Patent Application
20230397550
The invention relates to an irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for irrigating green areas and/or plants according to claim 1.
In the context of climate change, extreme weather events are increasing globally. This can already be seen in certain regions as a trend: dry periods are becoming drier and in rainy periods more and more precipitation falls in a short period of time in the form of heavy rain. In the dry periods, the soil naturally dries out because there is no precipitation. The precipitation of the heavy rain in the rainy periods only helps to a limited extent against the dry soil—because a large amount of water in a short time often cannot be absorbed by the soil, at least often not completely. A large part of the water from the heavy rain, which accumulates on the dry soil due to the large amount of precipitation, evaporates or enters the environment—for example in rivers and/or the sewer system—before it can seep into the soil to sufficiently soak through it. This intensifies the effect of the soil drying out and can sometimes result in plant death because the plants can no longer be adequately supplied with water and/or nutrients from the soil.
AU 2006 100 165 A4 discloses a method for distributing rainwater for irrigation using an existing urban infrastructure. Such a system is perceived as comparatively inflexible, since on the one hand local irrigation needs are not taken into consideration and on the other hand the existing infrastructure is not adaptable to the specific local situation. In this respect, such a system is also considered to be in need of improvement with regard to a precipitation yield.
The object of the invention is to provide an irrigation and drainage device and an irrigation and drainage method that makes it possible to collect water, for example rainwater, in a simple manner and to keep it available for controlled release in dry periods.
In particular, the object is achieved by an irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for managing water, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, wherein the device comprises the following:
An essential point of the invention is to store rainwater for dry periods as well as to buffer heavy rain events and to release the collected water directly to plants and/or green areas depending on the water requirement acquired by sensors and/or based on weather data received from a weather data provider. In addition to irrigating plants and/or green spaces, the evaporation of the water released also results in a reduction in heat, which is particularly valuable in inner-city areas. Depending on the water requirements of the plants and/or the green areas, the water volume flow can be controlled. This is to be understood to mean that when the soil is detected as dry, actuators are controlled or regulated in such a way that more water (i.e., a higher water volume flow) is correspondingly introduced into the irrigation pipe network. If the soil is sufficiently supplied with water, the actuator can be controlled or regulated in such a way that less water or no water (i.e., a low water volume flow or a water volume flow equal to 0.0 L/min) is introduced into the irrigation pipe network. In case of coming heavy rain events, the water-storing elements of the irrigation and drainage system are to be emptied in order to provide buffer storage for the heavy rain. Furthermore, the irrigation and drainage device is to be visible—designed to be perceptible to passers-by—and possibly is to be able to inform passers-by interactively and/or offer the passers-by the opportunity to actively support the irrigation in order to possibly awaken environmental awareness in the passers-by.
Another significant point here is both an information connection—for example via radio—and a fluid connection between the individual (modular) components or water collection devices and/or buffer and storage reservoir of the irrigation and drainage device. By exchanging information between the individual components and the control unit (e.g., filling levels, temperature, water quality, soil moisture, etc.), the water can be routed intelligently, i.e., as required, into the irrigation pipe network/to the respective irrigation zones. For this purpose, a water requirement is determined directly in the irrigation zones using a large number of networked sensors. By means of these environmental data, the irrigation or drainage is controlled accordingly in order to optimize irrigation.
Environmental data are to be understood as data relating to the (immediate) local environment of the irrigation and drainage device. These can include data measured by the sensors with respect to soil moisture of an irrigation zone and/or an amount of precipitation and/or received weather forecast data.
In particular, physical and/or chemical and/or weather or climate sensors can be used as sensors. In this way, for example, temperature, salinity, level, turbidity, or a pH value can be determined. It is possible to use inductive and/or capacitive sensors, flow rate sensors, optical and acoustic sensors, rain gauges, rain sensors, humidity sensors, infrared and UV sensors, position sensors, vibration sensors, GPS sensors, pressure sensors, mechanical sensors, and sensors for monitoring the actuators, e.g., Hall sensors, read contacts, ammeters/voltmeters, tachometers, counters, oscillation sensors, and wave damping sensors, wind sensors, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, NOx and SOx and ozone sensors.
