Abstract: Heat transfer devices are based on using one or more ionic pumps to circulate a dielectric working fluid around a closed circulation path, which may be contained in a conduit. The working fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The ionic pumps are disposed along the closed circulation path. The pumps include an emitter and collector. When a voltage is applied to the emitter, the working fluid is ionized at the emitter. The ionized fluid is drawn electrostatically to the lower-voltage collector, which, through collision with molecules that in turn impart their momentum, creates a flow of the working fluid. This approach may be used with either positive or negative corona devices.

Abstract: Emitter wires and collector pins of current ionic air flow generator designs are replaced by conductors joined to a dielectric substrate, such as metal deposited on the dielectric substrate. One conductor, which is shaped to form the emitter with sharp edges, is joined to one side of the dielectric substrate. Another conductor, which is shaped to form the collector with rounded edges, is joined to the opposite side of the dielectric substrate. The dielectric substrate is not solid. It is shaped with voids that form an air gap between the emitter and the collector. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the emitter, air is ionized at the emitter. The ionized air is drawn electrostatically to the lower-voltage collector, which, through collision with neutral molecules that in turn impart their momentum, creates a flow of air through the air gap.