Leaf fan optimizes
cooling and wind resistance: fan palm tree
The leaf of the
Australian fan palm gathers light, stays cool, and avoids wind damage by subdivision
into tilted segments.
Application Ideas:
Photovoltaic panels optimized to keep cooler than conventional panels and
withstand strong winds. Roof designs to shunt away heat. Tent and awning
designs to withstand wind and fold efficiently.
Leaves change
colors under different lighting: Selaginella ferns
Leaves of extreme
shade Selaginella tropical ferns change in improving light conditions from
being iridescent blue to green by removal of photoprotective coating.
Application Ideas:
A photoprotective coating that disappears automatically after a certain amount
of time protects light sensitive chemical reactions and developing organisms
from too much light in the initial phase and can also be used to automatically switch
between two states after a certain time, allowing e.g., for setting expiration
dates to devices or obtaining data at two different light conditions.
Water vapor
harvesting: Namib desert beetle
The wing covers of
the Namib desert beetle gather water from the air using nanoscale bumps.
Application Ideas:
Create passive devices to collect water in dessicated environments for local
consumption particularly in poor countries or for anyone needing to spend time
in desert environments.
Fluorophores
enhance photosynthesis: dwarf mountain pine
Cuticular wax of
dwarf mountain pine enhance photosynthesis by having fluorophores that convert
harmful solar UV into blue light that can be utilised for photosynthesis in
low-light conditions.
Application Ideas:
More efficient solar cells by adding a fluorescent coating that converts an
unexploited high-energy fraction into useful radiation. More efficient solar
cells by adding a fluorescent coating that enhances capabilities in low-light
conditions.
Water collection
cools hive: honeybee
Honeybees cool the
hive by collecting water, spreading it, and fanning to increase evaporation.
Application Ideas:
Using collected water combined with fans to cool buildings.