If the water is no longer suitable for use, for example, excessively high salinity and/or other contamination, or because storage volume is required for an upcoming heavy rain event/flooding, it may be necessary to empty the tanks/storage tanks in advance actively (using a pump) or passively.
A water volume flow is to be understood as a water volume per unit of time—for example 0.1 L/min (liters per minute).
Direct or indirect fluid connection between the water collection device or a precipitation collection device and the buffer or buffer tank and/or storage reservoir is to be understood to mean that further fluid-conducting and/or fluid-processing devices—such as a water purification device—can (but do not have to) be connected between a water collection device and the buffer and/or storage reservoir.
In one embodiment, the water in the water collection device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) and/or the (buffer) tank (60) and/or the storage reservoir is supplied by rain, drainage, gutters, point drains, roof drainage, area drainage, wells, or other water intake devices, desalination plants, ambient humidity, fresh water mains/water supply, surface water. Subsequent expansion is made possible by a modular design of the irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device. In addition, precipitation can be effectively collected with a large number of (different) water collection devices. At the same time, due to the modularity, an optimal adaptation to a local situation can take place in order to collect and/or store as much precipitation as possible.
In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage device has a water purification device that is designed to purify water that can be supplied from the at least one water collection device, in particular by sedimentation and/or filtering and/or adsorption and/or absorption, preferably before the water is supplied to the buffer and/or the storage reservoir.
A (pre-)purification of the water makes it possible on the one hand to provide clean water in the irrigation network. On the other hand, deposits in the irrigation pipe network or in the other water-carrying or water-storing components are avoided by purifying the water. This can prevent clogs. Ultimately, purification reduces maintenance work, saves costs, and optimizes the durability of the irrigation and drainage device.
In one embodiment, the buffer and/or a basin and/or a (block) ditch system is at least partially encased using a sealing membrane, in particular geotextile.
A modular (block) ditch system or ditch system preferably produced from plastic enables a stable and structurally simple option to construct the buffer or a buffer tank cost-effectively. A height is also variable and can be adapted to a terrain upper edge. Using a modular principle, almost any installation situation can be taken into consideration. Due to to the system architecture, a (block) ditch system offers high stability and high strength. The (block) ditch system can be installed under green areas, public paths and squares, and also automobile parking spaces. An additional use of one or more layers of geotextile under or around the (block) ditch system can protect the (block) ditch system. The geotextile can be used as a sealing membrane to seal the (block) ditch system and/or as a root protection. Alternatively or additionally, basins can be used to collect or store water. These are comparatively inexpensive.
In one embodiment, the irrigation pipe network comprises multiple irrigation pipes, wherein each irrigation pipe is designed to release water in a corresponding irrigation zone, preferably by means of an open end and/or a respective end region which is perforated at least in sections and/or by means of perforated sections.
This makes it possible for the irrigation to take place directly via a permanently laid pipeline system to the respective irrigation zones or planting areas where the water is required for irrigating the plants. Irrigation zones can be flat green areas (for example so-called planting islands) as well as individual tree planting pits or tree planting pits connected to one another by substrate spaces. This promotes the growth of plants in the irrigation zones. On the other hand, missing/absent precipitation can be replaced with water from the irrigation and drainage device in order to supply the plants in the irrigation zones with sufficient water during dry periods. In general, the evaporation of the water in the irrigation zones also results in a reduction in heat, which is particularly valuable in inner-city areas.
In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage device has at least one electric pump; this electric pump is preferably arranged on the buffer side. Alternatively or additionally, a manual pump or a capstan or a hydraulic ram, such as a hand pump, can be provided. The manual pump is preferably arranged at the storage reservoir or in its vicinity. The at least one electric pump and/or the hand pump are designed to pump the water from the buffer into the storage reservoir and/or into the irrigation pipe network.
By using an electronic pump, the water can be regulated or controlled and/or pumped from the buffer to the storage reservoir as required. This improves the handling of the irrigation and drainage device. The use of a manual pump, such as a hand pump, is also possible without a power supply—transferring the water would therefore also be possible without a power supply. In addition, a hand pump can contribute to the active assistance of the irrigation of the plants and/or green areas by passers-by.
