09.15
(just trying a new blog color theme, what do you think?)
I am off on a little field trip today to see the ABC bridge I designed. I will try to post some pictures tonight.
When I entered the Calgary bridge contest I kept thinking that I needed something kinetic on the bridge. I like the idea of something moving, maybe a paddlewheel system in the water that powers a light or an Art installation. (the paddlewheel structure would float up and down with the river. The problem, among many, is floating debris in the river.)
I wonder how many bridge concepts will show wind turbines or solar panels? A “green” bridge will probably be a big selling point for the public. (It is just a matter of time before a major bridge incorporates energy producing systems.)
I even thought it would be fun to flood my concept bridge with water in the winter and skate over it! I can just see someone skating over the railing…
How do you designers out there feel about incorporating energy systems on your bridges?
Here is an image of a concept bridge with rotating wind turbines. I’m not sure how I would feel walking through the middle of it.
Similar Posts:
- Bridge Pier Turbine
- Impossible choice – Sleaford bridges
You might like to read.
On a recent bridge design I considered both a wind turbine and a tidally driven generator, but took the view that the capital and maintenance cost of installing either would far outweigh the value of the electricity generated … I guess a bridge with deep piled foundations may be able to generate electricity from heat exchange effects. Painting a bridge with dye-sensitised solar cells might be more practical (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13424-solarpower-paint-lets-you-generate-as-you-decorate.html)
I see it coming, even I would like to give it a go, but usually it is not a cost efficient idea..
Thanks HP! Read about the Calgary bridges and the fix is in..