Automatic Solar Dam Debris Bin
Budget: ₹1,500 – ₹12,500 INR
Design a fully automated, solar-powered trash-collection unit that can be deployed beside a dam and work much like a Seabin. The device must skim the surface, draw in floating plastic as well as mixed debris, and keep itself in operation around the clock without human intervention.
Power and energy strategy
The entire system needs to live off solar energy, so size the photovoltaic array and buffer batteries to guarantee 24/7 operation even on overcast days. Integrate charge control and low-power standby modes to stretch autonomy.
Key automation features
• Self-cleaning: an internal rake, auger, or any robust mechanism should empty the catch basket into a sealed hopper automatically, preventing blockages.
• Automatic debris detection: incorporate sensors—camera, ultrasonic, or LiDAR—to recognise when debris is present and trigger collection or self-clean cycles.
• Remote monitoring & control: a GSM, LoRa, or Wi-Fi module must push fill-level data, power status, and fault alerts to a simple web or phone dashboard and allow manual overrides.
Deliverables
• Concept sketches and full 3-D CAD (SolidWorks/Fusion 360) of the float, intake, cleaning mechanism, and solar array
• Hydraulic flow calculations showing effective capture radius in dam conditions
• Electrical single-line diagram, control logic (Arduino/Raspberry Pi/PLC—your call), and component list
• Bill of materials with readily available parts and indicative pricing
• Assembly and maintenance guide with safety and longevity considerations
• Optional but welcome: a short rendered animation or video walkthrough of the operating cycle
Acceptance criteria
CAD files open without errors, BOM parts are purchasable online, flow simulation predicts ≥90 % capture of surface plastic within a 5 m radius, and the unit demonstrates at least seven days of autonomous runtime under normal debris loads.
I will fabricate and test the prototype locally, so keep the design practical and specify marine-grade materials where exposure demands. Excited to see a smart, clean solution that keeps my dam’s surface clear.
Power and energy strategy
The entire system needs to live off solar energy, so size the photovoltaic array and buffer batteries to guarantee 24/7 operation even on overcast days. Integrate charge control and low-power standby modes to stretch autonomy.
Key automation features
• Self-cleaning: an internal rake, auger, or any robust mechanism should empty the catch basket into a sealed hopper automatically, preventing blockages.
• Automatic debris detection: incorporate sensors—camera, ultrasonic, or LiDAR—to recognise when debris is present and trigger collection or self-clean cycles.
• Remote monitoring & control: a GSM, LoRa, or Wi-Fi module must push fill-level data, power status, and fault alerts to a simple web or phone dashboard and allow manual overrides.
Deliverables
• Concept sketches and full 3-D CAD (SolidWorks/Fusion 360) of the float, intake, cleaning mechanism, and solar array
• Hydraulic flow calculations showing effective capture radius in dam conditions
• Electrical single-line diagram, control logic (Arduino/Raspberry Pi/PLC—your call), and component list
• Bill of materials with readily available parts and indicative pricing
• Assembly and maintenance guide with safety and longevity considerations
• Optional but welcome: a short rendered animation or video walkthrough of the operating cycle
Acceptance criteria
CAD files open without errors, BOM parts are purchasable online, flow simulation predicts ≥90 % capture of surface plastic within a 5 m radius, and the unit demonstrates at least seven days of autonomous runtime under normal debris loads.
I will fabricate and test the prototype locally, so keep the design practical and specify marine-grade materials where exposure demands. Excited to see a smart, clean solution that keeps my dam’s surface clear.