Nature’s value is not restricted to human applications, but the lack of nature and biodiversity signifies major losses to human potential as well. Here are some examples of the ways that nature offers inspired engineering solutions. Simply by copying this wing-tip design, commercial airlines have preserved 10 billion gallons of fuel, reducing their CARBON DIOXIDE emissions by 105 million tonnes per annum. The micro and nano-structures of surfaces strongly determine their light absorptive or reflective properties. Understanding not only the composition of the pigments involved but also the particular fine-structure and the physics of these surfaces, may be useful in designing more energy efficient systems to get heating and cooling buildings, and more productive solar energy collectors. Over-hunting almost wiped out these gigantic animals, among the largest to ever have lived on the planet, as well as the humpback population crashed in order to 5, 000 in 1966.
Way of the dragonfly
Inspired by the energy effectiveness of dragonfly wings, especially at low wind rates of speed, Professor Akira Obata, previously from Japan’s Nippon Bunri University, designed corrugated cutting blades for micro-wind turbines that turn and generate electricity, at wind speeds as little as 3 kph. Tilting their bodies forward while dealing with the fog, they collect moisture on their backs, which are made of hardened forewings known as elytra that cover plus protect their hind wings, used for flying. The organisms that create the particular support systems make all life on Earth, including human lifetime, possible: millions of species are at risk, but losing even a single species can have huge negative consequences for mankind.
What is blacker than black?
The extraordinary organisms showcased above, along with the sustainable architectural designs they have inspired, present a compelling case to get why we must preserve biodiversity. When a species goes extinct, it takes with it all the physical, chemical, biological, plus behavioural attributes that have been selected for that species, after previously being tested and re-tested within countless evolutionary experiments over many thousands, and perhaps millions, associated with years of evolution.
‘Fog basking’
To sequester this amount of carbon, one would need to plant about sixteen million hectares of trees and shrubs, each year – an area bigger than the territory of Norwegian or Japan. The wastefulness of extinction is perhaps best highlighted by the near-extinction of the humpback whale. By studying and understanding the aerodynamics of dragonfly flight, Obata was able to make inexpensive, lightweight, stable, plus efficient micro-wind turbines which you can use in off-grid locations within developing countries. Unsplah/Rod Lengthy
Birds and fossil fuels
Gliding and soaring birds are masters associated with aerodynamic efficiency and their particular wing-tip feather design motivated engineers to add small up-turned ‘winglets’ that reduce pull caused by vortices at the ideas of aircraft wings. The small drinking water droplets in the fog gather there, coalesce to form bigger droplets, which, by the force of gravity, run down the particular smooth hydrophobic (i. e. water-repelling) surfaces to the beetles’ mouths. The UN biodiversity meeting, COP15 , is due to wrap up on 19 December. This weekend, we have been looking at some of the ways that humanity is reliant on biodiversity for a healthy and thriving global ecosystem.
Extinction is not a foregone conclusion
The story is founded on the UN Development Programme ( UNDP ) booklet, How Sustainable Engineering Options Depend On Biodiversity Most wind turbines perform poorly when rates of speed are less than 10 kph; some will not turn whatsoever. By lowering the minimum wind speed requirements, these micro-wind turbines can utilize wind energy in easily accessible locations like rooftops plus balconies, and not need costly towers to capture the higher speed winds found at increased elevations. Conservation organizations and researchers prompted a huge public plus political outcry and humpback whales bounced back to an estimated 80, 000 today. The humpback, uniquely, has rough ‘tubercles’ on the front from the flippers that enable these giants to manoeuvre with extraordinary agility. Some butterflies, birds, and spiders have got evolved super black coloration achieved by a variety of complex light-trapping mechanisms that could lead to brand new energy-efficient designs for pv collection. Martin Harvey 2011 Given WHO estimates that half the world’s population will be living in water-stressed environments by 2025, the specific chemistry and structure of hydrophobic surfaces found in Namib beetles has generated huge scientific interest for their possible human applications. The tubercles give the whales a hydrodynamic advantage – they reduce drag, enhance their ability to stay in motion and, critical whenever attacking prey, allow them to show at sharper angles. Among other applications these possess inspired engineers to make probably the most efficient industrial fan blades plus wind power generators. If the humpbacks had gone extinct, we would have never been able to get ourselves of the tubercle style.
