Automated Flood Irrigation System TSH Enterprises MECH / MECA 440B - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Automated Flood Irrigation System TSH Enterprises MECH / MECA 440B Senior Design Project

Team Members Aaron Esselman, John Hill, Eduardo Flores, Ryan McKinney, Andrew Bartholow

Project Sponsor TSH Enterprises has been producing field crops since 1985 such as; alfalfa, alfalfa seed, and cereal grains using flood irrigation. The company is interested in developing and implementing superior irrigation methods.

Project Advisor � Dr. Gregory Kallio Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Project Background � Current flood irrigation requires manually opening a valve while constantly monitoring the process. � Design, build, and test an automated flood irrigation system that minimizes labor and maximizes efficiency.

Engineering Requirements

Design Solution A paintball tank is used to inflate an air spring, this closes the lid turning the water off. The system is controlled with a microprocessor that has integrated RF communications which drives a solenoid valve.

Hardware � Hardware � Electronics Overview Overview – Steel – Arduino – Air spring – Solenoid – Paintball tank – Solar panel – Regulator – Charge controller – Water sensor

Here it is in action

Fabrication Purchased Parts: • Boxes • Laser cut lid • Electronics • Regulator • Paintball tank All other parts were fabricated by the team in house.

Resultant Design Changes – Flexible copper piping was changed to rigid galvanized where possible due to ease of assembly and issues with leaks. – Wireless modules were exchanged from Digi Xbees to Freakduino microprocessor/wireless communication devices.

Outside support – All metals in Oroville cut lid – Platinum Coatings – Scott Brogden, • The Tool Whisperer

Testing � University Farm

Testing • Operational Durability 250 Cycles • Withstand Pressure Head 750 lbf

Testing • Water Sensor lightweight <50lbs taller than crop >36” sense water at 1/2” wireless at 800’

Testing • Utilize Off-The-Shelf Components 75% • Prototype Cost <$1000

Final Budget $1929.99 +Labor =$22,000 Total expenderatures $1929.99 Production run costs for riser valve tooling $650.00 testing hardware All funding provided by TSH Enterprises

Reflection/Where to Next � Suggested modifications – Lid re-design to reduce machining costs – Investigate having a relay point for wireless communication. – Look into having on board air compressor.

Conclusion � We would like to thank – The University Farm – Dr. Johnson – Dr. Kallio – Scott Brogdon – Tom Hill of TSH Enterprise (lead design engineer)

Question(s)?