Patent Application
20230284571
The present disclosure relates to a plant support structure and plant support system for accommodating plants.
Over the last century, various human activities such as the clearing of forests and natural ecosystems for agriculture, industry, commercial and residential real estate and other human activities has decreased the amount of flora and fauna in the environment. For many, the absence of flora has a detrimental effect on at least the aesthetics of a built environment. The absence of fauna also has a detrimental effect on the flora and the biodiversity of the built environment. Additionally, many cities are beginning to suffer from a “heat island effect”, in which built up areas are hotter than nearby rural areas.
Recently, some systems such as green façade system, green walls, and living walls have been developed to introduce nature into the urban environment. A green façade uses a trellis system to hold the vines of plants that are rooted in the ground whereas in a living wall the plants are rooted in the wall modules.
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a plant support structure for accommodating plants, the plant support structure including: a framework including a plurality of primary elements interconnected to each other in a vertically extending arrangement, the interconnected primary elements forming a plurality of geometric blocks and vertically extending channels formed at a periphery of the geometric blocks; wherein the channels are configured to receive therein a porous material for carrying water from a top end of the plant support structure down the channels for irrigating plants in the channels.
A plant support structure for accommodating plants is also described. The plant support structure includes a framework in a vertically extending arrangement forming a plurality of geometric blocks and vertically extending channels formed at a periphery of the geometric blocks. The channels are configured to receive therein a porous material for carrying water from a top end of the plant support structure down the channels for irrigating plants in the channels.
In an embodiment, at least one of the primary elements has a micro-awning for proving shading to plants within the channels and/or to a building associated with the plant support structure.
In an embodiment, the interconnected primary elements in the framework form an interlaced hexagonal geometry.
In an embodiment, the geometric blocks form an interlaced hexagonal geometry.
In an embodiment, the framework has a first layer and a second layer of interconnected primary elements, horizontally spaced apart from the first layer; wherein the channels are formed between the first layer and the second layer.
In an embodiment, the channels are open on two sides.
In an embodiment, the channels substantially continually descend, by not including sections that extend substantially horizontally.
In an embodiment, the channels do not include sections that extend substantially horizontally.
In an embodiment, the channels continuously descend vertically over their length.
In an embodiment, the porous material is configured to accommodate and integrate roots of the plants.
In an embodiment, the framework may be formed by or include a plurality of primary elements interconnected to each other.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system for accommodating and maintaining plants including a plant support structure according to the first aspect; a porous material held within the channels; and an irrigation system for providing water into a top part of the channels of the plant support structure.
There is also disclosed a system for accommodating and maintaining plants including a plant support structure, including a framework with vertically extending channels, for example as described above. The channels are configured to receive therein a porous material for carrying water from a top end of the plant support structure down the channels for irrigating plants in the channels. An irrigation system is configured to provide water into a top part of the channels of the plant support structure.
In an embodiment, the system further includes a water treatment pond located near a bottom end of the plant support structure, wherein the water treatment pond is configured to receive and purify water resulting from irrigation overflow through the channels of the plant support structure.
In an embodiment, the system further includes a water storage tank for storing either the water resulting from irrigation overflow through the channels of the plant support structure or the purified water received from the water treatment pond.
In an embodiment, the system further includes a cistern located at a height close or above the height of the plant support structure, wherein the cistern receives water from the water storage tank and provides the water to the irrigation system.
In an embodiment, the system further includes a power source and a pump for pumping water from the water storage tank to the cistern.
In an embodiment, the pump is be powered by solar energy to pump the water to the cistern.
According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a plant support structure for accommodating plants including: a framework including at least two layers of a plurality of geometric blocks, horizontally spaced part to form a space between the geometric block; and a porous material secured within the space between the geometric blocks, whereby the geometric blocks and porous material form vertically extending channels for carrying water down the channels.
In an embodiment, the vertically extending channels may form a non-linear path that substantially continuously descends along its length.
In an embodiment, the framework is formed from fibre reinforced concrete.
In an embodiment, the porous material is a wicking material.
In an embodiment, the geometric blocks are hexagonal shaped and oriented with a vertex as an uppermost part of each block.
In an embodiment, the geometric blocks include one or more elongated hexagonal shaped blocks, providing increased separation between parts of the plant support structure at the location of the elongated blocks relative to non-elongated hexagonal shaped blocks.
In an embodiment, the plant support structure is affixed to a structure so that the at least two layers are spaced apart from the structure.
In an embodiment, the plant support structure further includes one more platforms between an innermost layer of the at least two layers and the building, the platforms configured to accommodate thereon a person.
