If you’re looking for a fun project to pass the time, why not consider making your own small dam, hydro generator and hydroponic system?No, it’s not three different projects, but an amazing build.
The first step is to prepare the ground to make the hydroelectric part of the building.If no suitable ground is found, a trench is dug and then a small section is dug for a small dam.
Once complete, build a mold around the steel frame, add a cylinder to form a sluice at the bottom, mix concrete and fill the mold to create the concrete dam main structure.
Dig the foundations and bury them in the ground with concrete.Next, run a length of pipe from the footprint area between the stilts, build the plinth around the stilts, and fill with concrete to a small hard stand.
Next, excavate runoff channels from one side of the dam to the other.This will be used to drain water from the reservoir to turn the micro-turbines and generate some electricity.Depending on which side the turbine will be installed on, make sure the channel has a general downhill slope from the reservoir side.
Next, take an old cold water bottle and cut it in half.Add a short length of pipe to its neck, turn it upside down, and place it below the lowest end of the dam’s drainage channel.This will create a well that will create a vortex to turn the generator later.
Once all concrete is fully cured, remove all mold to reveal the exposed concrete underneath.With a dam, build a sluice as needed to close the hole in the bottom of the dam and concrete it to the main dam.
If you want, you can add some decorative features to the top of the dam, such as fences, to make it look like a real miniature.
When done, cut a boundary channel around the rigid supports and enclose the steel stilts to form a tubular frame.Fill concrete as needed and allow it to cure.
Next, take some old uPVC pipes and elbows.Cut and fasten the parts together to make the main components of the hydroponic system.
Design doesn’t matter, but make sure it’s about the same overall size as the hard support area and that the pipe forms a continuous length.Once you’re happy, it’s over.
Next, mark the centerline at the top of the pipe length and equal points along the full length of the pipe.The core holes of these points will be used as planting points.
When done, move the frame from the stilts to the hard supports.Next, cut some small lengths of tubular steel and glue them to the stilts to form flanges to hold the glass panels between the stilts.
When done, build a frame for the top of the tank and place it on concrete stilts.This will support the main hydroponic tube we created earlier.
Next, make or use an existing spinning blade and attach it to your new mini generator.Fasten the assembly to the wood frame and hang it above the vortex well at the bottom of the dam’s drainage channel.
Once that’s done, connect some wires to the generator and run the wires towards the hydroponic tank assembly.You can run wires along some small pylons if needed.
Next, take your water pump and connect it to the wires on the tower.Then attach some rubber tubing to the pump, ready to install it into the main tank.
When you’re done, take the pump out and hang it in the water column, making sure the wires don’t come in contact with the water.fixed in place.
If adding fish to the tank, acclimate them to the water temperature, then release them into the tank as needed.
When done, place your hydroponic tubing on top of the tank.Add small plastic cones or small plastic bottle tops to each planter hole and add some plants to the system.
Make sure you also add some rubber tubing from the pump to the hydroponic tube to supply water to the plants.
Once done, you can now flood the dam’s reservoir.Now all you need to do is let the water drain from the reservoir so it can run down the channel and start producing some juice.
If you liked this unique project, you might like some other water-based buildings.For example, how about making your own mini canals and water bridges?
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Post time: May-17-2022