In one embodiment, the control unit is designed to acquire the environmental data by means of a large number of sensors, preferably soil moisture sensors, via a sensor interface. In particular, the environmental data comprise values for a soil moisture content in an irrigation zone here. Based on these environmental data or soil moisture sensor data, the water volume flow from the buffer and/or the storage reservoir is controlled by means of the actuator.
The control unit/controller can consist of local electronic components (hardware and software) and/or decentralized control software. Data communication between local and decentralized components can be made possible by wired or radio-based technologies (data exchange). The collection and processing can take place in a database structure, in particular a data cloud, which communicates with the control unit.
Irrigation by means of the irrigation and drainage device takes place directly in the respective irrigation zones. A measurement of the water content of the soil or the plant substrate or the soil moisture within the irrigation zone can be carried out using soil moisture sensors. This enables a needs-based water supply to the irrigation zones. If it is determined that an irrigation zone is excessively dry, this irrigation zone can be (more strongly) irrigated.
In one embodiment, the control unit is designed to receive environmental data via a network interface. In particular, the environmental data include weather data or weather forecast data for a location of the irrigation and drainage device, which are preferably provided by a weather data provider. Based on these environmental data or weather forecast data, the water volume flow from the buffer and/or from the storage reservoir is controlled by means of the at least one actuator.
This enables a needs-based water supply to the irrigation zones. If the weather forecast contains a forecast of a long-lasting drought, the control unit of the irrigation and drainage device can hold back water for this purpose and/or inform the responsible maintenance personnel that water may have to be (manually) refilled. If the weather forecast contains a prediction of precipitation, the irrigation zones may not be irrigated and/or the resulting irrigation may accordingly be less in order to reserve water in the irrigation and drainage device. On the other hand, if (heavy) precipitation is announced, the water storage (buffer and/or storage reservoir) can be emptied in order to make buffer storage volume available for the corresponding precipitation.
In one embodiment, the at least one precipitation collection device comprises at least one inflow control valve, which is designed to control and/or prevent an inflow from the at least one precipitation collection device to the buffer by means of the control unit.
The use of an inflow control valve makes it possible, for example when the buffer and/or storage reservoir is full, for the water that is collected using the at least one water collection device to initially remain in the water collection device, since if it was passed on to the buffer and/or the storage reservoir, these would overflow and that water would accordingly be lost. In this way, a storage volume of a water collection device can temporarily increase the total storage volume of the irrigation and drainage device.
In one embodiment, the at least one water collection device comprises conventional gutters, point drains (surface drainage system), and/or at least one roof collection component, for example for flat roofs, which is preferably arranged on a house roof. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one water collection device comprises at least one floor collection component, preferably formed from floor elements that are perforated at least in sections and/or are water-permeable at least in sections with water guiding structures arranged underneath.
This makes it possible for the irrigation and drainage device to be used in many (almost all) building situations—regardless of the location. Both on house roofs and on or in floors. The irrigation and drainage device can either be retrofitted, i.e., attached or installed on existing house roofs and/or in corresponding floor areas, or planned and installed specifically for new building complexes having houses and/or green areas in these houses and/or green areas. A precipitation collection quantity can be optimized especially when (simultaneously) using different or several water collection devices. Overall, this optimizes the irrigation of the irrigation zones and thus the irrigation and drainage device.
In one embodiment, the storage reservoir and/or the buffer has fill level sensors for determining a water fill level and/or temperature sensors for determining a water temperature and/or conductivity sensors for determining a water conductivity, in particular with regard to a salinity of the water, and the respective sensors are also designed to transmit the acquired sensor data to the control unit and the control unit is designed to control the water volume flow from the buffer and/or from the storage reservoir by means of at least one actuator and/or by means of at least one pump based on the sensor data.
