A hydroponics garden is like any other garden except for one major difference: there is no soil. Instead, the garden uses a water-based solution to grow plants. There are several subtypes of hydroponics systems. For this project, I focused on a nutrient flow technique system (NFT). In this type of hydroponics, plants are grown in a solution of water and dissolved nutrients, which constantly flows through the plants root systems. This allows the roots to absorb the necessary nutrients while keeping them clean and preventing the solution from stagnating, which could lead to harmful parasites.

I aimed for a simple construction to make this project accessible to anyone. To meet this goal, I utilized 3D printing for a large portion of the construction, while the remaining components were made using simple off-the-shelf PVC parts and electrical components.

This project was a culmination of research and practical efforts focused on creating a small-scale hydroponics garden that incorporates an array of sensors to monitor plant health. These sensors include a flow sensor, a dissolved solids sensor, and a water level sensor. By using these sensors, almost all aspects of the garden can be monitored by the end user, guiding them on any maintenance needed to ensure a healthy garden. A minor goal of this project was to design it using fluid mechanics principles so that it could be constructed by anyone with minimal tools and effort, using entirely 3D printed components and off-the-shelf pipe fittings.

Click here to read the Report.

Click here to view the Presentation.

Click here to view Michael's personal essay.