In addition to contributing individual ideas for the project, the students also worked with guidelines specified by the client. For example, the project was to be built on a euro pallet 1.20 x 0.8m to allow for easy transport. With help from B&R experts, project participants took an active roll in accomplishing this demanding task.
The initial feasibility study alone was a significant challenge for the project participants. A crucial factor for the success of the project was the availability of a high-performance controller as well as fast solenoid valves. The water curtain was built using a pressure governor that pumps a continuous, adjustable flow of water from a tank to a 2m high pipe. The pipe supplies 42 solenoid valves with water. Each valve receives commands from the controller to open and close and the duration of these actions can be programmed. Lasting just a few milliseconds, these actions allow individual water drops to fall when the valves are opened and closed. As a result, various shapes can be displayed using the water drops.
"In this project, the students have demonstrated their ability to work independently and solve problems. In constructing the water curtain, they took on a difficult task which has proven a very meaningful experience for the young technicians," according to the B&R project manager, Thomas Dicker.
