Feasibility study of a bionic agitator – a prototype of this agitator has shown great potential for energy reduction of agitator technology.

Project Information

bionic agitator

Grant agreement ID: 673676

DOI

10.3030/673676

Project closed

EC signature date 21 April 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 30 April 2016

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

WUSOA GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - bionic agitator (Feasibility study of a bionic agitator – a prototype of this agitator has shown great potential for energy reduction of agitator technology.)

Reporting period: 2015-05-01 to 2016-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

A prototype of a new developed agitator has shown great potential for energy reduction in agitator technology. The developed agitator was inspired by the way ducks move their feet in the water - a very energy-efficient way. The aim of the feasibility study performed was to obtain data on the reliability, maintenance and energy consumption reduction while developing a comprehensive business plan focussing on the following aspects: competitors, the market in terms of potential industries where the agitator can be applied and the potential turnover. From these findings we have developed a sales strategy and calculated the expected profit and loss statement.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

As part of the analysis of technology we have built five different agitators and tested them with respect to reliability, maintenance and energy consumption reduction. At the same time we reviewed the construction regarding the paddle size and form, the driving unit, the angle between the two paddles, the fixing of the paddles to the shaft. Part of the Iterative improvements were the reinforcements of the gearbox, the bearings etc. We also analysed the generated flow pattern and the effect of the viscosity of the mixed fluid on the energy consumption.
These tests showed that:
1. The bionic agitator reveals an energy saving potential of up to 65% compared to conventional agitators;
2. An angle between the two paddles of 60 degrees is optimal:
3. The higher the viscosity of the mixed fluid the higher the energy consumption;
4. The generated flow pattern is completely different from the flow pattern generated with conventional propeller agitators leading to a better mixture of the fluid.
The comprehensive business plan including an analysis of the market for agitators in different industries (Biogas plants, wastewater treatment plants, food and dairy industry) has identified a market with more than 4 billion Euros turnover potential in Europe that corresponds to more than 2,000 times the turnover we have forecasted for 2017.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The performed actions confirm our assumption that the bionic agitator not only offers great potential for energy saving and generating a tremendous turnover but also makes an important contribution to the EU goal to reduce emission by 2050 by 80%.

The bionic agitator