Electrohydrodynamic induction pumping thermal energy transfer system and method

Abstract

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