This is a scaled model of the famous Panama Canal, a 48 miles long Ship Canal in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (via Gatun Lake in Caribbean Sea). During its journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean the Ship (max. 1050 ft long, 110 ft wide, and 41.2 ft deep) is elevated to an height of 87 feet above the sea level using nothing but the buoyancy force of sea water.

 

To learn more about the working principle of the Panama Canal check out the video!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The model I designed is a fully operational model equipped with electronic sensors and servo motors.

 

The IR sensors detect an approaching ship (coming from the Atlantic Ocean) and open the open the gates in the sequence (left to right) as shown in the video. The gates are controlled by servo motors and they automatically open and close upon receiving signals from the IR sensor. Note that in the real Panama Canal the gates (or locks) are controlled manually by operators.

 

I designed the electronic circuit which couples the IR sensors with the servo motors and enables the timely automatic opening and closing of the gates.

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