controllable simulated indoor rain with solenoid valves

Hello all,

I have an interactive art project that I am doing some feasability
research into. The basis of the artwork is a device that creates a
simulation of rainfall that allows for control of the rain density
across the rainfall area, from full speed right down to complete
shutoff, with no drips. This will be accomplished with an overhead
network of water drip-outlets or sprinklers, each individually
controlled by a solenoid or similar so that I can control the amount
of water falling in any particular area.

My initial idea for how to solve this involves a 16 x 16 grid of
solenoid valves, each connected to a showerhead or some kind of
droplet-creating device.

What would be better, however, is some system to form droplets of
water on command, using a higher-density array of piezoelectric
devices or using electrohydrodynamic techniques. This would enable me
to alter the flow of raindrops to a particular area continuously,
allowing for adjustable rainfall to a particular area.

As you may be able to tell I have no working knowledge in this field.
So I have a couple of questions:

1) How feasible do you think these methods may be?
2) What sort of cost do you think may be involved?

Any advice, tips, ideas greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Damian

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damian stewart | +44 7854 493 796 | damian@freyNOSPAM.co.nz
frey | live art with machines | http://www.frey.co.nz