In an embodiment, each geometric block of a plant support structure as described herein may have a continuous line of thickened material extending down both sides of its periphery, relative to material to one or both sides of the line of thickened material.
Further aspects of the present disclosure and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The systems disclosed herein relate to a plant support structure and a plant support system for accommodating and growing flora.
Referring now to
The plant support structure 10 includes a framework of primary interconnecting elements 10c interconnected to each other in a vertically extending arrangement to form the plant support structure 10. The interconnecting elements 10c form an interlaced hexagonal geometry that includes a plurality of geometric blocks 11. Forming the plant support structure 10 from primary interconnecting elements 10c allows relatively large-scale structures to be constructed. For example, as shown in
The interconnecting elements 10c are assembled together using suitable connectors 13. The connectors 13 may be, for example, in the form of brackets, metal tubes or metal rods, which are capable of securely connecting primary interconnecting elements 10c together and assembling the plant support structure 10. The connectors 13 may be made of a suitable lightweight metal, for example, aluminium. Alternatively, the connectors 13 may be made of any suitable weather resistant material, for example, stainless steel.
As best seen in
The hexagonal blocks 11 of the front and back layers 10a and 10b, respectively, of plant support structure 10 form channels 14 defined between the front and back layers 10a and 10b. In particular, the channels 14 are formed between the periphery of the blocks 11 of the front layer 10 and the periphery of the blocks 11 of the back layer 10b.
As best seen in
The channels 14 are configured to accommodate and support plants and carry dripping/flowing water to allow the growth of the plants within the structure 10. The channels 14 may also carry fertilisers and other fluids or materials, for example to implement a hydroponics system. The distance between the front and back layers 10a and 10b and accordingly the width of the channels 14 may vary between installations. By way of example, the channels 14 may range in width between about 10 cm and about 2 metres.
In some embodiments, the channels 14 receive and retain a porous material (see, for example, planting arrangements 290a-d in
The porous material may be retained in place by netting, cage, or similar attached to the plant support structure 10 and extending between the front and back layers 10a and 10b to span the channels 14. For example,
In some embodiments, the plant support structure 10 is configured to be fastened to a wall 15 by support elements 12a. Support elements 12a may extend from the wall 15 to provide structural support for the plant support structure 10. In one embodiment, each support element 12a also forms the connector 13 for the primary interconnecting elements 10c at that location. For example, the support elements 12a may be rods or tubes extending from the wall 15 through the interconnecting elements 10c forming the front and back layers 10a and 10b. In some embodiments, at least one platform 12b is also provided, which is supported by one or more support elements 12a.
The plant support structure 16 also has two layers 16a and 16b (similar to front and back layers 10a and 10b of plant support structure 10 of
Compared to plant support structures 10 and 16, the plant support structure 40 allows more sunlight to pass through, especially through the elongated hexagonal blocks 43b. In an example application, the plant support structure 40 may be configured to place elongated hexagonal blocks 43b adjacent to a window, balcony, or other location where increased sight through the plant support structure 40 is required or desired. As shown in
The plant support structure can be in the form of a building façade, a freestanding pavilion (for example, as illustrated in
Referring now to
In
The plant support structure 71 comprises primary interconnecting elements 01. The primary interconnecting elements 01 may include any of the primary connecting elements disclosed herein. The primary interconnecting elements 01 are connected together using connectors (e.g. connectors 13 and 18 described above) such as brackets, metal tubes or metal rods to form a framework of the plant support structure 71. In this embodiment, the connectors are formed from aluminium tubes 02. The plant support structure 71 has a plurality of blocks 72 similar to blocks 11, 43a, and 43b described above. In this embodiment, the blocks 72 are shown to have hexagonal geometry.
The assembly of various primary interconnecting elements 01 provides a plant support structure 71 that has channels 73a-e that run from the top to bottom of the plant support structure 71. The channels 73a-e are configured to accommodate and support plants and carry dripping/flowing water to allow the growth of the plants within the structure 71. Water enters the system at the top of the geometric shapes (e.g. hexagons), through these channels 73a-e. The channels 73a-e may also carry fertilisers and other fluids or materials, if required. In an embodiment, the channels 73a-e may receive a porous material 03 that further helps in accommodating and supporting plants and allows for a more controlled water dripping/flow through the channel 73. The channels 73a-e can independently function to support plants 05 and allow water dripping/flowing from the top to bottom of the plant support structure 71 without the use of the porous material 03.
