Electric wind: Can this novel tech replace fossil fuels?

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Electric wind: Can this novel tech replace fossil fuels?

Electric wind: Can this novel tech replace fossil fuels?

Subheading text
Electric or ionic wind is being developed to produce clean energy to power aircraft engines and more.
    • Author:
    • Author name
      Quantumrun Foresight
    • December 30, 2022

    Insight summary

    Electric or ionic wind is a propulsion system that utilizes an electric field to create a thrust. This technology has several potential applications, including in aviation and agriculture. The current challenges in implementing this technology are primarily related to its efficiency and the voltage required for operation.

    Electric wind context

    Wind can be generated in two ways: the first is by natural causes, such as changes in pressure or temperature, and the second is by ions. In 1920, ionic wind was first identified, and in the 1960s, it was developed and created by electricity. Sometimes referred to as electro-aerodynamic thrust, ionic wind is generated when electric current moves between two electrodes of different widths.

    Generally, between 10,000 and 30,000 volts is enough to produce electric wind. If there is enough voltage, the electrodes can generate enough energy to power a small plane. However, this method has not been commonly used because it was mainly limited to experiments with little chance of being put into practical use.

    Most ionic wind experiments have focused on aircraft propulsion as a possible replacement for fossil fuels. A critical part of an ionic flight mechanism is using very light batteries that can discharge a lot of power for a long time. However, the problem with electro-aerodynamics is how to create huge differences in voltage without building expensive systems.

    This endeavor is challenging because the system needs to be light and durable. In addition, a significant challenge every aircraft powered by ionic wind faces is that the propulsion elements cannot be concentrated in a single area. Instead, they must be spread throughout the vehicle because the wind produced between the electrodes makes ionic thrust work. A stronger thrust is needed if the space between the electrodes is more expansive.

    Disruptive impact

    In 2018, the first-ever plane with no moving parts was built and flown by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers. The light aircraft was powered by a silent but strong flow of ions produced within the vehicle and generates enough thrust to propel a sustained, steady flight. This process is all done without turbines or propellers.

    The team flew the plane across 60 meters and found the aircraft produced enough ionic thrust to support flight the entire time. They repeated the experiment ten times, with similar performance. The prototype is an essential step toward demonstrating the feasibility of ion wind propulsion. Researchers are investigating the efficiency of their model to produce more ionic wind with less voltage. 

    Meanwhile, there are other applications of ionic wind aside from aircraft propulsion. In 2021, researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology set out to improve ionic wind drying; this process used electricity to dry fruits and vegetables to prolong their freshness. However, the team had no idea they would achieve such an impressive 85 percent reduction in energy consumption.

    The unique metal mesh design, which replaces the metal plate used in earlier versions of the technology, significantly slashed the time it takes to dry produce. And while more research is needed to assess the impact of ionic wind drying on food nutrients, initial results show that this method destroys fewer vitamins and minerals than traditional heat-based methods. 

    Implications of electric wind

    Wider implications of electric wind may include: 

    • Ionic wind being used to cool down power chips, laptops, and electronic systems using less energy.
    • Increased investments in researching the integration of electric wind in aircraft models as the aerospace industry transitions to clean energy.
    • Potential use of ionic wind in managing and storing fruits, vegetables, and other produce.
    • Electric winds being used on drones as a low-carbon propulsion mechanism.
    • Ionic motors, fans, and sensors that use less electricity and don’t heat up easily.
    • Enhanced cooling systems in electric vehicles, utilizing ionic wind for temperature regulation and improving vehicle efficiency.
    • The development of silent, energy-efficient ventilation systems in residential and commercial buildings, using electric wind technology.

    Questions to consider

    • How else do you think this technology will transform aircraft models?
    • What are other applications of ionic wind?

    Insight references

    The following popular and institutional links were referenced for this insight:

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mit engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts
    Aertec Ionic wind