Bionics-Inspired Structure Boosts Drag and Noise Reduction of Rotating Machinery

Abstract

As a global concern, environmental protection and energy conservation have attracted significant attention. Due to the large carbon emission of electricity, promoting green and low-carbon transformation of the power industry via the synergistic development of clean energy sources is essential. Rotating machinery plays a crucial role in pumped storage, hydropower generation, and nuclear power generation. Inspired by bionics, non-smooth features of creatures in nature have been introduced into the structure design of efficient rotating machines. First, the concept and classification of bionics are described. Then, the representative applications of non-smooth surface bionic structures in rotating machineries are systematically and comprehensively reviewed, such as groove structure, pit structure, and other non-smooth surfaces. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future directions are presented. The effective design of a bionic structure contributes toward noise reduction, drag reduction and efficiency improvement of rotating machineries. Green and ecological rotating machinery will remarkably reduce energy consumption and contribute to the realization of the “double carbon” goal.