Biomimicry: Unveiling Nature's Secrets for Cooling Solutions
Amidst growing environmental concerns, the natural world holds promising solutions to the most pressing problems facing our planet today. Nature, through evolution, provides innumerable examples of useful materials and surfaces, from incredibly strong structures, to intricately designed symbiotic systems and energy-efficient mechanisms.
Have you heard of the concept of biomimicry? It is defined as the emulation of models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems (Brushan, 2009) and can be an endless source of human inspiration that shows us, with hundreds of fascinating examples of, efficient resource and energy use and adaptable design. In simpler terms, it's nature's gentle hand giving us design lessons and guiding our creativity to develop inventions and solutions that help solve our most pressing problems and improve our life on this planet.
Many recent innovators have used biomimicry in their pursuit of solutions to the climate crisis. For instance, despite scorching temperatures, African savannah termite mounds remain remarkably cool. How? Intricate networks of tunnels within the mounds create airflow, regulating temperature and preventing internal overheating. Believe it or not, architects draw inspiration from these tunnel topological patterns and structures to design buildings and other infrastructure with natural ventilation and shading systems.
Another brilliant example is the lotus leaf. With its self-cleaning surface made of microscopic structures, it has inspired various "lotus-effect" coatings, aimed at repelling water and dirt, simplifying maintenance and aiding in cooling by keeping the surface clean and clear.
Finally, the camel is an example of adaptability in harsh environments. Its physiology enables it to keep cool in scorching temperatures with their thick fur, and make use of minimal water in their desert home. They minimise their water usage by lowering the temperature of the exhaled air and by removing water vapour from this air. This combination of cooling and desaturation provides them with 60% water savings relative to exhalation of saturated air at body temperature. Cooling technologies draw parallels with "phase change materials" (PCMs). PCMs such as salt hydrates absorb and release thermal energy as they change between gas, liquid, and solid states, maintaining stable temperatures. By incorporating PCMs into materials, we adopt a nature-inspired method to regulate indoor temperatures. During the day, PCMs absorb heat, and release it as the night falls, ensuring comfort.
In our world, challenged by climate change, biomimicry offers hope. At Pirta, we find inspiration in nature's simplicity. Embracing biomimicry in cooling, we align with nature's brilliance. The lessons of termite mounds, lotus leaves, camels, and other natural wonders inspire us to rethink cooling, focusing on simplicity and sustainability. We bridge the gap between evolution and innovation, steering toward a cooler, greener future.