In an embodiment, the porous material 03 may be a continuous single body that fits into the channels 73a-e along a plurality of interconnecting elements 01, up to the entire height of the plant support structure 71 (if there is no obstruction within the channels 73-e as shown in
Secondary interconnecting elements 04 (e.g. interconnecting elements 10d describe above) may also be connected to the primary interconnecting elements 01 to provide a more dense plant support structure 71. In some embodiments, the secondary interconnecting elements 04 are configured to provide additional functionality, for example by incorporating nesting boxes, boxes, hives, insect nests, or basins shaped as baths, for fauna such as birds. Incorporation of secondary interconnecting elements 04 in the plant support structure 71 may be omitted in parts or all of the plant support structure 71. In some embodiments, the additional functionality may also be provided by structures on one or more of the primary interconnecting elements 01.
The plant support system 70 further includes or is connected to one or more support elements 06 for supporting the plant support structure 71. In an embodiment, each support element 06 is a concrete slab that is secured to or forms part of a building/wall/other structure at its rear face 06a. A fastener 07 (e.g. support elements 12a described above) secures the plant support structure 71 to the support element/concrete slab 06 at its front face 06b. In this way, the plant support structure 71 is held in place in an upright position. One or more support elements 06 may be used based on the size of the plant support structure 71.
In an embodiment, a maintenance platform 08 (e.g. platforms 12b described above) is secured to the concrete slab 06 and supported by fasteners 07. The maintenance platform 08 may provide access to maintenance personnel to the plant support structure 71, to enable structure and/or plant maintenance. Stairs, ladders or similar (not shown) may be provided between platforms 08 to provide an additional exit from a structure attached to or by the plant support system 70. Where the structure is a building, these may provide, for example, a fire escape from the building.
The plant support structure 71 is configured to receive water from a drip irrigation system 78 provided with a reservoir 77. The reservoir 77 is connected to the channels 73a-73e at the top most end of the plant support structure 71. Water enters the channels 73a-e (for example, via the drip irrigation system 78 or reservoirs 275 discussed below) and moves down through the channels 73a-e. In some embodiments, the reservoir 77 is fitted with a wicking material to regulate and/or distribute the water into and across the channels 73a-e of the plant support structure 71, or through the porous material 03. In embodiments, where a porous material 03 is placed within one or more of the channels 73a-e, a more controlled flow of water from the top to the bottom of the plant support structure 71 may be provided.
During irrigation of plants in the plant support structure 71, some overflow of water might take place, which can be collected in the water treatment pond 76 that is provided near the bottom end of the plant support structure 71. In an example, the porous material 03 may be formed of a plurality of porous materials, each having a water collector 79 configured to collect water during irrigation. Some of the overflow water may be collected in the water collector 79 of each porous material 03. Excess water in the water collector 79 of each porous material 03 may subsequently be collected in the water treatment pond 76.
After water treatment at the water treatment pond 76, the treated water can be moved to a water storage tank 75. The treated water can then be pumped into an elevated cistern 74 that is located at a height above the top edge of the structure 71. The system 70 may also include a solar power system (not shown) that can produce sufficient solar power to pump the treated water into the elevated cistern 74. The drip irrigation system 78 takes water from the elevated cistern 74 and/or from the reservoirs 77 and provides it to the channels 73a-73e. The plant support system 70 may also be coupled in fluid communication to an external water supply (e.g. mains water). The external water supply may provide water to the plant support system 70, for example to the cistern 74 or to the water storage tank 75.
The plant support system 70 of the present disclosure is a system that may mimic, to some extent, the complex ecosystem of forests to support plant growth and thus provide an “artificial” habitat for insects, reptiles, birds and other fauna. Therefore, these systems may also help address the issues of rapidly decreasing biodiversity in urban areas.
The plant support structures and plant support systems disclosed herein may have multiple applications as a retro-fittable building façade, freestanding pavilion/wall, or fence within or outside buildings, houses, and other real estate infrastructure.
Installation and operation of the plant support structures and plant support systems disclosed herein may allow buildings to cool down naturally and therefore reduce the cost of artificial cooling using air-conditioning and fans. Therefore, these systems may reduce the cost of operating a building with a reduction in the need for artificial cooling by reducing the heat load on the building. A well-ventilated plant support structure may cool down naturally, further reducing the heat load from radiation and/or reflected ambient heat.
The plant support structures and systems disclosed herein may also help in reducing heat island effect in congested city areas with multiple buildings and concrete infrastructure. These systems may reduce the heat island effect by shielding the thermal mass of buildings with a well ventilated plant support structure accommodating a variety of plants. The vegetation within the plant support structures provide a living shield. This may further reduce the heat gain, to the building, the building façade, and the surrounding built environment. The vegetation both shades as well as absorbs the sun radiation and heat energy.
