Mathematical Modeling of Traveling Wave Micropumps: Analysis of Energy Transformation

In this paper, we assess the performance and efficiency of an ideal traveling wave electroosmotic micropump with a continuous electrode. All simulations were performed in the combination of Matlab and COMSOL Multiphysics using a weak form. The mathematical model is based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck-Navier-Stokes approach with fully coupled governing equations. Our results suggest that the pumping efficiency depends strongly on the voltage amplitude, system scale, or electrolyte concentration. This analysis aims to find a window of opportunity, with reasonable pump throughput and efficiency.