Sunday, March 21, 2010

Energy-Generating Waterfall Doubles As Bungee Platform [Concept]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5497642/energy+generating-waterfall-doubles-as-bungee-platform

Energy-Generating Waterfall Doubles As Bungee PlatformDuring the night, this tower is an energy-generating waterfall. During the day, it creates power using large solar panels while allowing bungee jumpers to leap from level 90.5.

Designed by RAFAA with the 2016 Olympic Games in mind, the Solar City Tower is supposed to be "a symbol for the forces of nature." Basically it combines a tourist attraction with an all-day source of renewable energy.

While not entirely unheard of, it seems a bit odd that excess energy from the day is being used to pump water over the tower to generate power at night. Is the net energy gain truly significant?

Intentions and eco-friendiness aside, the big question here is whether they can leave the waterfall running while someone jumps off the edge. [Eco Friend via Inhabitat]