| The biggest challenge in this competition is to create a truly self-sustaining park. The biggest drain on energy along this path are the tunnels' lights. We propose lighting the tunnels with electricity that can be harnessed from a series of solar panels that would be suspended under the viaducts. This method utilizes the viaduct’s columns for support, and suspends the panels in a radial pattern off of high-tension cables. The southern facing position will maximize the energy collected. The pattern utilizes its voids to allow the wind to pass between the solar panels and reduce the wind load. Each viaduct would collect enough electricity to power it’s adjacent tunnel, creating a self-sustaining park. With advancing solar panel technology, the project could potentially make more energy then it needs. This would create extra capital to maintain the park. |
