Embedded Files
ME 1670 - Modular Urban Hydroponics System
Standard Hydroponics Farm
Image of simple do-it-yourself hydroponics
Project Objective
The goal of this project was to design and construct a compact, automated hydroponics system capable of efficiently growing small vegetables while minimizing water and nutrient waste. The system was designed to demonstrate resource-efficient engineering solutions and promote sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in urban environments.
Additionally, the project was intended to improve our skills as engineers by utilizing SolidWorks and CAD software to transition from concept ideation to final design, allowing us to create detailed, functional models that would guide the construction and operation of the system.
Impact of Work
This project addresses several key global challenges and contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Goal 2: Zero Hunger – By exploring innovative methods for local food production, this system has the potential to increase food availability and sustainability in urban settings.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The system incorporates efficient water usage and recycling, helping reduce water waste in agriculture.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project highlights the potential for hydroponics as a viable solution for urban farming, contributing to sustainable and self-sufficient urban communities.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By utilizing hydroponic methods, the project promotes the reduction of resource waste and encourages sustainable agricultural practices.
My Role
I served as the lead designer for the water filtration subsystem. In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that the water was adequately filtered and cleaned from initial runoff collection to distribution of the produce. I also collaborated with my teammates to integrate vegetation housing, lighting and power, crop collection, and irrigation, ensuring the entire hydroponics system operated efficiently and sustainably.
My Contribution
Agricultural Pollution
Industrial farming contributes to pollution, while impoverished urban areas lack access to fresh produce, exacerbating food insecurity and community disunity
Defined the Context
Large-scale farming harms the environment, and hydroponics offers a more sustainable solution, using less water and space while avoiding soil-related issues. Our design aimed to address urban food insecurity by using urban runoff, which is filtered and adjusted for optimal crop growth. This system, powered by solar energy and using affordable, replaceable materials, can improve food production in areas with limited resources.
Determined Necessary Parts
Essential components included pipes, a reservoir tank for raw water, a filtration system, pre-conditioning and coagulation tanks, a sedimentation basin, UV disinfection, valves, and flow control elements. These parts were selected to ensure efficient water filtration, nutrient delivery, and overall system functionality.
Created Preliminary Design (Hand Sketches)
I began by sketching the system’s layout to define dimensions and design concepts. These early sketches helped visualize how all parts would fit together and allowed me to identify any potential design issues early on.
Gutter Pipe
Reservoir Tank
Preconditioning Tank
Coagulation Tank
Flocculation Basin
Sedimentation Basin
Filtration Strainer
UV Disinfection Tank
Created Detailed Design (SolidWorks Parts and Assemblies)
Using SolidWorks, I created 3D models of the system’s components and subassemblies, ensuring compatibility and functionality. Renderings and animations were made to simulate the system’s operation, allowing us to visualize how the filtration and irrigation subsystems would perform.
SolidWorks Parts
Sub-Assembly
filtration_assembly.mp4Sub-Assembly Animation
Created Manufacturing Drawings & Instructions
I developed detailed manufacturing drawings and assembly instructions, specifying dimensions, materials, and the steps for constructing the system. These instructions ensured the system could be built accurately and efficiently.
PVC Pipe
Reservoir Tank
Filtration Strainer
Preconditioning Tank
Mineral Dispenser
Flocculation Basin
Sedimentation Basin
UV Disinfection Tank
Overall Drawing & BOM
Excerpt from Assembly Instructions
Step 1
Insert the PVC pipe connected to the stormwater drain into the reservoir tank through the hole towards the bottom of the tank.
Step 2
Insert the filtration strainer through the upper hole of the reservoir tank.
Check for Functionality
I tested the system to ensure all components functioned correctly. This involved simulating water flow and filtration processes, checking for leaks, and verifying system configurations to identify any issues before final assembly.
Final Assembly
Filtration
Water Simulation
Harvesting
Challenges & Solutions
Transporting Water Between Tanks
Challenge: Ensuring efficient water movement between tanks without relying on expensive or complex equipment.
Solution: The system uses gravity to move water through pipes by elevating the source tank, allowing water to flow naturally into subsequent tanks without additional energy consumption.
Sub-Assembly of Tanks and Pipes
Flocculation Basin and Motor Integration
Challenge: Integrating the motor into the flocculation basin while allowing for easy maintenance and minimizing disruption to the system.
Solution: A removable front panel and a bottom-accessible motor design were implemented, enabling quick cleaning or replacement of the motor without disassembling the entire basin.
Without Panel
With Panel
Preventing Water Overfilling
Challenge: Avoiding overflow in the tanks, which could disrupt system operation and waste water.
Solution: Strategic gaps were included in the tank design, allowing excess water to escape safely and preventing overfilling without damaging the system.
Gap for Water
Results
We successfully designed and developed a functional hydroponics system for urban environments, addressing water inefficiency, soil diseases, and disparities in access to fresh produce in impoverished regions.
Delivered detailed engineering outputs, including:
3D SolidWorks Models: Comprehensive part and assembly models for the full hydroponics system and its subsystems, such as the filtration, nutrient delivery, and irrigation units.
Renderings and Animations: High-quality visualizations and animations illustrating the system’s operation and subsystem integration.
Manufacturing Drawings: Precise technical drawings detailing dimensions, tolerances, and assembly instructions for fabrication.
System Integration Documentation: Fully developed sub-assembly instructions, ensuring compatibility between components and smooth integration into the final assembly.
We demonstrated proficiency in the engineering design process, transitioning from conceptual hand sketches to detailed CAD models and integrating interdisciplinary teamwork to achieve a cohesive, functional system.
This experience enhanced our technical skills in CAD modeling, engineering visualization, and documentation, while fostering effective teamwork and project management, essential for industry and real-world engineering challenges.
completeassembly.mp4Shaping Future Experience
This project solidified my commitment to leveraging engineering for sustainable development, particularly in addressing global challenges like water efficiency and food insecurity. Designing the hydroponics system deepened my passion for applying interdisciplinary engineering solutions to environmental and social issues. It influenced my decision to pursue further opportunities in sustainable technologies and research, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and shaping my aspirations for a career focused on innovation and sustainability.
Full Final Report
1670_Project_Report_Hydroponics_2023.docxGoogle Sites
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