Furthermore, the growing vegetation allows for the absorption of CO2 and other harmful gases from the environment. The plant support structures disclosed herein may have a large plant surface area in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, air purification may be achieved in a spatially efficient way.
Water flow through the plant support structures disclosed herein is facilitated by the block configuration (e.g. blocks 11, 43a, and 43b). For example, as shown in embodiments in
The plant support structures and plant support systems disclosed herein may be installed, for example, on the northern façade of a building (e.g. for buildings in the southern hemisphere) or on the southern façade (e.g. for buildings in the northern hemisphere). However, the plant support structures disclosed herein may be installed on any façade of a building. Installation of the structure may improve building system performance and efficiency, for example with respect to the operation of air conditioning systems and/or the reduction or elimination of incoming glare.
An example configuration of a plant support structure 107 according the present disclosure relative to building structure 101 is shown in
In
The channels (e.g. channels 14, 19, and 44 described above) and/or the porous material (e.g. planting arrangements 290a-d and lattice work 293 described below) in the channels allow for the integration of the root balls of plants throughout the plant support structure (e.g. plant support structures 10, 16, 40, and 50) as shown in
The plant support structure 122 in
The plant support structure 131 in
It will be appreciated that other embodiments will include variations from the embodiments described herein above and shown in the accompanying figures.
For example, the primary interconnecting elements 10c may form more or less of the structure. While in
In another example, it is also envisaged that a plant support structure according to embodiments disclosed herein may have three or more layers formed from interconnecting elements (e.g. interconnecting elements 10c, 10d, 41b, and 43b). The layers may be formed during manufacture of the interconnecting elements, or formed on site at the time of installation to form the structure. In the example of three layers, two adjacent channels similar to channels 14 may be provided, one channel formed between the front and middle layer and another channel formed between the middle and back layer.
As best seen in
As best seen in
When the micro-awnings 192 are disposed at the top of the interconnecting elements 191, the micro-awnings 192 may provide shading for a building (e.g. building 193 in
Further, the shading provided by the micro-awnings 192 may create a greater variety of micro-climates within the plant support structure 190. Increasing the variety of micro-climates within the plant support structure 190 may increase the biodiversity of flora and fauna the plant support structure 190 can support.
As best seen in
The micro-awnings 192 provide a horizontal surface on which plants growing in the plant support structure 190 may grow. The micro-awnings 192 may restrict/prevent plants growing in the plant support structure 190 from drooping down in front of the openings of blocks (e.g. blocks 11, 41b, 43b described above) below, thereby reducing obstruction of the openings of the blocks. This may result in more natural light entering the building 193 and maintaining the outlook from within the building 193 as well as allowing more light to plants that would otherwise be shaded by drooping plants, allowing for increased biodiversity of flora.
The micro-awnings 192 may also provide wind protection for plants growing in the plant support structure 190 and for fauna living in the plant support structure 190. This may increase plant growth and biodiversity within the plant support structure 190.
The interconnecting elements 201 are disposed at an angle relative to adjacent interconnecting elements 201 to provide a plant support structure 200 with a curve. It is envisaged that the interconnecting elements 201 may be disposed at a variety of different angles relative to adjacent interconnecting elements 201 to create a plant support structure 200 having a variety of curves. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the interconnecting elements 201 may be disposed at an angle relative to adjacent interconnecting elements 201 to create plant support structure 200 that at least substantially follows the face of a building and/or wraps around a corner of a building. Alternatively, the interconnecting elements 201 may be disposed at angles relative to adjacent interconnecting elements 201 to create a plant support structure 200 in the form of a free standing pavilion/wall or fence having one or more curves.
As can be seen in
Each wedge-shaped element 202 may be coupled to the same support framework 205 as each of the interconnecting elements 201 of the plant support structure 200. The support framework 205 may be formed from the support elements 12a as described above.
In
In
It is envisaged that plant support structures may be formed using a combinations of the interconnecting elements disclosed herein. Accordingly, plant support structures may be formed using one or more of the interconnecting elements disclosed herein to create different patterns and variations within the plant support structure in order to mimic nature (e.g. to mimic fallen tree branches and/or logs or to mimic the complex canopy structure of bushes or trees with a variety of voids of various sizes). This may increase the biodiversity of the flora and fauna that the plant support structure may support.
