste Valorization for Value-added Products
One-Dimensional Transient Flow in Pipelines Modelling and Simulation
Principles of Automation and Control
28
3