Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiplexed system for electrospraying cooling fluid to produce electrically charged droplets essentially uniform in size for cooling applications. The system comprise a preferably microfabricated fluid distributor consisting of multiple nozzles/atomizers from which the droplets are dispersed, an extractor electrode consisting in an electrically conductive plate with multiple holes coaxial with the nozzles and a third electrode consisting of either the surface to be cooled or another conductive material in contact with said surface. The system provides highly efficient cooling by avoiding the droplet rebound, when the charged droplets are pinned on the surface to be cooled by the electric image force. Testing of a prototype system demonstrated a heat flux removal of 96 W/cm2 with a remarkable cooling efficiency reaching 97%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiplex system for electrospraying an electrosprayable fluid to produce essentially uniform droplets in the cone-jet mode from multiple cone-jets anchored at the outlet of at least one atomizer when the at least one atomizer is in the presence of an electric field. The system comprises at least one electrode spaced from the outlet of the at least one atomizer such that the electric field is between the outlet of the at least one atomizer and the at least one electrode. The at least one atomizer is shaped for intensifying the electric field at discrete points at its outlet such that the electrosprayable fluid partitions into multiple monodispersed cone-jet electrosprays that anchor to the discrete points about the outlet of the at least one atomizer when a sufficiently intense electric field is present.

Abstract: A catalytic burner wherein a liquid fuel is evaporated prior to catalytic combustion by employing an electrosprayer. The catalytic burner can be made into an electrical generator by the use of a thermal to electrical energy conversion (TEEC) module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiplex system for electrospraying an electrosprayable fluid to produce essentially uniform droplets in the cone-jet mode from multiple cone-jets anchored at the outlet of at least one atomizer when the at least one atomizer is in the presence of an electric field. The system comprises at least one electrode spaced from the outlet of the at least one atomizer such that the electric field is between the outlet of the at least one atomizer and the at least one electrode. The at least one atomizer is shaped for intensifying the electric field at discrete points at its outlet such that the electrosprayable fluid partitions into multiple monodispersed cone-jet electrosprays that anchor to the discrete points about the outlet of the at least one atomizer when a sufficiently intense electric field is present.

Abstract: A catalytic burner wherein a liquid fuel is evaporated prior to catalytic combustion by employing an electrosprayer. The catalytic burner can be made into an electrical generator by the use of a thermal to electrical energy conversion (TEEC) module.

Abstract: An electrospray apparatus incorporating the invention includes a capillary with an exit for ejecting a fluid, and an electrode positioned downstream from the exit. A gas source is used to establish a region of gas, at least immediately about the exit. A voltage supply creates a potential difference between the capillary exit and the electrode, the potential difference being sufficient to both establish a cone jet mode of operation at the exit of the capillary, to ionize the region of gas about the exit and create a current flow between the exit and the electrode. The current flow exhibits an increased value upon the gas becoming ionized, thus enabling detection of the establishment of a corona. This action creates a corona-assisted cone jet mode of electrospray operation which enables the fluid to disperse into highly uniform sized particles. The preferred gas is carbon dioxide.