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reference_implementations:water_towers:wt_5m_brick

5 m Brick Water Tower 5,000 L

AOFS Reference Implementation: 5 m Brick Water Tower with 5,000 L nylon tank. Designed for simple, locally-buildable construction using available materials.

This blueprint is non-normative and intended as a practical, low-tech reference for smallholder farms, NGOs, or off-grid installations.

Functional Purpose

  • Store 5,000 L of water in a tank elevated ~5 m for gravity-fed irrigation
  • Provide reliable water supply without requiring specialized equipment
  • Integrate optionally with AOFS Field Controllers for water level monitoring

Structural Concept

  • 5 m high brick tower in simple cross/X pattern for stability
  • Supports a standard 5,000 L nylon tank (locally available)
  • No specialized engineering required — buildable with local skills
  • Open-top tank for inspection and filling
  • Mobile Ladder or simple access for maintenance if needed

Hydraulic Layout

  • Tank outlet feeds irrigation zones by gravity
  • Minimum outlet height prevents complete emptying to maintain tank stability
  • Isolation valve allows manual control
  • Overflow routed to simple drainage or secondary container
  • Optional integration with a small pump for secondary irrigation zones

Safety Considerations

  • Basic stability ensured by the cross/X brick pattern
  • Keep tank weight within reasonable limits (full tank ~5 tons)
  • Ladder and hatch should be used carefully
  • Empty or near-empty tanks are more susceptible to wind forces; take care during strong wind events
  • Ensure tank straps, brackets, or anchoring to the frame are installed and checked regularly
  • Overflow and basic manual valve operation prevent flooding

Manual Operation Pathways

  • Tank filling and irrigation can be done manually if electronics fail
  • Simple paper-based logs or measurements supported

Controller Integration Points

  • Optional water level sensor for Field Controller logging
  • AOFS control can read tank level for irrigation scheduling
  • Controller can enforce a minimum water level to ensure the tank remains gravity-stable against wind forces
  • Controller may connect to global weather forecasts when internet is available
    • High wind or storm warnings trigger alerts to the operator
    • Controller can temporarily fill or maintain tank level to prevent tipping during forecasted high winds
    • Irrigation may be suspended or modified to reduce risk to infrastructure
  • Manual bypass always available — irrigation continues even if electronics are offline

Versioning Note

  • This design is so simple and locally adaptable that traditional versioning practically does not apply
  • Builders may adjust dimensions, brick patterns, or tank placement according to local materials and skills
  • Basic stability and functional operation should be maintained
reference_implementations/water_towers/wt_5m_brick.txt · Last modified: by bsamuel