Referring to
Referring to
The nesting box 251 is supported by a wire cage 251a connected to the plant support structure 250. However, it is envisaged that the nesting box 251 may be connected to the plant support structure 250 using any other suitable means known in the art. It is also envisaged that the nesting box 251 need not be connected between the front layer 252a and the back layer 252b, but may be connected to only one of the layers 252a or 252b.
The nesting box 251 has a body 253, a top cap 254, a bottom cap 255, and a hole 256. The body 252 defines an interior volume 257 (see
The body 253 may be made from a hollow log from logging waste and cut to a desired size. The top and bottom caps 254 and 255 are connected to either end of the body 253 to define the interior volume 257.
A plug 258 with a hole 259 is inserted into the hole 256 of the body 253. The hole 259 of the plug 258 entices birds. The birds may then start removing small parts of the plug 258 so that they can enter the interior volume 257 of the body 253. The plug may be made of a termite mixture or any other suitable material which is safe for fauna and can removed by fauna.
Although the body 253 has been described as being constructed using logging waste, it is also envisaged that the body 253 may be made artificially and made to resemble wood.
Different plant types/species require different soil types and moisture levels. For example, vertical garden systems, such as the plant support structures disclosed herein, are typically suited for rainforest plants and, therefore, may not be well suited for other plant types/species.
The planter boxes 261 can be filled with different media at different depths to suit a wide variety of different plant types/species. Accordingly, the planter boxes 261 may increase the variety of plant types that are able to grow in the plant support structure 260. Increasing the variety of flora that the plant support structure 260 can support may also increase the biodiversity of fauna living in the plant support structure 260.
The planter boxes 261 can also be disposed at different locations within the plant support structure 260 to vary the lighting conditions the planter boxes 261 are exposed to. Accordingly, the location of the planter boxes 261 may be chosen such that the lighting conditions that planter boxes 261 are exposed to suit the plant growing in the planter boxes 261.
The planter boxes 261 may also be sized to allow larger plants (e.g. trees and/or shrubs) to grow within the plant support structures 260.
The planter boxes 261 may be irrigated by a different irrigation system to the irrigation system used to water the plants growing in the channels (e.g. channels 11,19, 44, 73 described above). Alternatively, the planter boxes may be irrigated by the same irrigation system used to water the plants growing in the channels of the plant support structure 260.
The planter boxes 261 may be constructed from a porous material such that water can pass through the wall of the planter boxes 261. Water passing through the wall of the planter boxes 261 may fall on to plants growing in planter boxes 261 below and/or plants growing in the channels of the plant support structure 260, thereby improving the water usage within the plant support structure 260.
Heathland scrub slows down and stores water from rainfall events and this water is filtered into the hanging swamp system suspended off a cliff. In
The plant support structure 271 has platforms 274 (e.g. platforms 12b described above). Underneath each platform 274 is a reservoir 275 configured to collect water from and supply water to the plant support structure 271.
Referring to
Excess water flowing through the plant support structure 271 may also be collected in in a pond 278 disposed at the bottom of the plant support structure 271. Excess water in the pond 278 may then be redirected to a waste water tank 279. Water in the waste water tank 279 can then be pumped to a biofiltration reservoir 281 disposed on the roof 272 of the building 273. The biofiltration reservoir 281 has plants growing in it that are configured to filter the water in the biofiltration reservoir 281. Water in the biofiltration reservoir 281 is then used to water the plants 284 growing on the roof 272 of the building 273. Excess water from the plants 284 is directed to the top most reservoir 275a, where the water may subsequently enter the plant support structure 271 as described above.
The plant support system 270 also includes a grey water tank 282, which is configured to collect grey water from the building 273. Water in the grey water tank 282 is pumped to a green wall system 285, where it is filtered by plants growing in the green wall system 285 before entering the biofiltration reservoir 281. Water in the biofiltration reservoir 281 is used to water the plants 284 and the plants in the plant support structure 271 as described above.
The plant support system 270 also includes a rainwater tank 283, which is not shown in
The rainwater tank 283 is configured to collect rainwater from the building 273 (e.g. via gutters of the building 273). Water in the rainwater tank 283 is pumped into the biofiltration reservoir 281, where it is filtered by the plants growing in the biofiltration reservoir 281 before being used to water the plants growing in the planter boxes 261 and in the plant support structure 271.
The plant support system 270 also includes photovoltaic (PV) panels 286 that can supply electrical power to one or more electrical components of the plant support system 270. For example, the PV panels 286 may provide electrical power to pumps (not shown) of the plant support system 270 to move water from the waste water tank 279 and the rainwater tank 283 to the biofiltration reservoir 281. The PV panels 286 may be positioned to provide shading to plants, at least during certain times of the day. The shading may assist to protect the plants from damaging heat events. The PV panels 286 may also be positioned to create actual or perceived defensive spaces, providing habitat corridors to extend beneath them, over a roof area.
