ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC INDUCTION PUMPING THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

An electrohydrodynamic induction pumping thermal energy transfer system (12) includes an outer conduit (16) and a plurality of inner conduits (18) disposed within the outer conduit (16). The system (12) also includes a plurality of conductors (30) disposed about a first surface (36) of at least one of the inner conduits (18). The plurality of conductors (30) is disposed in a spaced apart relationship to each other and extends longitudinally along the inner conduit (18). The system (12) further includes a power supply (38) coupled to the plurality of conductors (30). The power supply (38) is operable to induce an electric travelling wave along the first surface of the inner conduit (18) to enhance thermal energy transfer between a fluid disposed within the outer conduit (16) and the inner conduit (18) by inducing longitudinal pumping of a liquid phase of the fluid in contact with the first surface of the inner conduit (18) along the first surface of the inner conduit (18).