The use of temperature sensors and/or conductivity sensors makes it possible to optimize the water quality of the water that is used for the irrigation, and thus ultimately the irrigation and drainage device. For example, water temperatures that are excessively high or excessively low can damage plants upon irrigation. An excessively high salinity (for example road salt) in the water is equally harmful to the plants. If the conductance of the water determined by means of a conductivity sensor is excessively high, the water can be drained into the sewer system, for example. Fill level sensors can additionally log data about water fill levels and optimize the water distribution within the irrigation and drainage system. In addition, the water volume flow that is released into the irrigation zones can be measured and/or controlled by means of the fill level sensors. Alternatively or additionally, physical and/or chemical sensors can be used in the at least one water collection device and/or in the buffer and/or in the storage reservoir. In this way, for example, temperature, salinity, level, turbidity, or a pH value of the water can be determined. It is possible to use inductive and/or capacitive sensors, flow rate sensors, optical and acoustic sensors, infrared and UV sensors, position sensors, vibration sensors, GPS sensors, pressure sensors, mechanical sensors, and sensors for monitoring the actuators, e.g., Hall sensors, read contacts, ammeters/voltmeters, tachometers, counters, oscillation sensors, and wave damping sensors, wind sensors, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, NOx and SOx and ozone sensors in order to optimize the irrigation and drainage device or the irrigation and drainage.
In one embodiment, the storage reservoir is designed as an elevated tank such that the water release or the control of the water volume flow from the storage reservoir into the irrigation pipe network can be carried out without pumps and/or exclusively by the at least one actuator. For this purpose, the actuator can be designed, for example, as a control valve or as an active throttle. The elevated tank can also be designed to be transparent for visualization purposes, in order to visualize the internal water level.
This enables the water to be released from the storage reservoir into the irrigation pipe network solely “passively” by the weight of the water. As a result, the irrigation and drainage device is cost-effective and requires little maintenance.
In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage device includes an information display device that is designed to communicate with the control unit including a data-processing unit (for example a dashboard) and to visualize information, for example with respect to soil moisture, water fill levels, amount of precipitation, or the like, in particular operating states.
An information display device enables the responsible maintenance personnel to have a corresponding overview of the relevant operating data of the irrigation and drainage device. The information device can also display location-related irrigation and/or precipitation information for passers-by. The information display device can be designed as a (weatherproof) outdoor display, for example.
In particular, the object of the invention is also achieved by irrigation and drainage methods and/or water storage methods, preferably for the management of water, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
This results in the same advantages as have already been described in connection with the irrigation and drainage device.
In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage method comprises a step of increasing the water volume flow when the control unit detects by means of a sensor, preferably a soil moisture sensor, that a water content in a corresponding irrigation zone is below a limiting value, and/or
This ensures that the optimal amount of water is always provided in the irrigation zones, so that plants and/or green areas can be optimally supplied.
In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage method comprises a step of actively or passively emptying the buffer and/or the storage reservoir, preferably by emptying it into the sewer system, if
This ensures that the buffer and/or the storage reservoir are optimally filled. If a large amount of precipitation is imminent, sufficient buffer volume is provided so that fresh water can be absorbed. Water that is excessively salty or generally contaminated can be discharged into the sewer system instead of being used for irrigation, since this could potentially have a negative effect on the plants.
Energy harvesting systems, e.g., photovoltaics, wind, thermal differences, piezo elements, generators of any kind can be used for the energy supply, e.g., for the control unit, sensors, actuators. The energy can be stored, for example, via rechargeable batteries.
Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.
The invention is also described hereinafter with regard to further features and advantages using exemplary embodiments which are explained in more detail using an illustration.
In the figures:
In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and identically acting parts.
In the exemplary embodiment according to
The water collection device 10 is a roof collection device 10, which is arranged on a house roof 11, combined here with a radio-networked optical level sensor 13 and radio-controlled inflow control valve 12. The level sensor 13 and the inflow control valve 12 can communicate with a sensor interface 110 of a control unit 130 and can be controlled by the control unit 130. The roof collection device 10 can preferably be planted. The roof collection device 10 preferably consists of a modular, flat, geocellular storage cavity. Multiple layers of the flat sheets allow for a larger storage cavity of the roof collection device 10 to be created. A structural height can vary from 85-165 mm.
