PARABOLIC STADIUM LIGHT WATER-WHEEL by Bart Orlando[edit | edit source]
Two parabolic stadium light reflectors are connected at the vertex and set horizontally on the ground to be used as a model for a 20 gallon capacity parabolic water-wheel; a device used for transporting 72.6 kilograms (160 lbs) potable drinking water by hand over long distances. It has lower rolling friction and lower rolling noise db levels compared to tradition designs because it rolls on only the narrow outer rims. The stadium lights come with glass covers that normally protect the light bulb from the elements but are able to contain the water. However, they should be re-designed to be water tight and more impact resistant. A fail safe emergency brake is needed to automatically stop the water wheel should it accidentally get free and start to roll down a steep grade on its own. Perhaps a reflector vertex hub connection could be designed to also function as as a differential, allowing the two parabolic reflectors to roll independently of each other but then automatically apply a brake to just one of the reflectors which is activated by centripetal force at high speeds. This would cause the water wheel to spin in a tight circle and then come to rest.
The water-wheel stadium lights can be disconnected and stowed compactly for shipping by stacking many of them concentrically like nested bowls on pallets or secured to C-17 parachute airdrop platforms.
The all purpose parabolic stadium light reflector can also meet other basic human needs by functioning as as a solar cooker, water pasteurizer, wash basin, solar flame igniter, megaphone, hearing aid, food light reflector, bulk food cover, dinner bell, satellite dish ..... and more. For more information please click on Stadium Light Solar Cookers and Projects with Bart.
