Retractable Roof #2

The 9,000-ton retractable roof at Minute Maid Park is comprised of three glass-clad panels, each made up of a roof section and a 100-foot-tall outfield wall section. The hinge bearing connection between the roof and wall sections accommodates relative lateral movement that may be caused by wind, heat and other forces on the roof structure.

When the retractable roof is in the open position, the three panels reside out beyond right field. The two smaller panels (measuring 528 feet by 120 feet) nest under the third panel (measuring 580 feet by 242 feet). Six transporters support the retractable roof and move the panels along horizontal, parallel rails between the open and closed positions. The transporters are powered by a traction drive system with 140 traction wheels, each powered by a 7.5-horsepower motor. The transporter wheels have independent suspension systems that accommodate variations in the rail elevation, in order to evenly distribute the roof load and prevent any wheel from becoming overloaded. The operator uses a personal computer to monitor, control and troubleshoot the retractable roof throughout operation and for maintenance purposes.

A full-size, nineteenth century vintage replica train, measuring 56 feet long and weighing 48,000 pounds, is driven along 800 feet of track atop the left outfield wall. An operator control station located inside the train compartment is used to drive the train, and to operate the computer-controlled sound effects including whistles, bells, smoke, steam, and ballpark music.

Running Man is a model baseball player that runs parallel to a replica third baseline in the play area, racing children as they run for home plate. A belt drive, powered by a 15-horsepower electric motor, drives the 15-foot-tall aluminum-clad figure along the track. The operator uses a local control station, and adjusts Running Man's travel speed to match the pace of the children running against him.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Retractable
• Roof
• Uni-Systems