A project by Jean-Claude Ponslet via baron.be
Demonstration of the autonomous pond aerator prototype operating in real conditions in an ornamental garden pond. Thanks to its optimized photovoltaic power supply, the system ensures continuous water oxygenation to support fish health and maintain the ecological balance of the pond.
Detailed mechanical presentation of the prototype. To maximize power output, the solar panel is equipped with an automatic azimuth tracker: every morning, a small servo motor rotates the panel toward sunrise and follows the sun's path throughout the day. Vertical elevation is optimized by a sinusoidal curved rail matched to average solar elevation (pointing toward the horizon in the morning/evening and upward at solar noon).
Complete mechanical walkthrough of the 3D model created in FreeCAD. Visualizing the assembly, azimuth rotation dynamics, and the geometry of the sinusoidal rail that provides optimal passive panel elevation as it rotates.
Round Aerator Model: Air diffuser optimized for uniform oxygen distribution across deeper pond zones.
Square Aerator Model: Alternative compact aeration frame design for garden ponds.
System Electronic Circuit Diagram: Battery charge controller, azimuth servo motor driving unit, and pond air pump power circuit.