Flow distribution control in meso scale via electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping technology offers an innovative way to control flow distribution in multi-scale environments. In EHD conduction, the interaction between a strong electrical field and dissociated electrolyte species generates a net body force and therefore a net flow in a dielectric fluid. EHD conduction pumps have simple designs with no moving parts, low power consumption, and the ability to operate in microgravity. These pumps perform better at smaller scales and have been proven effective for heat transfer enhancement, with possible applications in electronics cooling both terrestrially and in space. Flow distribution control using EHD conduction pumps was previously examined only in macro scale. This study experimentally and numerically examines isothermal liquid flow distribution control among 1mm in diameter parallel tubes utilizing EHD conduction pumps in meso-scale. The working fluid is Novec 7600 Engineering Fluid operated at ambient conditions.