January 9, 2012 at 10:00 am
by Laurie Park
photo courtesy of Sean McLean
in·no·va·tion \ noun \ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən\
1: the introduction of something new
2: a new idea, method, or device: novelty
In 1994, a decision was made to restore the vital canal system linking the two coasts of Scotland at Edinburgh (North Sea) and Glasgow (Atlantic Ocean) that had been critical to the region’s economic growth for more than 200 years. The project’s most significant challenge was to restore the link between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal.
Forth & Clyde opened in 1790 as the world’s first coast-to-coast ship canal. In 1822, it was linked at Falkirk to the Union Canal through 11 locks that required one day and 3,500 metric tons of water to achieve the 115 feet change in elevation. The locks were taken out of service in 1933 and had since become obstructed by structures, sediment and waste. In addition to clearing all of these impediments, the project needed to find an efficient way to re-link the two canal segments.
Thus began a unique engineering puzzle that challenged the creativity of the team of engineers and architects selected to design this critical link in the revitalization. The goal was not just to lift boats – the project sponsors also wanted a solution that would serve as a suitable symbol of a new millennium. The result was The Falkirk Wheel - the world's first and only rotating boat lift – that balances two gondolas at opposite ends of a wheel and rotates the wheel to deliver the floating contents of each gondola to either canal. The pièce de résistance: this engineering perfection achieves the lift within 4 minutes and requires only 1.5 kilowatt hours - the amount of electricity needed to watch one 42” plasma television for about 6 hours.
Since being placed in-service in 2002, The Falkirk Wheel has become an icon of modern engineering ingenuity - elegant in its simplicity, and incredibly effective in its performance. In a world dominated by what’s newest and best in consumer electronics, it is interesting to note that the wheel did not require new technology – only a new way of applying well known and understood physical principles. Still photos cannot do it justice: read and see how it works here and here.
As we begin a new year, it seems fitting to ponder about new ways of seeing, thinking and doing – those often elusive elements of innovation that lie at the heart of transformation. In their description of the creative process, the wheel’s designers recounted how they needed to start with a clean slate in order to first shake off preconceived notions.
What will be your Falkirk Wheel?
Topics:
Clean Technology,
Energy Efficiency,
Market Transformation,
SustainabilityAbout the Author
Laurie ParkLaurie Park, CPA began her energy career as a project analyst for an independent developer of renewable energy resources. She then became a consultant to developers, helping them negotiate power contracts, structure public-private partnerships, and secure project financing ...
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