In
In
The planting arrangement 290c is similar to planting arrangement 290b, except that the wires 291 of the planting arrangement 290c are coupled between interconnecting elements (not shown) to form a cage that supports the porous bag 292 vertically.
In
The latticework 290e is formed of a complex latticework rigid structure that is able to grow plant life. The geometry of the latticework 290e is designed to both protect plant roots and transfer water. The outer layer of the latticework 290e may be created from a nonflammable material that has a complex surface texture to capture and hold organic matter for plant nutrients and moisture. The latticework 290e may be 3d printed, cast, and dipped or formed by lump pumice. The latticework 290e may be retained in the channels of the plant support structures using any suitable method known in the art. For example, the latticework 290e may be retained in the channels using netting, cages, or similar connected to the plant support structure.
The planting arrangements 290a-d and/or latticework 290e may be disposed in any of the plant support structures disclosed herein at a variety of locations within the plant support structure. The planting arrangements 290a-d and/or latticework 290e may be disposed adjacent to other planting arrangements 290a-d and/or latticework 290e so that they follow an outer surface of the plant support structure (see
The textured surface 302 of the interconnecting element 301 may capture leaf litter and debris from plants growing in the plant support structure 300, which may aid in the formation of soil and, therefore, allowing for growth of plants on the textured surface 302 of the interconnecting element 301.
The textured surface 302 of the interconnecting element 301 may also aid with retaining water on the interconnecting element 301, thereby improving water flow and retention over the interconnecting elements 301 of the plant support structure 300.
The plant support structure 310 defines a network of continuous corridors 311 (generally indicated by the dashed arrows in
The control system 322 includes an array of sensors 323 disposed within the plant support structure 321, an external data module 324, a user input module 325, localized sensors 326, and a processing unit 327.
The array of sensors 323 may be configured to obtain data from a plurality of locations within the plant support structure 321. This data may include water levels within reservoirs 275, water flow rates through the plant support structure 321, and moisture levels of soils at a plurality of locations within the plant support structure 321.
The external data module 324 is configured to gather weather data for the location of the plant support system 320. The user input module 325 allows a user to input data relating to the plant support system 320 and one or more operating parameters for the plant support system 320. The localized sensors 326 are configured to gather localized data for the plant support system 320 (e.g. light levels, humidity, air pressure).
The processing unit 327 uses the data obtained from the array of sensors 323, the external data module 324, the user module 325, and the localized sensors 326 to determine one or more operations to be performed at each of the plurality of locations within the plant support structure. The processing unit 327 may subsequently operate one or more pumps at each of the plurality of locations within the plant support structures to water the plants at those locations. The processing unity 327 may utilize cloud computing, local computing, on-board processing, and combinations thereof to determine the operations to be performed at each of the locations within the plant support structure 321. Accordingly, the processing unit 327 can monitor a plurality of location within the plant support structure 321 and control one or more components of the plant support system 320 to maintain each location within the plant support structure 321 within desired ranges (e.g. temperature, soil moisture levels, water flow rate).
The control system 322 may be able to identify potentially fatal conditions and perform one or more pre-emptive operations. For example, the control system 322 may perform water loading operations, cause more water to be stored in reservoirs (e.g. reservoirs 275 described above) of the plant support system 320. The control system 322 gathers data from the arrays of sensors 323, the external data module 324, and the localized sensors 326 and adjusts one or more operations of the plant support system 320 to preserve plant life and/or improve safety of a building associated with plant support system 320.
In the case of an anticipated fire, the control system 322 may respond to local incidents. For example, if a spike in heat is detected in a particular location of the plant support structure 321, the control system 322 may cause the irrigation system of the plant support system 320 to douse that location to mitigate a localized incident such as fire affecting the plant support structure 271 and/or a building associated with the plant support system 320.
Accordingly, the control system 322 can anticipate damaging conditions and mitigate them through water management. For example, the control system 322 may mitigate heat damage, extremes in climatic conditions, and/or fire in order to preserve plant life within the plant support structure 321 and/or improve the safety of a building associated with the plant support structure 321. In the example of a fire, the control system 322 can douse the plant support structure 321, thereby creating a saturated façade covering and protecting a building located behind the plant support structure 321.
The array of sensor 323 can also include sensors that monitor the health of plants growing in the plant support structure 321. Such sensors may monitor for the rapid increase in detrimental microorganisms growing in the plant support structure 321.
