Learning solar energy inspired by nature: biomimetic engineering cases

The design of solar power plants and the operating principles are learned by engineering students during the last academic year. Typically, this subject is taught using the traditional methodology based on lectures where students are not considered as an active player of the class. The aim of this experience was to implement innovative methodologies based on the use of analogies and the flipping classroom. For that purpose, several examples available in nature of solar energy transformation have been used to explain the solar energy transformation into electrical energy in thermal solar and photovoltaic power plants. Then, the students compared the design principles of renewable solar plants with models inspired by nature. The results showed that teaching with analogies based on nature has a significant positive effect on the students' learning. Furthermore, they expressed to be more motivated and with higher skills on problem solving.