An electrohydrodynamic rotary system and related method that include at least one rotary device comprising a hub portion, an axis of rotation, and at least one blade extending radially from the hub portion. The system includes at least one electrically conductive rotary electrode emitter coupled to the at least one blade proximate to the back edge, and at least one electrically conductive counter electrode positioned proximate to the at least one rotary device in a spaced relationship. The system further includes an electrical system that applies an electric potential difference between the at least one electrically conductive rotary electrode emitter and the at least one electrically conductive counter electrode that generates corona discharges from the at least one rotary electrode that form flows of ionic wind that rotate the at least one rotary device about the axis of rotation in a first direction.