New I-5 bridge design includes wind turbines

[depakid]

This image shows a new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River with a bus driving across. The arches (shown in blue) feature vertical-axis wind turbines designed to generate electricity, potentially powering the bridge's lighting and tolling. The idea, by a Florida-based architect, intends to showcase the region's leadership in sustainability.
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Combine river, wind, eco-friendliness and smooth sailing across the Columbia River and what do you have? A new Interstate 5 bridge with wind turbines generating electricity. You read that right: The latest bridge design features vertically spinning turbines that would generate an unknown amount of juice while proclaiming loudly that the Portland-Vancouver area is the sustainability center of the world.

Or so says the Florida firm that did the design, now winning the affections of leaders from both cities as well as planners trying to eliminate congestion by building a new $4 billion structure. It's unknown how much energy the turbines would generate or how it would be used. The turbines might help power bridge lights and toll booths. Or they could be merely decorative icons of a green industry hereabouts --a problem for purists who say that's less than sustainable.

Either way, the concept has captured the imagination of local leaders scrutinizing the project and local architects pushing for a bridge that looks as good as it functions.

No one has figured out the cost, either, or potential payback on the energy generation. That comes later, if the project sails.

Oregon and Washington still must persuade Congress to help fund a mammoth construction effort that joins expanded roadway with light rail running to Vancouver. It could take years and exert real force in the way the region continues to develop, particularly north of Vancouver.

More: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/01/i5_wind_turbines.html

[Suich]

1. Excellent idea!!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[comtec]

2. KEWL!

tho i would have used a different design for the wind generators.
at least this is now in concept when designed in buildings and bridges.
LOADS of wind over water to be harvested for power :)

[Demeter]

3. I Would Think the Vibrations Would Be Bad for the Bridge and the Passengers

Also nausea-inducing.

[XemaSab]

4. The spinning might be distracting

:puke:

[ConcernedCanuk]

5. no more than a good-looking person on a sidewalk I'd say -

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We ALL do the rubbernecking thing to some degree for people/scenery/accidents whatever -

so the "distraction" factor shouldn't be a concern -

well,

unless you're texting and talking on your cellphone at the same time -

Some might get beyond their abilities to multi-task . .

[XemaSab]

6. Crossing the Columbia?

You're already distracted trying to keep your car on the road.

Why not hang the turbines below the roadway? :shrug:

[Demeter]

7. Flooding. You'd Want Water Turbines There.

[ConcernedCanuk]

8. Adding to Demeter's statement - the higher you go the more the wind velocity is likely to be

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you know the feeling

walk up to the top of a knoll, hill, mountain

and momma nature will rip that cap off your head

so just from an efficiency standpoint

the higher the better

BESIDES

ya don't wanna be distracting the boaters under the bridge!!

:silly:

[Nihil]

9. The vibrations wouldn't be noticeable ...

... compared to those from the traffic (as far as the bridge itself
is concerned). They also seem to be a mixture of heights so this should
minimise resonance effects (although that had better be *very* well
modelled before construction!). People driving across simply wouldn't
feel vibration from the turbines in normal use - if they did then it
would mean the turbine causing the effect was about to break!

The effect of the flickering light (ranging from distracting through
nauseating to dangerous) would be a much greater issue and would be
(IMO) the biggest negative against the proposal.