Written port mann bridge modification

Port Mann Bridge Modification

By Jacob KwackAnd

Jason Verlarde

Problem

Ice falling off the cables on the Port Mann Bridge has caused a lot of problems, mainly the windshield shattering event. Not only that, this created the risk of getting vehicle damage, as well as getting caught in a traffic during winter.

SolutionThe solution we came up is to take use of the heat tapes. They are approximately 1 to 2 dollars for several hundred meters, which is pretty cheap compared to how much money they poured into making the new bridge.

Economically speaking…Although using the heat tape is a good idea, the source of electricity will come from the mainland, and will use up more electricty.

To solve this, we have come up with the idea of using speed bumpers to create the electricity. By converting the kinetic energy used during breaks, the energy can be reused for the purposes of heating up the tapes.

The Bridge

The Speed Bumpers can be implemented in the beginning and the end of the bridge, and since the bump is not that great it will be ok after putting up a warning sign.

BenefitsBefore: Tolls: $3 per crossing, overdue charges pay interest of 19% annually.

Twice everyday? Means $6, Per Month(approx. 30 days): $180, Every Year? Approx. $2160

After: Tolls: $1 per crossingPer Month(approx. 30 days): $60Every Year? Approx. $720

Saves $1440!

The energy created through the bumpers will then be sold out to the community. Which will create money that can be used during winter to heat up the cables to prevent ice falls. This would mean the people will be making the energy that would be used to heat the cable, so the price for crossing the bridge can be cut down.

Images.Google.ca

Wikipedia.org

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/11/drivers-generate-electricity-by-going-over-speed-bumps/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mann_Bridge

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/239312392/sale_roof_and_gutter_snow_melting_heating.jpg

http://ak6.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/3001579/preview/stock-footage-a-starry-night-looking-at-downtown-vancouver-bc-canada-boats-floating-on-the-ocean-as-stars.jpg

Bibliography