Fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg has used Biomimicry to further develop the latest generation of its centrifugal fans.
Ziehl-Abegg is already at more than 70 per cent peak efficiency with its centrifugal fans, but has optimised performance even more.
The new centrifugal impeller possesses features of three completely different approaches to Biomimicry: from both aerodynamics (ornithology) and hydrodynamics (marine biology) and biomechanics (trees).
Savings in material content and improved aerodynamics halved CO2 emissions associated with manufacturing, whilst maintaining the same ventilation performance.
Modern injection moulding tools, each costing more than half a million euros, enable the company to implement the geometries which have been optimised through the application of Biomimicry.
Developers at Ziehl-Abegg also drew inspiration from Professor Claus Mattheck who is known as the tree whisperer.
He is a pioneer in the science of biomechanics. Trees are a prime example of optimum strength with minimum use of materials.
The five blades of the centrifugal fan merge into both the cover and back plate in exactly the same way as trees grow upwards: at a slight radius to the ground.
This is scarcely visible with the naked eye, because the curves which mimic a tree are minimal. Nevertheless, these bionic approaches in the blade transition provide the same strength as heavy wings – enabling the use of materials to be significantly reduced.
Less material consumption in production also means a lower carbon footprint.