#1620: ACArches

There is a competition* to redesign the electricity supply pylon.

Today’s invention is an arch-shaped improvement whose top section is made of glass in an inverted catenary shape. This is good for carrying the weight of one (uninsulated) cable whilst retaining very low visibility.

It is embedded in a steel base which can be levered up in order to raise the arch and cable into position (and provide rigidity in high winds).

Each cable would also form a catenary, so that the visual effect would be of eight or so slightly out of phase sinusoids passing over the landscape: a metaphor for fluctuating voltage.

(*It’s £50 to enter)