I was tasked with designing the layout, piping, pump/compressor sizing and many proof-of-concept calculations for a water fountain for the Cal Poly campus. This fountain was comprised of high-pressure water shooters similar to what you see at the Disney land water show or in front of the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
We were provided with some schematics of these three shooters. These were the main features of the fountain design, but I added a sprinkler shooter into my plan.
Calculations
Many calculations needed to be done in order to calculate what size pumps, pipe sizes, and nozzle diameters were necessary. Due to this being a school project and how the grading was set up, I did most of my calculations by designing a problem in which the answer would be the sizing I needed. Some nozzle sizes were given with the provided schematics.
Pipe Sizing
When trying to calculate the pipe sizes, we encounter a problem in which we have many factors that come in to play. To make this process more efficient we use the "Goal Seek" function which can change the value of a certain number to complete the goal we define. In this case, we make the computer try to set our energy of the water to the losses in the pipes and flow. This allows us to adjust for different flow rates and any other changes that come in to play later on.
Many other calculations were performed in order to fully complete the theoretical design of this fountain. To see my full, formal design and write up, click the button!
