Ion wind, also called electro-aerodynamics, has been patented by Apple for use in laptop cooling systems and may also be a substitute for future aircraft engines.
This article comes from the cooperative media iFanr, and is reprinted with permission from INSIDE
Another science fiction movie scene may come true. Recently, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced a new research result. A drone powered by ion wind developed by engineers successfully tested flight. This is also the first aircraft in history with an engine without any moving parts, no propellers and turbine blades. Therefore almost no noise is produced. PhotoCredit: MIT
The research team introduced the working principle of this new aircraft in detail in the authoritative journal "Nature". The test drone weighed only about 2.45 kilograms and had a wingspan of about 5 meters. In 10 test flights, it successfully flew 60 meters with an average height of less than 2 meters.
An array of thin metal wires at the front end of the wing can emit a voltage of 40,000 volts to form an electric field force, ionizing the air. The positive charges formed by ionization collide with air molecules during the process of being attracted by the negatively charged receiver, and the resulting air flow can be used as the power of the aircraft.
PhotoCredit: Natrue
This kind of power is called ion wind, also called electro-aerodynamic power. In fact, it has been applied in many fields. Apple applied for a patent related to ionic wind in 2012, hoping to use ionic wind technology in laptop cooling systems to replace traditional mechanical fans.
However, this is the first time that ion wind has been used to drive an aircraft. NASA has also tried to apply ion wind technology in the aviation field. However, in 2009, it stated in a study that it was difficult to use ion wind as a propulsion system. accomplish.
This research result from MIT allows us to re-see the possibility of ion wind-driven aircraft. Steven Barrett, a member of the research team, said that he was inspired by the spacecraft in the science fiction movie "Star Trek".
This research may mean that aircraft will no longer have propellers and turbine engines. They should be like the spaceships in "Star Trek", emitting blue light and gliding silently.
However, Steven Barrett also said that this technology is still in its early stages, and it may take more than 20 years to achieve manned flight. The biggest challenge facing the ion engine is battery technology.
But if this technology can be used on passenger aircraft in the future, it means that the aircraft will no longer produce huge roars, and will not emit greenhouse gases from burning fuel. Currently, the global average consumption is more than 6 million barrels per day. aviation fuel.
In fact, many airlines are currently developing electric aircraft to gradually get rid of traditional fuel.
Boeing acquired ZunumAero, an electric aircraft startup, last year and announced that it would allow passengers to fly on hybrid-electric aircraft in 2020. Airbus's electric aircraft CityAirbus will make its first flight next year, traveling at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour. The British low-cost airline EasyJet also plans to launch its first 150-seat electric passenger aircraft by 2027 to undertake short-haul routes in Europe.
A silent, engineless plane may be available within our lifetime.