Seagulls have inspired Geelong researchers’ new device for “small-scale” production of green energy.
Deakin University’s Dr Jorg Schluter used the shape and function of seagull wings to design a “modern generation” of wind turbine blades.
The blades delivered up to 15 per cent more power than a conventional wind turbine, his research found.
Dr Schluter said research into small-scale turbines was previously lacking.
“We saw the potential to improve the generating capacity of the small-scale turbines and looked to the sky for ideas to improve the blade design
“I think many of us have stood at the shoreline at some point in our lives and marvelled at sea birds soaring in the breeze, mastering aerodynamics better than anything man-made.”
The new design could improve green power generation in remote locations, Dr Schluter said.
“Increasing the capacity of these small-scale turbines makes them far more useful for reliable power generation, especially in rural and remote areas,” he said.
Masters student Arun Joseph Thomas collected and analysed wind data in Geelong to test the blade model.
“The integration of the air-foil shape of a seagull’s wing into the design of a turbine blade increases the generating capacity of the turbine and suggests there is greater commercial potential for these small scale turbines,” he said.
