Finland is largely known for its aesthetic water lilies that grow on lakes and forests; any tourist will relish the idea of surveying and getting a glimpse of this. Who would have believed that these giant water lilies would be effective for power generation? However, this undermines the use of towering wind turbines to generate electricity. This combines the idea of aesthetics and performance in one, bringing life to technology.
An alternative source of power superior to wind power
As a country blessed with a number of inland water bodies instilled an idea that this could be exploited to provide more than just aesthetics. It could be used to provide an alternative power source that is still environmentally friendly. However, wind turbines can also provide clean energy, and this has been employed for decades. But recently, natives have been agitating about its effects on the environment, causing severe noise pollution. Meanwhile, water lily-inspired design provides clean energy and blends with the environment.
These waterlily designs follow the idea of biomimicry by studying the patterns of real water lilies and their ability to use their broad leaves to balance themselves over water. These designs, just like the real water lilies, rest low on the water and, when seen deployed in large numbers, leave behind a visually appealing look to locals.
The technology behind this monumental design
The development behind these designs is a bit intricate, with the application of solar panels and micro-turbines to enhance energy capture. It also accommodates a hybrid system, allowing further detection of solar waves. Just like typical plant leaves, the flat, wide design improves the ability of the giant water lilies to capture sufficient sunlight even in unsuitable weather conditions.
The habitat of the designs is perfect for countries with limited land resources, as it can be deployed on water. Additionally, water acts as a natural coolant to these devices as they are placed in a lake or reservoir with a typically low temperature compared to the temperature on land.
Harnessing maximum power output where nature thrives
Deployment of these devices in Finland is such a convenient approach due to the numerous inland waters found in the country. Large wind turbines, known to generate a greater amount of electricity than the regular-sized turbines, affect natural habitats by disrupting bird flight paths and creating loud noise that chases animals from their natural habitats. Meanwhile, water lily power platforms are ecologically friendly, with little or less disturbance to aquatic life (like this solar sphere from Japan).
These designs exploit two natural sources of power, where each unit works as a singular hub with solar cells capable of capturing sunlight, thus generating a substantial amount of energy. It can also rely on wind as another source of energy. This is because embedded within are small turbines that utilize wind currents and general wave motion for an alternative source of power.
A future looking all green and safe
Finnish people have been known over the years to be culturally centered, and this plays a huge role in what is acceptable and what is not. This whole new innovation is likely to gain high popularity within a short time, as it is easily appealing to them, unlike the wind turbines, which got mixed reviews when a survey was taken.
The potential is high even in other countries as long as they have inland waters such as lakes, reservoirs, canals, among others, as they can also adopt this system and enjoy its benefits.
One can easily say Finland’s waters are advantageous with this new water lily design, an aesthetically pleasing innovation (like this energy balloon) that is far superior to its renewable energy source counterparts. Mimicking nature’s beauty and employing its application, it has eliminated several limits and challenges of traditional wind and solar solutions. Also, they remind us that clean energy need not be unattractive.
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