1. "We can't solve problems by using the
same kind of thinking we used when
we created them."
Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955)
2. A skilled sailor would have a better output than an unskilled sailor, or fixed sail.
3. A skilled sailor would have a better output than an unskilled sailor, or fixed sail.
4. Logic: If energy is neither created nor destroyed, then all
energy that we use remains in the area of use until it
transfers elsewhere. Most energy that we use transfers to
the atmosphere, and that energy that is used in the urban
area is transferred into the urban heat island. If we are able
to harvest the energy that is stored in the urban heat
island, we are therefore able to harvest our expended
energy. This would be a re-use of energy, and therefore and
energy loop is possible via heat island harvest.
It is my opinion that the most effective way to harvest the
urban heat island is through the harvest of the related
convection currents, or urban generated wind.
5. Additionally, human
activities produce waste
heat, which adds to
ambient energy levels.
Vegetation absorbs energy in photosynthesis, reducing ambient energy levels.
6. The specific magnitude and intensity of the convection current depends on
the arrangement of the surface variations and the ambient energy over
time.
7.
8. The sails would constrict airflow, focusing heat. They would be useful during
times of macro-scale weather as well, allowing for the harvest of macro winds
in the urban environment, as well as preventing too much heat island loss from
this powerful wind, making heat island energy still available during high winds.
9. Actually, when the hot air rises, it might rise all at once, with a powerful
convective force. (tornados over trailer parks)
10. Some benefits of this ventilation effect might include: improved structural
integrity of buidings and roads due to shorter drying times, improved sanitation
and therefore reduced likelihood of disease, improved growing conditions, less
standing water, less bugs/pests, less risk from waste disposal (feces, rotten
food, animal waste)
11. At some times the pyramid may be cooler than the surround areas. (if
it were white, or metal tipped and during the morning) The air would
flow down the structure to replace heating urban air. By “puncturing”
the airs viscosity barrier the higher elevation allows for an exchange
that would not occur in a flat area.
12. Really, convection isn’t so simple. Heat doesn’t really “rise” according to the laws
of thermodynamics. The process of convection can be better understood as gravity
acting on the heavier, cool air, which can displace the warm air due to the fluid
properties of air.
The urban surface heats constantly, however. Also, as the air rises it steadily cools.
Interestingly, the air is polluted, making it heavier than other air, which may be why
our heat islands are warming other continents. This also might contribute to the
“urban dome” phenomenon, where air only rises a ways, and doesn’t reach the
top of the atmosphere. The warm air will only rise until it is “neutrally buoyant”.
13. The air moves up, and the cool air is warmed as it occupies the ground level. This
makes the warm air mass larger, and convection more difficult, but as the air
rises, air that is higher in the atmosphere can act on the warm air, meaning that
much of the air-flow will not occur at the ground level, which is likely a large factor
in why we have difficulty harvesting urban winds at present. It might take specific
engineering to keep the heat at ground level longer than normal.
17. green rooftops might have to be placed accurately to
maximize power production, as well as solar
panels, reflective surfaces, building heights, trees, etc.
18. Some buildings are having various cool rooftops installed. There are reflective
and green roofs, as well as solar panels. Vegetation absorbs energy via
photosynthesis. Reflective rooftops direct energy back out into space, making it
unavailable on the earths surface.
The other two rooftops produce electricity or fuel sources. We could
also reflect the light to a specific location, like the urban center. Even
if it didn’t have a specific target, it would raise the ambient
temperature, assisting convection speeds.
19. An overhead view of the temperature difference of a hot center and cool suburbs
Interesting thought. If the amount of energy determines the
temperature, perhaps harvesting energy might cool the air. So wind
turbines in the urban area might cool urban air.
20. Eventually, the wind caused by the moving vehicle settles anyway, and the energy
converts to heat. (energy is neither created nor destroyed)
21. We do a lot of other things to mitigate our heat island that would also
be reducing our ability to harvest urban heat.
22. *Or wind on cities might have been cause for the discovery of sails. In order to keep
atmospheres pleasant, sails in cities may have preceded sails for transportation.
*
Some cities on earth will be more prepared for urban heat island harvest. This
might prove to be a clear advantage with energy efficiency.
24. Troy Schmidt for president.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/landsailinghighway/
How will we sail all those sails on such short notice? Why does the
military get out of everything? They could sail, and they would have
something to do domestically, allowing for the upkeep of our military
during maritime operations. It might make our military larger than ever
before, and more integral. (they would certainly want some of that
energy.)
