Auxiliary electrodes for enhanced electrostatic discharge

Abstract

In general, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses that achieve high gas flow rates through the use of an electrostatic pump. According to some aspects, the present invention relates to additional, auxiliary electrodes that generate increased ion current at lower voltages, which leads to greater pumping power than a corona wind discharge. According to further aspects, the invention provides for a directional emission of the ions. This eliminates the back flow of ions and improves the electro-fluid power conversion efficiency and pumping performance. According to yet further aspects, the invention enables the electrodes to be fabricated directly on a dielectric substrate, making the system mechanically rugged and easily fabricated.

1 . An electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
 one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near a primary sharp electrode in a sharp/blunt electrode pair,   wherein the electrode pair is configured such that when an electric field is applied between them, a partial breakdown of the gas between them occurs near the primary sharp electrode, which produces ions that are attracted to the blunt electrode,   and wherein electric power applied to the one or more auxiliary electrodes is applied independently of the electric field applied to the electrode pair,   and wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to direct the produced ions in a desired direction.   
   
   
       2 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to provide seed electrons for an electron avalanche near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       3 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to establish a weak corona near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are disposed in an upstream direction from the primary sharp electrode with respect to the desired direction. 
   
   
       6 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the blunt electrode is integrally formed in a fin of a heat sink. 
   
   
       7 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the blunt electrode has a contoured edge facing the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       8 . An electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
 a primary sharp electrode;   a blunt electrode integrally formed in a fin of a heat sink; and   one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near the primary sharp electrode,   wherein the primary sharp and blunt electrodes are configured such that when an electric field is applied between them, a partial breakdown of the gas between them occurs near the primary sharp electrode, which produces ions that are attracted to the blunt electrode,   and wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to enhance the ion production.   
   
   
       9 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to provide seed electrons for an electron avalanche near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       10 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to establish a weak corona near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       11 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to direct the produced ions in a desired direction. 
   
   
       12 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the blunt electrode has a contoured edge facing the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       13 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the primary sharp electrode and one or more auxiliary electrodes are disposed on a common substrate. 
   
   
       14 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the substrate is contoured to partially shroud the primary sharp electrode and one or more auxiliary electrodes so that ion current is constrained in a desired direction. 
   
   
       15 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the substrate is substantially flat with opposing surfaces and wherein the primary sharp electrode is disposed on an opposite surface from the one or more auxiliary electrodes. 
   
   
       16 . An EHD apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the primary sharp electrode is comprised of a wire, and wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes comprises a conductor surrounded by a dielectric disposed substantially parallel to the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       17 . A heat sink, comprising:
 a plurality of separated fins; and   an electrostatic hydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus comprising:
 a primary sharp electrode, 
 a plurality of blunt electrodes integrally formed in respective ones of the fins, 
 one or more auxiliary electrodes disposed near the primary sharp electrode, 
 a voltage source coupled to the primary sharp and blunt electrodes for establishing an electric field between them, and 
 an auxiliary voltage source coupled to the one or more auxiliary electrodes, 
 wherein the auxiliary voltage source is controlled independently from the voltage source so as to enhance ions produced between the primary and blunt electrodes. 
   
   
   
       18 . A heat sink according to  claim 17 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to provide seed electrons for an electron avalanche near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       19 . A heat sink according to  claim 17 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to establish a weak corona near the primary sharp electrode. 
   
   
       20 . A heat sink according to  claim 17 , wherein the one or more auxiliary electrodes are configured to direct the produced ions in admired direction.