An entry at Metropolis magazine’s 2009 Next Generation Design Competition, the “Docking Systems” by Richard Garber and Brian Novello is a new project for New York that will yoke the power of colossal rivers to fulfill the energy requirements of the coastal city. Comprised with a network of floating, modular docks, across the existing piers of New York, the new docking project includes three vertical turbines, each capable of producing up to 24 kilowatts of power from a 4 mph current, which generate electricity to light a network of LED street lamps by harnessing the energy from flowing river currents. Importantly, the vertical turbines keeps spinning regardless of the direction of the water current that gives them an edge over the RITE system, which works in a particular type of current only. The docks are not only functional but aesthetic as well, for they include a number of green spaces and tidal pools to enhance wildlife around NYC.
Via: Treehugger/Inhabitat