In addition, multiple water collection devices 20, 20a, 30, 40, 64 are shown, which are designed as ground collection devices 20, 20a, 30, 40, 64 of the irrigation and drainage device. In an exemplary embodiment according to
The ground collection devices in the embodiment according to
Alternatively or additionally, the ground collection devices in the exemplary embodiment according to
In the exemplary embodiment according to
From the water purification device 50, the purified water reaches a buffer 60. In one embodiment, the (buffer) tank 60 is constructed from a modular (block) ditch system, preferably made of plastic (polypropylene).
A modular (block) ditch system can be based on basic ditch elements (blocks), which are laid in a group using a plug-in system. As a result, the structural strength and the (assembly) handling of the (block) ditch system can be significantly increased. The individual elements can be assembled on site in advance to form a connected block system. Such a ditch system can be designed both for block infiltration and for block storage/retention. For example, as block storage below traffic areas, driveways, or public areas.
The stability is preferably increased by a large number of columns within the ditches. The columns can also be filled with water, so that a storage coefficient of the ditches of up to 95% can be achieved.
The use of polypropylene for the ditches also provides a robust and corrosion-resistant foundation for longevity of the system.
Furthermore, the buffer and/or the ditches of the (block) ditch system can have inspection accesses—for example for an inspection camera and/or for cleaning devices.
In the embodiment shown, the buffer 60 is below a ground surface.
The buffer 60 is equipped with a drain pump 67 and a pipe such that water from the buffer can be actively discharged into the sewer system 140. Alternatively or additionally, an overflow pipe 68 can be provided in order to prevent the buffer 60 from overflowing. In the exemplary embodiment according to
A sensor unit 61 of the buffer 60 comprises multiple sensors, for example a temperature sensor for determining a water temperature within the buffer and/or a buffer fill level sensor for determining a buffer fill level and/or a conductivity sensor for determining a water conductivity, in particular with regard to a salinity and/or a sedimentation sensor for acquiring sedimentation values of the water within the buffer 60.
The sensor unit 61 of the buffer 60 can transmit the acquired data to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130 via radio signals and/or in a wired manner.
For one or more of the ground collection devices 10, 20, 20a, 30, 40 and/or the buffer 60 and/or for the water purification device 50, (smart) covers 170 can be used to close a passage opening.
The passage opening can, for example, allow access or entry to the subterranean elements.
The smart cover 170 has at least one antenna such that signals can be sent and received through the transmission and reception opening, wherein the antenna of the cover 170 is connected to at least one electrical line.
The electrical line of the smart cover 170 can be connected to sensors and/or actuators of at least one of the ground collection devices 10, 20, 20a, 30, 40 and/or the buffer 60 and/or the water purification device 50.
The antenna of the smart cover 170 passes on these signals (above ground) and wirelessly to the control unit 130 in such a way that a signal transmission quality of sensor-acquired values within the ground collection device and/or the buffer to the control unit 130 is optimized.
The water is made available for irrigation via an electric pump 63 and/or via a manual pump such as a hand pump 81.
According to the exemplary embodiment from
The electric pump 63 of the buffer 60 can also comprise a solar and/or wind powered pump system.
A wall of the storage reservoir 80 can be transparent (in sections) or partially transparent (in sections) in order to be able to acquire the internal water level directly.
In addition, the storage reservoir 80 comprises a storage reservoir fill level sensor 82 which is designed to transmit a fill level of the storage reservoir to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130. The storage reservoir fill level sensor 82 also regulates the inflow.
In addition, an overflow is integrated into the storage reservoir 80 which, if necessary, returns the water to the buffer 60.
By means of the hand pump 81, passers-by can actively assist the irrigation of the green areas or fill the storage reservoir 80. Such offers are used very well, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
In principle, however, the actual irrigation is never carried out by passers-by, but always via an actuator 84 controllable by means of the control unit 130 in order to be able to ensure an optimal water supply to the irrigation zones.
