en.Wedoany.com Reported - French deep-tech startup EEL Energy has developed a hydrodynamic undulating membrane generator inspired by fish tail movements, and has partnered with pultruded composite manufacturer Exel Composites to address membrane delamination in underwater environments, offering a sustainable solution for river and tidal stream power generation.
The concept of biomimetic design has long been established in engineering. EEL Energy focuses on hydrodynamic machinery, and its patented undulating membrane captures water flow kinetic energy by mimicking fish swimming, without disturbing aquatic ecosystems. However, the mechanical stresses in underwater environments far exceed expectations. Xavier Peroutka, CEO of EEL Energy, stated that the mechanical stress exerted on equipment by hydrodynamic power generation can be up to 30 times that of wind power. The generator needs to operate continuously in rivers or tidal currents to provide predictable electricity for global communities.
Initial designs using glass fiber-reinforced membranes revealed delamination defects. Under severe cyclic loading, large deformations of the membrane caused high strains, leading to interlayer separation, water ingress, and functional impairment. To address this, EEL sought collaboration with Exel Composites. Exel stacked multiple discrete carbon fiber flat profiles—originally used for wind turbine blades—to form beams, strategically integrated into the membrane. Three beams were placed at 50%, 80%, and 100% of the membrane length to limit deformation, prevent bulging, and maintain structural integrity.
Neil Dykes, R&D Manager at Exel Composites, noted that the key was migrating carbon fiber flat profiles from the wind energy sector to hydrodynamic membranes. Carbon fiber composites provided the required stiffness and strength. Their elastic modulus is approximately 120 GPa, about three times that of glass fiber composites; tensile strength is 2500 MPa, and compressive strength is 1500 MPa, both significantly superior to the latter. Excellent fatigue resistance allows the membrane to withstand up to 6,000 full reverse cycles per day while maintaining high energy capture efficiency. This biomimetic power generation technology is being commercialized by EEL with support from Exel's carbon composites, aiming to provide sustainable electricity for remote communities and large-scale energy farms.
