Introduction
Efficiently moving fluids through pipes, such as oil and gas, is a major energy-consuming process. It is estimated that between 10 and 15 percent of the world’s electricity supply is used to pump liquids through domestic and industrial systems. The friction caused by turbulence inside the pipes significantly increases the energy required for pumping. Previous solutions, such as complex coatings on the pipe’s interior, have proven to be costly and difficult to implement on a large scale.
A Solution Inspired by the Human Heart
Inspired by the rhythmic pumping action of the human heart, researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria explored a new method to reduce energy consumption in pumping fluids. They discovered that pulsating liquid through a pipe, with short resting periods between pulses, can significantly reduce turbulence and friction, resulting in lower energy demands.
Research Process
The researchers conducted experiments using transparent pipes filled with water containing reflective particles. By shining a laser into the pipes, they were able to visualize the swirls and eddies in the liquid. They tested various pulsing patterns and found that introducing a short resting phase, similar to the breaks between heartbeats, minimized turbulence in the water. The most successful experiments achieved a 25 percent reduction in friction and a 9 percent decrease in overall energy demand.
Real-World Implementation
To implement this method in practical applications, pumps would need to be modified to pulsate. Although this modification would come at a cost, it would be much cheaper than upgrading the entire pipe system. However, the researchers acknowledge that engineering considerations should be taken into account to ensure the feasibility and durability of pulsating pumps in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion
The use of a pulsating pumping method inspired by the human heart holds promise for significantly reducing energy consumption in fluid transportation systems. While further research and engineering development are necessary, this approach offers a potentially cost-effective solution to address the energy demands of pumping fluids through pipes.
