Lotus Water CollectorBy
B. Grafius, K. Tran, P. TranUniversity of the Pacific
School of Engineering and Computer Science3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95211
Outline
❖Background & biological system❖Biomimicry life principle❖Application❖Design❖Benefits❖Limitations and future plans
Background and Biological System
Lotus leaf Super hydrophobic
Contact angle Hierarchical structures
David Wurtz, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Koch, K., et. al.
Applications & Benefits
Horizontal design Water collection Water diversion Crop protection
Vertical design Fog and dew capture
DesignHorizontal Version
Figure 1. A general view of the project with all other possible components where the water tank is positioned to be under ground level.
Watyer tan
Water tankwith a volume of
Consumer Use
GroundLevel
200 gallons
DesignHorizontal Version
Figure 2. A side view of a fully open catcher without any support on the edge.
Figure 3. A bird view of the catcher.
(4a)
(4b)Figure 4a & 4b. A microscopic view of the different between a hydrophilic (4a) and
DesignVertical Version
Figure 7. An alternate form of the catcher where it is placed vertically to catch water from other sources like fog.
Figure 8. A microscopic view of the structure made up the surface.
Limitations and Future Plans
Design limitations • Ensure proper installation• Aluminum columns staked at least 2’
into the ground• Avoid assembling lotus collector near
trees
Obstacles to overcome• Maintenance of lotus collector• Clean leaves and any other debris from
pipe• 4” diameter pipe minimizes drainage
risks
Limitations and Future Plans
Identification of next step• Continued research on hydrophobic
compounds• Reduce toxicity
Unknown factors• Experimental testing for toxicity of
hydrophobic coating• Engineering experiments to determine
maximum wind loads and rain loads
Limitations and Future Plans
Feasibility • Resource security: plastic tarp,
aluminum, PVC pipe • Partnership for hydrophobic coating• Easy to construct
Scalability• Easy to scale plastic tarp, aluminum, and
coating• Minimum diameter of 10’• Maximum diameter of 70’
Biomimicry Life's Principles
• Adapt to changing conditions - dry weather storage and wet weather operation
• Locally attuned and responsive - collaborative relationship with plastic and aluminum factory
• Resource efficient - recyclable aluminum and plastic
REFERENCES
[1] Koch, K., Et. Al. Fabrication of artificial lotus leaves and significance of hierarchical structure for super hydrophobicity and low adhesion. Soft matter. Issue 7. 2009
[2] “For Hard-to-Recycle Plastics, a Green and Revolutionary Solution." Waste management. Waste management Inc., 2015. <Http://www.Wm.Com/location/idaho/id/_documents/plasticsrecovery.Pdf>
[3] Chandler, David. "Explained: hydrophobic and hydrophilic." MIT news. Massachusetts institute of technology, 16 July 2013. Web.[4] “Green building materials list." The constructor. The constructor, 13 Nov. 2014. Web.[5] Hornbacher, Adam. "Steel versus aluminum - weight, strength, cost, malleability comparison." Steel vs aluminum: weight, strength
and cost differences. Wenzel metal SPINNING, ND, web.[6] “Sustainability." The plastics industry pipe association of Australia. PIPA, 14 Oct. 2013. Web.[7] “Life’s Principles." Biomimicry 38. Biomimicry group, ND. Web.
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