1. Solar and Rain Catching Canopy “Urban Oasis 2”
Cheriyah Wilmot | Grzegorz Kosieradzki | Afolabi Ibitoye | Kaiyrgul Sultanova | Jude Vallon
Mentor: Professor Alexander Aptekar AIA, (LEED) AP BD+C
The accumulation of water runoff during rain storms is a major problem in New York City’s combination water systems, forcing water treatment plants to release untreated excess water. To avoid overfilling of the sewer system by this grey water, pocket parks and gardens will be used to absorb the excess rainfall. We will be harnessing nature’s resources with current technologies such as: solar panels combined with rain catching canopies, to beautify the environment, educate the public about sustainability, stimulate growth to local businesses through increased foot traffic and bringing social awareness on environmental issues. 
The canopies are designed to collect the maximum amount of rainwater based on its surface area, maximize solar collection and retention. Our flawless design has analyzed expected rainfall and optimal solar angles for the solar panel placement on the canopy to provide sunshade for benches near existing flower beds or canopy placements, collect rainwater for irrigation, and harness solar radiation. To function as a rain catcher, nonporous tarp and a water pipe will be used to collect water for the planters and supplied into clay pots for osmotic irrigation of plants; while solar panels supplies energy to electrical outlets.  
Upon completion of the minimal viable product using mostly recycled wood and plywood materials, the density of the canopy shade proved to be top heavy thereby making the overall structure unstable, posing safety concern. To maintain tension at the bottom, the base column can either be bolted to the sides of the planter, ground or immersed in Earth with bolts secured by washers. The new design still use environmentally friendly materials made of canvas and worn on a prefabricated aluminum to maintain conformity and aesthetics of the previous wooden designs; it is lighter in weight, stand-alone and remains adaptive to any structure without pocket parks.
Solar Generation, Storage & Panel Placement
Aesthetics
First model is designed to match the Urban Oasis aesthetic with that of the triangle theme of the Pocket Parks. The canopy(top) consists of 4 triangles which are congruent with the sizes of the Pocket Park floor details. The base column of the canopy is also a triangular prism design.
In order to maximize solar collection, a latitude of N, longitude 740 W and a predetermined optimal monthly solar angle of 600 for the panels orientated top-down was determined, using midtown New York City as a location sample.
NB: Solar panel orientation will vary from location and should be calculated using Longitudinal and Latitudinal coordinates.
Rendering by: Alice Chan (Alumni NYCCTECH)
Photo by: Afolabi Ibitoye
Rendering by: Elena Zimareva
Customer Segments
Value Propositions
Sustainability
Increased foot traffic for small business owners.
Environmentally efficient
Customizable
Saves & on electricity bills and solar tax benefits.
Self irrigation for organic / vegetable home garden.
Green Enthusiasts – Residential Properties.
Storefront Small Businesses Restaurants outdoor gardens etc.
Landlord / Manager of NYC city buildings. (Aesthetics & Property Value)
50+ Young at heart.
Rendering by: Langston Clark with modifications by Afolabi Ibitoye
Methodology
Photo Courtesy: Parkways (Terracotta Clay Pot)
Conclusion
The following are problems and issues resolved during the design process:
Water Flow: amount of rain water collection possible and how best to save the water.
Optimum solar angle: best solar panel talt for optimal energy collection.
Energy collection & storage: appropriate solar panel to use as well as determining the best method for storing the energy collected by solar panel.
Materials: best environmentally friendly & most suitable for design, water resistant, durable and customizable.
Aesthetics: designing a complementing structure to the existing pocket parks and as a stand alone structure.
Structure: mobile, disaster deplorable and structurally sound.
Functionality: seamless integration of (water: collection, storage & distribution, solar: generation, transmission & retainment and canopy: structural integrity, water proofing & design goal)
The outcome of the minimal viable product showed that, solar and rain catching canopy conformed to the described methodology. We are currently working on more prototypes using different materials as well as running a field assessment simulation using first prototype.
Post-Mortem: (Lessons learned) from customer discovery revealed maintenance cost, frequency & assembly space has major concerns for individual owners. More customer discovery based on the Lean Launch Pad Methodology necessary for more data.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to our initial “pantheon of co-researchers,” for their immeasurable contributions: Elena Zimareva, Langston Clark & Evan Banks.
We will also like to thank: Josh Sarantitis – industry partner (PARKWAYS).
Professor Alexander Aptekar for sharing his vision.
Alice Chan – a designer for contributing to the project.
ESP/CRSP Coordinators: Professor H. Norouzi, PhD, P.E.; Messrs. - Abou Bah, Andrew Wills & Felix
CUNY I-Corps: Ariella Trotsenko & Co., Capital One Bank
References
Structural Stability & Integrity
How much rain can I collect from my roof?” Greywater Action, greywateraction.org/faq/how-much-rain-can-i-collect-from-my-roof/
Landau, Charles. “Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels.” Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels,
Solar Charts: sun angle calculations, Panel Orientation and Positioning of Solar Panel.” Alternative Energy Tutorials,
om/solarcharts.html.
“New York City, NY, USA.” Latitude and Longitude Finder,
The problem of leaves and trash catching was addressed and an appropriate canopy design was developed. The canopy is half of the umbrella shape, so that the leaves and trash from the streets do not block water flow at pipe openings. The design also has a funnel to help stop the leaves and other small particles from entering the pipe. The funnel part is to be 3D printed.
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Rendering by: Elena Zimareva
Photo by: Jude Vallon