Review on the recent development of corona wind and its application in heat transfer enhancement

Corona discharge-produced ionic wind has drawn considerable attention as a potential candidate to solve the thermal problems that originate from heat accumulation in small-scale devices, as it has clear advantages over conventional cooling devices. The research and application cases of corona wind technology in the field of local heat transfer enhancement have been increasing in recent years. In this review, the formation process of corona wind and the mechanism of local heat dissipation enhancement are deeply investigated from the perspectives of physics, electricity, and thermodynamics. Related literature published in the past decade that has focused on the application of small-scale corona wind generators (CWGs) in local heat transfer enhancement is classified and discussed. Some important research conclusions are highlighted and used to guide the optimal design of a small-scale corona wind cooling system. The ongoing challenges of the power supply, adverse effects of byproducts, humidity, and electrode deterioration are discussed, and corresponding solutions are put forward. The use of corona wind cooling technology will present opportunities based on the research that has been conducted and its future development tendency.