Similar to the planting arrangements 290a-d, planting arrangement 330 has a wire 331 and a porous bag 332 formed from a porous lightweight substrate. The wire 331 supports the porous bag 332. The porous bag 332 are filled with a suitable medium depending on the types/species of plants to be grown in the planting arrangements 330. Plants may then be planted through the porous lightweight substrate forming the porous bags 332.
The wire 331 is coupled to a roof 333 of a building (not shown) vis support brackets 334 such that the wire is suspended at a distance above the roof 333. The porous bag 332 is then disposed on the wire 332 such that the porous bag is suspended at a distance above the roof 333.
Each foundation block 343 has one or more water tanks 342 that are configured to collect and store excess water from the plant support structure 340. The excess water may be from watering plants growing in the plant support structure 340 and/or rainwater if the plant support structure is installed outside. The foundation blocks 342 may be formed from concrete, or may be tanks filled with water as ballast to allow for ease of installation.
In
Unlike the blocks 11, 41b, and 43b of the plant support structures 10, 16, and 40, the interconnecting elements 361 form blocks 362 having irregular shapes. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the interconnecting elements used to form plant support structures may have a variety of shapes may form a variety of blocks within the plant support structures.
Disposed in the channels 371 is porous material 372. The porous material 372 may include any one, or combination, of the planting arrangements 290a-d and latticework 290e. As can be seen in
The interconnecting elements 382 are interconnected using brackets 383 to form a vertically extending arrangements having an interlaced hexagonal geometry. The interlaced hexagonal geometry includes a plurality of geometric blocks 384. The interconnecting elements 382 may be interconnected to form geometric blocks having other shapes.
Porous material 385 is disposed on, and through several, interconnecting elements 381 to form a plurality of continuous lengths of porous material 385 throughout the plant support structure 380. The porous material extends through the openings 382 of several of the interconnecting elements (e.g. openings 382a of interconnecting element 381a).
Features of the plant support system 390 that are identical or equivalent to those of the plant support system 270 are provided with the same reference numerals. For features that are identical between the plant support system 270 and the plant support system 390, it will be appreciated that the above description of these features in relation to the plant support system 270 is also applicable to the corresponding identical/equivalent features found in the plant support system 390. Accordingly, the identical features between the plant support system 270 and the plant support system 390 will not again be described below in relation to the plant support system 390 as these features of the plant support system 390 have already been described above with respect to the plant support system 270.
Further, the plant support structure 271 of the plant support structure 271 of the plant support system 390 is installed closer to the building 391 compared to the plant support structure 271 in the plant support system 270. Accordingly, the plant support system 390 does not include the platforms 274 of the plant support system 270. The reservoirs 275 of the plant support system 390 are located in the space between the external face of the building 391 and the internal face of the plant support structure 271.
Instead of the biofiltration reservoir 281 of the plant support system 270, the plant support system 390 has an irrigation outlet 287 configured to dispense water to the plants 284 growing on the angled roof 392 at, or close to, the highest point of the angled roof 392. The water then flows down from the angled roof 392, watering the plants 284 along the way. Excess water from the plants 284 is directed to the topmost reservoir 275a, wherein the water may subsequently enter the plant support structure 271 as described above with respect to the plant support system 270.
The plant support system 390 operates in a similar manner to the plant support system 270, except that water in the waste water tank 279 and rainwater tank 283 are pumped to the irrigation outlet 286 when watering of the plants 284 is required.
It will be appreciated that the PV panels 285 may provide electrical power to pumps (not shown) of the plant support system 390 to pump water from the waste water tank 271 and rainwater tank 283 to the irrigation outlet 286. The PV panels 285 may also provide shading for plants 284 growing on the roof to shape plants 284 during extreme weather events. The shading provided by the PV panels 285 may also increase the biodiversity of plants 284 growing on the roof 392.
The roof tile solar panel mounts 401 may be installed on the angled roof 392 according to any suitable methods known in the art. Each roof tile solar panel mount 401 includes a pair of rails 402a and 402b. The wire 331 of each planting arrangement 330 is coupled between the rails 402a and 402b of one of the roof tile solar panel mounts 401 such that the wire 331 is suspended above, and substantially parallel to, the angled roof 392. The porous bag 332 of each planting arrangement 330 is then disposed on its respective wire 331 such that the porous bag 332 is suspended above, and substantially parallel, to the angled roof 392. The porous bag 332 may be secured to its respective wire 331 using any suitable methods known in the art.
