Nature rules hidden in the biomimetic wave energy converters

Abstract

Some animals and plants have special functions and structures. They are the result of biological evolution and Nature's ideas. The question to answer is how to use these biomimetic ideas to design the next generation of wave energy converters. In this paper, the characteristics of the existing wave energy converters are analysed using biomimetic ideas and then the design rules hidden in them are established. First, the characteristics of wave energy are introduced. Next, the state of the art and methods of energy extraction by the wave energy converters are analysed. Then based on the introduction of the biomimetic design knowledge, the biomimetic features, principles and characteristics of the wave energy converters are explained. Lastly the association rules hidden in the biological features and engineering features are mined based on the Apriori algorithm. These rules will assist the development of the next generation of biomimetic wave energy converters and provide future research trends.

Analysis of entropy generation in biomimetic electroosmotic nanofluid pumping through a curved channel with joule dissipation

“…Invoking the classical lubrication theory framework (δ 2 Re → 0, δ 2 → 0), the momentum equations (6) and 7after eliminating the pressure term, the energy equation 8, the nanoparticles concentration equation 9, and the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation 16…”

“…In the 21st century with ever-increasing emphasis on optimization of technologies, numerous biomimetic technologies are being developed. These have utilized a diverse array of natural mechanisms and geometries and have penetrated practically all aspects of engineering including ion transport behavior mimicked in a biological protein-based ion pump [1], biomimetic DNA-based channels [2], lipid-membrane inspired bioconvectionnano fuel cells [3], nanowire membranes featuring biological wettability [4], tree-inspired transpiration cooling systems [5], pectoral fininspired wave energy conversion devices [6], photosynthetic-based fuel systems [7], fish-based micro-hydronautics (naval propulsion) [8,9] and superhydrophobic and hydrophilic aircraft micro/nanopatterned coatings inspired by leaves [10]. These examples have shown considerable improvement in engineering performance and have led to more sustainable, durable and "smart" systems.…”

Development of multi-oscillating water columns as wave energy converters

“…As summarised in Table 1, these categories are; the operational concepts, their locations with respect to the shoreline, their state of buoyancy or water depth positioning and orientation with respect to the incident wave [5,7,34]. Further sub-categories exist to characterise WEC operation and the various steps in the wave-to-wire conversion, as well as categories based on biomimetic rules [35]. These alternative devices somewhat cultivate their own sub-category, such as piezo-electric seaweed [36].…”

An Overview of the Expected Shoreline Impact of the Marine Energy Farms Operating in Different Coastal Environments

“…As the industry evolves, some new technological solutions emerge, such as renewable systems, with wave energy converters (WECs) [25][26][27][28][29] being a prime example. Since the purpose of a WEC farm is to extract energy from the waves, the use of such projects for coastal protection was developed in recent years.…”