Whale Fin Inspires Tidal Turbine Blade Design

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Bumpy whale fins are the inspiration for a new turbine blade designed by Naval Academy researchers that holds the promise of generating electricity from the tides.

The blade was designed for underwater tidal turbines, which produce power much like wind power turbines do, but instead use the power of moving water.

Mark Murray, a Naval Academy engineering professor, says humpback whale flippers, which have bumps known as tubercles along the leading edge, were the inspiration. Murray says previous research has shown the bumpy blades can improve aerodynamic performance. The researchers applied the idea to tidal turbines, where low flows make it difficult to extract energy using current designs.

The technology was presented at a conference in California last week.