Tapping-into-Nature-2015p

ENERGY CONVERSION & STORAGEEnergy conversion allows us to leverage energy sources for useful work. Whether it is converting stored chemicalenergy (fossil fuels) to thermal energy or transforming photons (sunlight) to electrical energy, the energy industryhinges on the efficient storage and conversion of energy. In nature, entire ecosystems are structured aroundvariable and limited energy sources, forcing organisms to optimize energy conversion and storage to ensuretheir survival. Consequently, nature has evolved many energy strategies barely explored by today’s businesses.INDUSTRIESAdvanced MaterialsAgricultureBiotechnologyBuilding SystemsChemical ManufacturingElectronicsFood ManufacturingSELECTED STRATEGIESDISTRIBUTED CONVERSIONEcosystems are driven by readily available, distributed, and renewableenergy sources. Individual organisms make use of solar, chemical, wind,and gravitational potential energy—all uncentralized sources—to move,sense, migrate, and otherwise accomplish tasks. Maple tree seedsdisperse using the wind; plant roots orient using gravity, which guides roottips downward 56 ; living things use the energy flows that surround them.Many businesses have adopted similar strategies, relying on distributedrenewable energy sources to power their operations, thus reducing longtermcosts. Products inspired by the use of readily-available energy flowsinclude BioPower Systems’ wave- and tide-powered electric generators.HVAC & RefrigerationIndustrial MachineryOil & GasPaints & AdhesivesPower Generation,Distribution & StorageTransportationUtilitiesWaste ManagementWater TreatmentCHEMICAL STORAGEOrganisms rely on transient, distributed energy sources, which forcethem to store captured energy in the form of long-lasting chemical fuel.Unlike our current electrical grid that produces energy for immediateconsumption, organisms capture energy, store it in chemical bonds,and expend these fuels as needed. As we transition to using transient,renewable energy sources, our energy infrastructure will require asimilar storage strategy. In development today, solar fuels producedfrom artificial photosynthesis could be integrated into our currentinfrastructure and boast the same beneficial properties of biologicalfuels.FUEL DIVERSITYMost of our cars, engines, and power plants run on a narrow range offossil fuels. In contrast, animals metabolize a variety of fuel sources suchas fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Some microbes consume an evengreater range of “fuels,” metabolizing cellulose, iron, sulfur compounds,and ammonia. 57,58 Utilizing the mechanisms of microbes, researchersare attempting to modify engines and other power generation devicesto consume a greater variety of readily-available, renewable fuels. Oneexample is the Pilus Cell, which harnesses the metabolic activities ofspecialized bacteria to break down organic compounds in wastewater,producing electricity, valuable chemicals, and clean water.22Tapping into Nature