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A apparatus for the collection and/or movement of water, whilst at the same time allowing the apparatus to be provided of a form which also allows the passage of air.
About
Thuja plicata, a coniferous tree whose natural habitat is North Western America, displays remarkable water channelling properties during torrential rainfall, where the ground underneath its extended branches remains dry despite possessing an open structure allowing the passage of sunlight. Observation of the Thuja plicata tree has inspired researchers at Durham University to develop biomimetic meshes that can channel and collect water. The invention is provides an apparatus for the collection and/or movement of water can be achieved whilst at the same time allowing the apparatus to be provided of a form which also allows the passage of air.
Key Benefits
· Collection of rainwater · Maintains the circulation of air in water climates · Water collection in drought areas · Light transparent
Applications
· Water collection panels · Breathable and light transparent architectural materials Furthermore, it is envisaged that the pore shape of this Thuja plicata inspired mesh could be easily incorporated into the weave of textiles to provide waterproof, breathable fabrics for tents. Other potential applications of these bioinspired meshes include: fog harvesting nets, saline-free water collection on sailing boats, filtration, and breathable architecture (agriculture, transport, photovoltaics, residential buildings and high rise offices). For the latter, by offsetting two (or more) layers of mesh with respect to each other, the structure effectively becomes waterproof, breathable and light transparent. Such eco-friendly breathable slanted windows or roofing could help to dramatically reduce the world’s energy consumption (for instance, in hot climates where air conditioning tends to be a major drain on grid electricity and cause of power outages). In the case of bioinspired roofing, a gap being manually or thermostatically opened between two mesh layers during the night when the outside temperature drops allows cool air to circulate throughout the building, whilst offering protection against rainfall. Then during the heat of the day, the gap closes to create an impermeable layer in order to retain the cool air inside. The sheer simplicity of design and fabrication of such bioinspired roofing makes it readily affordable for widespread adoption in developing countries