Collect

Three Core Collection Areas

Deep Sea

Research

Deep Sea V-Net

Our Deep Sea V-Net consists of two large vessels pulling a mile wide funneling net arch with a small collection sock that contains the plastic. When the collection sock is full, the two vessels reel in the net, dumping plastic waste into containers on board the vessels via a crane lift system. As plastic floats, the V-Net itself only extends a few feet below the water's surface. This allows ocean life to pass safely underneath the V-Net.

Harbors

Research

Harbor Rover Experiments

In order to learn about the functionality of the Harbor Rover's technology, we created a working model. Our goal was to test out pump outflow and intake, flotation, and the catch net functionality.

After creating our initial LEGO prototype, we developed our second iteration (Design 02) and tested it in water. This first design was the correct shape of bin with a properly working catch net. However, we learned that our pump wasn't nearly as powerful as needed. Additionally, we required further flotation to enable the Harbor Rover to float properly just under the water's surface.

We applied our lessons learned from Design 02 and created a new and improved Design 03 of the Harbor Rover. Our third iteration consisted of a more powerful pump and adjustable floatation. Success! The Harbor Rover floated autonomously and successfully sucked in a full catch net of plastic!

After experimenting with smaller Harbor Rover models, we decided to create a full-scale model (Design 04). We researched design options and then began to build our full-scale harbor rover. Once building was complete, we took our fourth iteration and tested it at a community pool. We found success with our outflow hose fittings and the catch net while learning that we needed less and more neutralized flotation plus a stronger pump. During our retrospective, we used our lessons learned to plan out our next iteration of the Harbor Rover design and hope to create another iteration over the summer.

Rivers

Research

Did you know that 33% of ocean trash comes from rivers? In order to intercept ocean bound river pollution, the River Escalator uses retractable arms to funnel trash into floating conveyor belts. Positioned under the water’s surface, it would pull trash up and out of the water.  After rising up the River Escalator, the trash is collected in Universal Containers. A flat barge with these Universal Containers would back up to the River Escalator, collecting the trash. A cycling system of boats would change out and unload, reducing lap times.