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.

THANKS FOR LISTENING

QUESTIONS ????