The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel, located in Falkirk, Scotland, is the world's first and only rotating boat lift. This giant is the center of the project to connect two canals and reestablish east-to-west access for boats. This sounded cool, but not all that impressive until I learned that the water levels of the two canals differ by 115 feet! The picture above shows the wheel and accompanying elevated canal.

From the website (and altered with standard measurements): "The revolutionary design of The Falkirk Wheel exploits the simplicity of physics, employing a minimum of energy to turn a phenomenal mass of water and steel with awe-inspiring grace and elegance. Capable of lifting 660 tons of water over 80 feet in less than four minutes, The Falkirk Wheel is powered by ten hydraulic motors that turn the two caissons, each of which may accommodate up to four 65 foot long boats at any one time. Despite the scale of this power, each turn of The Wheel uses virtually no water and the same energy as just 8 boiling kettles (22.5kW)."