Causecast

by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer

The Wavelength xBee Alpha Wind is the company’s newest effort in biomimicry technology and it’s creating a buzz among bioenergy enthusiasts. The xBee is a wind turbine prototype inspired by the wing movement of a bumble bee. Don’t worry. There’s no stinger.

With its 19 foot wingspan, the xBee moves in a insect-like motion, as opposed to the circular motion of a standard windmill. Wavelength calls the xBee, " an attempt to break the mold of everyday windmill solutions that are, at best, 30 percent efficient, and seek efficiency from biological sources such as the movement of bumblebees, hummingbirds, and dragonflies."

In theory, the xBee alpha model can be mounted vertically or horizontally. The goal is to develop a turbine system that can be used in urban areas as a back up power source and as an alternative to the standard, more expensive, wind turbine energy currently available.

Companies, like Wavelength, are finding the value, and logic, in creating energy efficient solutions to complex technologies by emulating some of the genius biological ideas found in nature. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, AeroVironment is working on a prototype flapping-wing unmanned aircraft inspired by the bio-mechanic motion of a hummingbird. The University of Florida is developing an eco-friendly coating for sea bound ships that mimics shark skin. The coating prevents the growth of marine algae and the collection of stowaway barnacles.

Whether it’s a bumble bee or hummingbird inspired innovation, there’s a pretty good chance that our future in alternative energy might be more "natural" than anyone ever imagined. Maybe the next Prius will look more like a hippo. Wait. It already kind of does.

Check out Wavelength’s xBee prototype demonstration:

For more information on biomimicry technology, check out Wavelength’s Bio Inspirations. For other green alternatives, check out Global Green USA or join the We Can Solve It Movement to be part of the solution to finding cleaner, more efficient energy.

Photo by cygnus921, flickr.