A CHALLENGING PROJECT

PAC BOAT HARDWARE

The water sample collecting boat in this project will consist of a Pixhawk autopilot as the main controller of the system. The operation consists of two separate processes: GPS/RC signal interpretation and motor operation on the upper side, and data/water sample collection on the lower side.

PUMP SYSTEM

The sample gathering system for the boat will consist of a single pump connected to two electronically activated 3-way valves. By changing the direction of the valves’ flow we can either fill or empty the container. In the following image we can see a diagram of the pump’s system operation. The bottom valve determines whether the water is pulled from the lake or the container. The top valve regulates the flow into the container or back into the lake. A 2-way valve is placed at the top right end of the container to release any excess water; it remains close once the sample is gathered.