Enhancing Air Compressor Efficiency with Biomimetic Design

For millennia, humans have been solving complex problems. From irrigating crops for large-scale agriculture production to developing specialized disease prevention and treatment, humans are able to identify problems and produce creative, insightful and effective solutions. But there is one problem-solver that’s even better than humans: nature.

Since the beginning of time, nature has been adjusting and adapting to avoid threats, whether from predators or the environment. We are only beginning to see the full power of nature’s abilities and are slowly adopting some of its mechanisms honed through generations of evolution.

What is biomimicry?

According to the Biomimicry Institute, biomimicry is defined as “an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.”

We can see many examples of biomimicry in various industries across the world — a building in Zimbabwe used the structure of termite mounds to design an energy-efficient climate controlled office; the fastest train in the world was modeled after the beak of a kingfisher to reduce noise; and needles have been re-engineered to cause less pain after examining the proboscis of mosquitoes.

Biomimicry in the GA VSD+

Atlas Copco’s GA VSD+ uses nature’s engineering for superior noise reduction. The axial fan, which outperforms today’s available fans on power consumption and noise reduction, sports serrated fan blades modeled after owl’s wings.

Owls have small irregularities (hooks and bows) on their wings that break up airflow into small sections called micro-turbulences. By limiting aerodynamic noise, owls can fly through the night undetected by their soon-to-be dinner.

Using this biomimetic technology along with other sound reduction techniques, the GA VSD+ offers total noise levels as low as 62 dB(a), slightly louder than moderate rainfall.

Does your facility use innovative biomimetic technology? Let us know in the comments below.