If required, the buffer 60 can be manually filled with water via a filler neck 65. Alternatively or additionally, the filler neck can be connected to a water supply line, via which the buffer 60 can be filled. Manual filling can be advantageous, for example, when the weather forecast predicts a prolonged dry period, but the control unit 130 reports that the buffer 60 and/or the storage reservoir 80 have a low fill level.
In one exemplary embodiment, the buffer 60 itself can have a water collection device 64 or a direct feed structure 64 such that precipitation from the ground can seep directly into the buffer 60.
An information display device 70 can be set up, which is designed to communicate with the control unit 130 and to visualize information, for example in relation to soil moisture of the soil around the irrigation and drainage device, water levels in the irrigation and drainage device, amount of precipitation. Interactive elements can also be present on the information display device 70. Visible fill level indicators (visible in particular to passers-by) of the irrigation and drainage device can also be installed. In the exemplary embodiment according to
In the exemplary embodiment according to
The volume and/or height of the storage reservoir 80 may vary based on need and/or environment.
In this exemplary embodiment, the storage reservoir 80 is designed as an elevated tank similar to a water tower. A photovoltaic device for generating solar power can be attached to an upper side of the storage reservoir. The resulting water pressure inside the storage reservoir 80 or inside a supply line section 83 makes it possible to supply the irrigation pipe network 85 without a pump—i.e., only by opening at least one actuator 84. The design and/or the height and/or the position of the feed line section 83 of the storage reservoir 80 can be optimized with regard to the water pressure present at the actuator 84.
The green areas and/or plants are irrigated via a permanently laid irrigation pipes network 85 directly to the respective irrigation zones A-D. Wherein in this exemplary embodiment, the irrigation pipe network 85 comprises irrigation pipes 85a-85d for this purpose.
Irrigation zones A-D can be flat green areas (for example so-called planting islands) as well as individual tree planting pits or tree planting pits connected to one another by substrate spaces. Both applications involve the natural capillarity of the plant substrate, since capillarity helps the water get to where it is needed by the plants.
In the respective irrigation zones A-D, soil moisture sensors 100 acquire a soil moisture or a soil water content of the irrigation zones A-D and transmit the acquired data to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130.
The control unit 130 receives both the soil moisture values determined locally via the soil moisture sensors 100 via the sensor interface 110 and weather data from corresponding providers via a network interface 120. The network interface can be an Internet network interface, for example.
The control unit 130 can comprise a computing unit and an information interface for the maintenance personnel. The control unit 130 comprises the underlying control logic of the irrigation and drainage device:
A system network of the control unit 130 consists of sensors and/or sensor units, actuators, pumps, and/or circuits that are used for processing and passing on signals.
By means of a gateway 160, signals from the local system network are processed on the one hand and the connection to the Internet is established on the other hand. Depending on the location conditions, the LoRaWAN or the NB-IoT radio standard or other radio standards can be used.
In addition, the control unit 130 can have a user interface which is designed to input and/or modify corresponding limiting values or target ranges for water temperatures and/or water salinity.
An alternative embodiment of the irrigation and drainage device is shown in
In this exemplary embodiment, the filling of the buffer 60 takes place analogously to the previous exemplary embodiments via at least one water collection device 64.
A water collection device is shown as a direct feed structure 64 in
The soil moisture sensor 100 acquires soil moisture values for an irrigation zone and transmits these to the control unit 130 (not shown). An actuator or a control valve 84 can be opened by the control unit 130 as soon as the soil moisture sensor 100 falls below a specific value. In this way, water is routed from the buffer 60 into the irrigation pipe network 85. In the exemplary embodiment according to
Alternatively or additionally, a pump 63a controlled by the control unit 130 can introduce water into a drip tube 85e laid in the root area of a plant, which carries out drip irrigation.
Alternatively or additionally, a layer of rock wool can be placed within the root area. The rock wool layer is sealed with foil on the bottom and on the sides and can thus store water that has seeped in and/or that has been introduced through the irrigation pipe network 85. Plants have direct access to the reservoir via their roots.
At this point, it is to be noted that all the parts described above, viewed individually and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention. Modifications thereof are familiar to persons skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2020 123 914.9 | Sep 2020 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/075067 | 9/13/2021 | WO |
