Apart from their singing, humpback whales are also known for their bumpy flippers and now, their flippers have inspired a new and more efficient wind turbine design.
The bumps lining the front edge of humpback whale flippers are called tubercles. Scientists have discovered that these bumps help the whales swim with greater aerodynamic efficiency. According to AskNature, when compared with smooth fins, the tubercles show a 32 per cent reduction in drag and an eight per cent improvement in lift.
WhalePower has incorporated tubercles in efficient wind turbines, compressors, pumps and fans, including ceiling fans, to improve their intended effects.
The humpback whale flippers have also inspired new WhalePower designs for the blades and rotors of almost any machine that works with air, water, steam or oil. The corporation believes technology with tubercles will soon deliver enhanced efficiency for municipal water systems and farm irrigation.
Sea Creature Tech
WhalePower Takes Inspiration From the Sea for Efficient Wind Turbines & More
Trend Themes
1. Tubercle-inspired Designs - Creating designs for various machines and technologies inspired by the aerodynamic efficiency of humpback whale flippers with tubercles to improve their intended effects.
2. Efficient Wind Turbine Design - Incorporating tubercles in wind turbines for more efficient wind energy production.
3. Biomimicry-inspired Technologies - Developing technologies inspired by nature's design to enhance energy efficiency and streamline various processes.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Applying tubercle-inspired designs to improve the efficiency of renewable energy technologies like wind turbines.
2. Agriculture - Applying tubercle-inspired designs to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems in farms and enhance crop yields.
3. Industrial Manufacturing - Using biomimicry to improve the efficiency of machines and technologies in industrial manufacturing processes, reducing energy consumption and boosting productivity.