Project Design

The Solar Powered Water Irrigation system is designed to filter and collect water from a natural water source, like a spring, lake, or well, into a collection container. Once filled the water will be pumped to the reservoir for long term storage. When it is time to irrigate, the system leverages two distinct methods depending on the terrain.
For uneven terrain, the system employs a gravity-driven approach. The reservoir is positioned at a higher elevation, allowing water to flow naturally through pipes and valves once activated. This method, illustrated in Figure 1, minimizes energy consumption and is ideal for areas with elevation changes. 

Figure 1: Gravity Driven Set Up

For flat terrain where gravity flow isn’t feasible, the system adopts a pump-driven approach. The reservoir remains at the same level as the water source, eliminating elevation limitations. One pump efficiently transfers water from the collection point directly into the reservoir for storage. Then, a separate pump, connected to the reservoir, delivers the water directly to the farm. This optimized method, illustrated in Figure 2, ensures efficient irrigation on level ground.

Figure 2: Pump Driven Set Up

Figure 3 demonstrates the farm layout, where water provided from the reservoir will travel through the pvc pipe into each section of the farm. Garden hoses line the crops with strategically placed drippers to ensure direct watering.

Figure 3: Farm Layout

This project has been divided into three sections:

Each group member will contribute to all three sections but will also have a primary focus on one section. This will allow us to leverage our individual strengths and expertise, while also ensuring that we have a well-rounded understanding of the entire project.