Poolstead

Summary:

Poolstead is a small platform which will float in a pool, or similar body of water with largest waves < 0.5m in height. It will serve as a demonstration of our willingness to build things, of Wayne's pillar flotation system, and as a testbed for experimentation. Construction began in March 2002, but has been put on indefinite hiatus because of changes in our engineering design.

Features:

• Platform ~1m x 1m, pillars 1-2m high. Made out of 3/4" PVC.
  
• ??? Active computer-controlled flotation. Each leg will have a pressure sensor and a chamber with an air lead connected to a pressure source.
  
• Each leg currently has a 23L air reservoir (rubbermaid trash can), so 4*23 = 92L = 92Kg of flotation, so it can easily hold my weight, plus some equipment.
  
• We might power the air compressor by solar panels or a small wind turbine, plus battery, on poolstead, just to be cool (Patri has a small solar setup available). Air compressor is the only major power user.
  
• Might stick a plant or two on top just for fun.
  

Purpose:

Experiments: Structural stability (how hard is it to tip, is it stable). Response time to load changes, effectiveness of active flotation system w/ pressurized air.

Demonstration: Cost-effectiveness. Feasibility of flotation system. Proof that we are interested in pursuing the project by getting our hands dirty. Pictures of a real prototype on the net, videos of it adjusting to different loads, maintaining height and levelness. In Patri's opinion, "one working prototype is worth a thousand idealistic visions".

Construction Photos:

3/18/02: Framing the floatation units:

3/20/02: Main structure:

Wayne kneeling proudly by the Poolstead.

Patri sitting by the Poolstead.

Back to Seastead