The
Centre for Alternative Technology is located at the top
of the hill. There, a lake, fed by the runoff of the rains,
is used as a water reservoir for the funicular.
The water is brought to the top station and then two pipes
bring the water to the water tanks under each car. Each
tank can contain up to 1600 litres.
The
top station.
Two pipes bring the water
from this small reservoir
to the water feeds. Note that the run-off of the water
from the roof if poured into the reservoir.
One
of the two water feeds.
The opening and closing
of the pipe is operated
by an hydraulic jack.
Automatic
water feeding
The Centre for Alternative Technology funicular uses the additional
method. To move the cars, the upper car must be heavier than
the bottom car. If not, the correct amount of water is added
in the tank of the upper car until the car begins to move.
This operation is automatic. It is controled by a computer
at the top station using the pull of the cable on the winding
drum.
The
winding drum and the control system which
detects the pull of
the cable when the
drum moves.
Unloading
water
When
the car arrives at the bottom station, it stops close an hydraulic
jack. Then the jack is automatically activated to press and
open the small door of the water tank. All the water is poured
into a reservoir below the bottom station.
The water of this reservoir is put back up to the top reservoir
by an hydraulic pump. During summer time with the big amount
of visitors and the less number of rain the water of the lake
may lacks.
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