Features of the plant support system 410 that are identical or equivalent to those of the plant support system 270 are provided with the same reference numerals. For features that are identical between the plant support system 270 and the plant support system 410, it will be appreciated that the above description of these features in relation to the plant support system 270 is also applicable to the corresponding identical/equivalent features found in the plant support system 410. Accordingly, the identical features between the plant support system 270 and the plant support system 410 will not again be described below in relation to the plant support system 410 as these features of the plant support system 410 have already been described above with respect to the plant support system 270.
The plant support system 410 operates in a similar manner to the plant support system 270, expect that water in the biofiltration reservoir 281 is pumped out of the biofiltration reservoir 281 and dispensed from irrigation outlets 289 disposed at the top of each angled frame 288. The dispensed water flows down each angled frame 288 watering the plants 284 along the way. Excess water from each angled frame 288 is directed to a water collector 79 located at the bottom of the porous material. The water may then be pumped back to irrigation outlets 289, to form a closed irrigation system. Additional excess water from overflow or lost through dripping is directed over the roof surface to the topmost reservoir 275a, wherein the water may subsequently enter the plant support structure 271, as described above with respect to the plant support system 270. Water to irrigate plant support structure 271 is also pumped to topmost reservoir 275a from the biofiltration reservoir 281.
The angled frames 288 may be frames used to mount PV panels and the plant 284 may be installed on the angled frames 288 using the planting arrangements 330, with the wire 331 of each planting arrangement 330 coupled one angled frame 288 or between two angled frames 288.
The plant support system 410 operates in a similar manner to the plant support system 410, except that water from the biofiltration reservoir 281 may also be pumped out of the biofiltration reservoir 281 to water plants 284a. Excess water from the plants 284a is directed to the topmost reservoir 275a, wherein the water may subsequently enter the plant support structure 271 as described above with respect to the plant support system 270.
The plants 284 on the angled frames 288 provide shading for the plants 284a disposed underneath the angled frames 288. The shading provided underneath the angled frames 288 may produce conditions that are suitable for shade plants, under story plants, and/or rain forest plants. Accordingly, the plants 284a may be shade plants, under story plants, and/or rain forest plants. The plants 284 may include sun loving, drought tolerant plants given they are exposed to direct sunlight.
The plants 284 on the angled frames 288 may mimic a canopy for the plants 284 disposed below the angled frames 288. Accordingly, this arrangement of plants 284 on the angled frames 288 and plants 284a disposed below the angled frames 288 may increase the biodiversity of flora that the plant support system 420 may support.
Interconnecting elements and basin disclosed herein may be formed of lightweight cast concrete, carbon capture concrete, carbon capture cementitious materials, or other impermeable or substantially impermeable material. In some embodiments, the interconnecting elements and basin disclosed herein are made of a carbon fibre reinforced concrete.
The carbon fibre reinforced concrete is concrete containing fibrous material. It contains short discrete fibres that are usually uniformly distributed and randomly oriented within the concrete. A carbon fibre reinforced concrete element is capable of carrying tension at strains greater than those at which cracking would initiate in a normal un-reinforced concrete element. Forming the interconnecting element and basin from carbon capture concrete and carbon capture cementitious materials may reduce the carbon footprint of the interconnecting element and basin.
Further, the interconnecting elements and basin disclosed herein in may be 3d printed. 3D printing the interconnecting elements may allow for the formation of interconnecting elements having complex shapes and/or surface geometries.
In another example, while in the embodiments shown, each block has a hexagonal geometry, alternative embodiments may have blocks of other geometries. Other example block shapes include blocks that are triangular shaped, pentagon shaped, diamond shaped, octagonal shaped, circular shaped, oval shaped and so on. In each instance, the blocks are configured to form channels for carrying water to plants accommodated in the structure. In each instance, material may be removed outside of a continuous load bearing line of increased cross sectional area, in a similar manner to that described herein in relation to the hexagonal blocks.
As used herein the terms “include” and “comprise” (and variations of those terms, such as “including”, “includes”, “comprising”, “comprises”, “comprised” and the like) are intended to be inclusive and are not intended to exclude further features, components, integers or steps.
It will be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the embodiments.
It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020901728 | May 2020 | AU | national |
The present application is a national stage filing under section 371 of International Application No. PCT/AU2021/050509 filed on 27 May 2021 and published on Dec. 2, 2021 as WO 2021/237294 A1 which International Application No. PCT/AU2021/050509 filed on 27 May 2021 claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2020901728 filed 27 May 2020, the content of which Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2020901728 filed 27 May 2020 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The content of WO 2021/237294 A1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2021/050509 | 5/27/2021 | WO |
