Center for Sustainability
Constructed Wetlands & Solar Pond
Spring 2003

A piping system has been developed that will transport 1.6 gpm of water from the Solar Pond to the Constructed Wetlands for circulation purposes. An additional piping system will transport 2.9 gpm of water from the Solar Pond to the Solar Food Shed’s hot and cold water tanks. This will require the use of 2 inline pumps from SHURflo. The first piping system will operate continuously at approximately 3.2 amps keeping the wetlands supplied with water. The second piping system will operate at 5.73 amps periodically filling the water tanks.

The piping system will run along the floor and walls of the Solar Food Shed to provide both a discrete location for the pumps and filters and functional access in the event they need service. Both water tanks will be elevated at a height of 4 feet to ensure gravity flow to the sinks at a maximum rate of 9 gpm and a minimum flow rate of 5.45 gpm. This flow rate will be more than adequate for the intended use of the sinks to wash produce, hands and dishes.

The shed’s tank stands are designed to hold a maximum of 500 pounds since the 55 gallon cold water tank weighs 416 lbs (1 gallon of water = 8.33 lbs). A gutter system has been designed to carry gray water from the rain water collection area (north and south roofs of the Solar Food Shed) and the 2 sinks in the Solar Food Shed to the Constructed Wetlands for purification. Additionally, a method for securing the Firestone Liner and installation of the liner in the Constructed Wetlands and Solar Pond has been determined.

The overall objective of the Sustainers is to transport water from the Solar Pond to the Constructed Wetlands and Solar Food Shed using the available solar power. Additional objectives that must be met to reach the final goal are:

• To develop a piping schematic that will deliver between 1-2 gal/min of water from Solar Pond to the Wetlands, and 2-3 gal/min from Solar Pond to the Solar Food Shed. Includes the use of two pumps, and two filters.
• To develop a system to transport gray water from the Solar Food Shed to the Constructed Wetlands for purification.
• To complete the construction of the Solar Pond and Constructed Wetlands, including installation of the liner.
• To provide adequate aeration and particulate matter removal in the Constructed Wetlands & Solar Pond.
• To develop an elevated hot and cold water tank system to deliver water as necessary for Center for Sustainability staff use.

Team Name:
     The Sustainers

Team Members:
     Joshua Harper
     Ryan Walsh
     Kathleen Kurtz
     Christain La Manna
     Mike Early

Faculty Coach:
     Professor Savas Yavuzkurt
     Professor of Mechanical Engineering
     Penn State University

Group Sponsor:
     The Center for Sustainability
     Director - Tania Slawecki
     116 Willard Building
     University Park, PA 16802
     Ph: (814) 865-2224