An attachment device was experimentally studied to improve the performance of a Basin-type solar distillation system by using ionic wind to enhance convection and condensation inside the system. This paper describes the air blower performance of the attachment. The attachment consists of an electrode system including of a thin metal wire of 0.14 mm O.D. and two metal pipes of 40 mm O.D. When the distance between the thin wire and each pipe is kept equal and a high voltage is applied between the electrodes, ionic wind blows from the thin wire electrode to each pipe electrode. The optimal dimensions and placement of the electrodes for maximum efficiency are experimentally determined, and the air blowing performance at that dimensions and placement is measured using air at normal temperature and humidity. As a result, the optimal dimensions and placement of electrodes are as follows: the outside diameter of the pipe is 40mm, the distance between the thin wire electrode and each pipe electrode is 50 mm, the shortest distance between the surfaces of two pipe electrodes is 40 mm, and the discharge angle viewed from the wire electrode to the two electrode pipes is approximately 70 deg. The above values take maximum efficiency and compactness into consideration, the efficiency based on total pressure was approximately 0.6%. The maximum average speed of ionic wind was 1.4 m/s. An approximate formula for relationship between ion current and the average speed of ionic wind is also shown.
