Irrigation System
The Irrigation System project began in the spring of 2019. Its goal is to create a working irrigation system for a singular planter in the school's courtyard.
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The requirements from the project partner include:
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Irrigation system for one of the planters in the courtyard
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Used for grades K-5
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Must withstand outdoor weather
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Must be safe
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In the fall of 2019 the project reached the conceptual design phase where the team had three possible designs to use.
Design 1 is based of off the spring 2019 design. It consists of a container at the angle of the planter with a platform and border. The container has PVC pipes coming off of it with individual spigots along the piping. It would be great if the purpose was aimed towards education, but since this project is aimed towards a working irrigation system. In addition to this, UV rays are harmful to PVC pipes.
Design 2 was a design that was made last semester. It consists of water bottles with spigots coming off of them. They would be placed individually for the plants. This would be another good option for an educational path, but not as practical for the project at this point in time to make sure the plants get sufficient water. Also, the water bottles would more than likely not last for long in the Indiana weather changes.
Design 3 was the proposed design to begin prototyping for. It is similar to design 1 with the container at the angle and a platform and border, but instead of PVC pipe there will be a type of tubing coming off of it that would need further research. This design will have good distribution that can be control easily by the placement of the tubing. There will be valves for the water flow to be turned on and off so it has some hands on for the students. All the components will be durable for the Indiana weather as well.
In spring 2020, the team began working on the detailed design phase testing different materials that were ordered. They completed a CAD model to get accurate measurements for a functioning border about a container that will be ordered and have been working with a soaker hose.
In the fall 2020 semester, the team began to conduct final testing so that the system could be delivered to DCES by Thanksgiving.
The team started with environmental testing to better understand if changes had to be made to allow the system to function optimally once installed. The hose used in the system (selected by the team from Spring 2020) had to be able to withstand bending at tight angles and being buried under soil and mulch.
The construction process occurred over multiple weeks to ensure quality in the build and because it was crucial to properly document the final steps in the process. Often, product failure has less to do with the concept and more to do with construction. Therefore, the team wanted to cover their bases to ensure that a quality product is delivered to DCES.
The DCES Fall 2020 is pleased to have finished the first generation irrigation system which will see its first season of use in Spring 2021! The final system is composed of three main parts: a wooden border, a 20 gallon tank, and two porous hoses. Together, this makes the system cost effective and more eco-friendly. The porous hoses have the advantage of providing an optimal amount of water to the planter. The border weighs down in system in case of heavy winds, as can be common in the Midwest. Finally, the 20 gallon tank was previously identified as being the most cost-effective size for a tank expected to be used as often as the community partner expects to us it. The DCES Irrigation Fall 2020 team would like to thank everyone who made this product possible!
Pictured above are some Fall 2020 irrigation team members (L-R: design lead Danilo Dragovic AAE'24, financial officer Nina Masciopinto SpecialEd'23, and communication officer Caitlin Wyant CE'24) and part of the completed system. The project partner requested that the system not be installed due to DCES conducting remote learning at the time of delivery and the seasonal nature of the product.