Negative corona discharge and flow characteristics of a two-stage needle-to-ring configuration ionic wind pump for temperature and relative humidity

Ionic wind pumps have the advantages of a compact structure, no moving parts, and low power consumption. The effects of temperature and humidity on the current–voltage and flow characteristics of ionic wind pumps are still unclear. This study experimentally investigates the effects of temperature and humidity on the breakdown voltage, discharge current, and velocity of a two-stage needle-to-ring type ionic wind pump with a negative corona discharge. It is found that the coupling effects of temperature, humidity, and water vapor condensation determine the current–voltage and flow characteristics of ionic wind pumps. The temperature and vapor condensation effects can enhance the discharge current and outlet velocity and weaken the breakdown voltage. However, the humidity effect can weaken the discharge current and outlet velocity, and improve the breakdown voltage. Moreover, there exists a competition between humidity and vapor condensation effects on breakdown voltage, current, and velocity. The increase in temperature intensifies the humidity effect and weakens the condensation effect; thus, the temperature changes the contribution of humidity and condensation effects in the competition. A working spectrum of ionic wind is provided in the temperature and humidity coupling environment, including a vapor condensation-controlled zone, a sensitive humidity zone for breakdown voltage and velocity, and an insensitive humidity zone for breakdown voltage and velocity. The spectrum can provide theoretical guidance for designing ionic wind pumps at different temperatures and humidity.