Introduction :
The Water Wheel Hydroponic System is a rotating hydroponic setup where plants grow without soil using nutrient-rich water. The system is currently under development and aims to provide equal water, nutrients, and oxygen to all plants through continuous rotation.
1.Base Structure Preparation
A tank is being used as the nutrient reservoir, and a supporting frame has been prepared.
2.Wheel Installation
Bicycle wheels have been mounted and connected using a shaft to create the rotating mechanism. Tank is used as the base reservoir, and two bicycle wheels are mounted on a central shaft. A metal frame supports the structure and keeps the wheels aligned. This setup forms the foundation of the rotating system, which will later be used to hold plant pots and enable smooth rotation.
3.Objectives :
To design a rotating system for 16 plant pots
To achieve rotation at ~1 RPM
To ensure equal nutrient distribution
Methodology :
Bicycle wheel is used as rotating structure
Scrap tank is used as DWC base
Motor will be used for rotation
Pots will be arranged evenly
Current Status :
The basic structure has been completed and installed inside the polyhouse. It can properly accommodate 20 pots.
Structure are complete
PROBLEM :
The wheel is not rotating smoothly and experiences sudden jerks at certain points. Due to these jerks, some water falls downward, reducing the overall efficiency of the system. Further improvements in wheel alignment and water flow distribution are required for smooth and continuous operation.
Wheel Preparation for Rotation :
A total of 12 cut plastic water bottles were fixed at equal intervals around one bicycle wheel to serve as plant holders. The bottles were arranged uniformly to maintain balanced weight distribution and ensure smooth wheel rotation during system operation.
| Date | Day | Work Done |
| 30 June | Tuesday | Welding of the metal frame was started for the Water Wheel Hydroponic System. |
| 1 July | Wednesday | Structural welding was completed and the frame was strengthened. |
| 2 July | Thesday | – |
| 3 July | Friday | 12 cut plastic bottles were fixed on the bicycle wheel as plant holders. |
| 4 July | Saturday | The rotating wheel was tested after installing the bottle holders. Soil was filled into all 16 pots. The approximate weight of each pot was 530 g, resulting in a total load of approximately 8.50 kg on the rotating wheel during testing. |
| 5 July | Sunday | During testing, it was observed that the bottle opening was too small to collect sufficient water. It was decided to increase the water collection surface of the bottle holders. |
Discussion and Solution – 5 July 2026 (Sunday)
The issue was that the water pumped not falling properly into the bottle holders due to their small water bottles collection surface. The problem was discussed with Dr. Dixit Sir, who suggested attaching a larger container to increase the water collection area so that the pumped water could be collected more effectively.
Weekly Work Summary – (7 July – 12 July)
Tuesday (7 July)
Work Done:
On Tuesday, four large cans were installed on the Water Wheel Hydroponic System. The four cans were securely fixed to the rotating structure and positioned at equal intervals to maintain proper balance. After installation, the wheel was prepared for rotation testing.
Problem Observed
The wheel experienced sudden jerks during rotation, resulting in unstable movement and indicating the need for better balancing and alignment.
Wednesday (8 July)
Work Done:
To reduce the jerks during rotation, water bottles were added along with the cans on the Water Wheel Hydroponic System. The bottles were fixed to improve weight balance and support smoother rotation of the wheel.
Problem Observed:
The water was not properly entering the bottles, which affected the rotation of the wheel and prevented smooth operation of the system.
Friday (10 July)
Work Done:
The same type of water bottles were added to the Water Wheel Hydroponic System. A total of 12 bottles of the same size were installed at equal intervals to maintain proper balance and improve the rotation mechanism.
Problem Observed:
Due to the limited number of bottles, proper balance was not achieved. As a result, water was spilling downward during rotation, affecting the efficiency of the system.
Saturday (11 July) – Discussion with Dr. Dixit Sir
The issues related to wheel rotation and uneven water flow were discussed with Dr. Dixit Sir. After reviewing the system, Sir suggested installing bottles at all positions on both wheels to maintain proper balance and using water pumps on both sides for uniform water distribution and smoother operation.
Suggested Solution:
- Install bottles at all positions on both wheels for proper balance.
- Use water pumps on both sides for equal water flow.
- Improve rotation stability and reduce water loss.
Saturday (11 July)
Work Done:
Same size bottles were installed on both sides of the Water Wheel Hydroponic System to maintain equal weight distribution and improve the balance of the rotating structure.
Sunday (12 July)
Work Done:
Water was supplied from both sides of the Water Wheel Hydroponic System to check uniform water distribution and improve the operation of the rotating mechanism.
