DE102018202560A1 - System for collecting and storing water - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a system for collecting and storing rainwater, especially for irrigation of agricultural land. The system has at least one storage container (2) and at least one collecting surface (5). The at least one storage container (2) provides a storage volume (7) for receiving water. The at least one collecting surface (5) serves to collect precipitation water and is inclined for guiding rainwater impinging on the collecting surface (5) to a discharge edge (4). In this case, the at least one storage container (2) has at least one water receiving opening (6), wherein the water receiving opening (6) is arranged relative to one of the trailing edges (4) such that precipitation water impinging on the collecting surface (5) passes over the water receiving opening (6). enters the storage volume (7). In addition, the storage container (2) has a drain opening for the controlled removal of precipitation water stored in the storage volume (7).

Description

The invention relates to a system for collecting and storing water, in particular for irrigation of agricultural land.

An important and limiting factor in agriculture is water availability. If there is not enough water, the agricultural yield is also reduced. When dry, agricultural land must be irrigated to allow for plant growth and prevent crop failures. Typically, water is transported to this purpose from more or less distant sources, such as a river, a lake, a well or cisterns, to the place of need - the agricultural area. Such irrigation systems have the disadvantage that natural water resources are exploited to a considerable degree.

In addition to the transport of water from such sources or in addition, as an environmentally friendly and resource-saving form of water use, collecting and storing rainwater directly at the place of need is known. For this purpose, water cisterns are installed in which water collected during rainfall is stored for later irrigation. Usually, the water is collected for this purpose on larger collecting surfaces, such as roof areas. In particular, in regions with regular rainfall, water needs for irrigation can be met to a significant extent or even fully covered. A disadvantage of the known solutions is that they either require a relatively large footprint for the water tank or bring a high installation effort by installing the water tanks in the ground.

Quilts that collect water during such cistern solutions during rainfall can be formed, for example, by photovoltaic systems. Photovoltaic systems convert solar energy into electricity and contribute to environmentally friendly, sustainable energy production. Most open-space photovoltaic systems are elevated just above the ground. The area under the photovoltaic system is lost for any other use. In particular, no agricultural use of the area is possible.

To solve this land-use competition, open-space photovoltaic systems have been developed, which are elevated so high that they allow agricultural use of the area under the photovoltaic system. Thus, a double use of the area is possible: The area is the energy production and at the same time the agricultural production available. Since both food production and energy production have gained in importance, this form of power generation, also known as agro-photovoltaic, advantage over other open-space photovoltaic systems, which are low above the ground raised low.

Agrophotovoltaic plants are already in operation in Germany, other European countries, Japan and Chile. For example, in France, at the University of Montpellier, wheat and lettuce have been cultivated under a small agro-photovoltaic system. Other plants were built in Italy on the Villa Crespia and in the Abruzzo, Campo d'Eco. In Germany, the first agrophotovoltaic system was operated as a research facility at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University in 2013. A larger agro-photovoltaic system was built in 2016 on the Biohofgemeinschaft Heggelbach in Herdwangen-Schönach.

The DE 10 2012 002 551 A1 deals with the optimization of the crop yield under the photovoltaic system with simultaneous high electrical yield from the photovoltaic system. For this purpose, an optimization of the arrangement and orientation of solar modules is described. There are a variety of plant species that benefit from the partial shading under the photovoltaic system or thrive as well as on a free, non-shaded area.

These examples show that the agricultural use of land under agro-photovoltaic systems is possible and working. They even offer advantages for certain plant species due to the partial shading of the soil by the photovoltaic modules and the resulting lower water requirements. For some other, more light-seeking plant species, it has been found that the yield is only reduced by about 20%. However, the problem of water supply remains.

From the DE 10 2013 002 825 A1 a photovoltaic system is known in which a water tank is integrated into the foundation of the photovoltaic system and thus forms an integral unit with the photovoltaic module described therein. When it rains, the water collected by a photovoltaic module is channeled into the water tank. A disadvantage of this system is that for the installation deep excavations must be made in the ground to accommodate the foundation of the system including water tank. In this case, usable area for agricultural management is lost, because immediately above the tank not enough soil will remain to ensure good plant growth.

The present invention has for its object to design a system of the type mentioned and further, that with little installation effort collecting and storing rainwater is made possible.

• mindestens einen Speicherbehälter, der ein Speichervolumen zur Aufnahme von Wasser bereitstellt, und
• mindestens eine zum Sammeln von Niederschlagswasser ausgebildete Sammelfläche, die zum Leiten von auf der Sammelfläche auftreffendem Niederschlagswasser zu einer Ablaufkante eine Neigung aufweist,
• wobei der mindestens eine Speicherbehälter mindestens eine Wasseraufnahmeöffnung aufweist, wobei die Wasseraufnahmeöffnung derart relativ zu einer der Ablaufkanten angeordnet ist, dass auf der Sammelfläche auftreffendes Niederschlagswasser über die Wasseraufnahmeöffnung in das Speichervolumen gelangt, und
• wobei der Speicherbehälter zusätzlich eine Abflussöffnung zum gesteuerten Entnehmen von in dem Speichervolumen gespeicherten Wasser aufweist.

According to the invention the above object is solved by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the system in question has:

• at least one storage tank providing a storage volume for receiving water, and
• at least one collecting surface formed for collecting rainwater, which has a slope for guiding precipitation water impinging on the collecting surface to a discharge edge,
• wherein the at least one storage container has at least one water receiving opening, wherein the water receiving opening is arranged relative to one of the trailing edges, that on the collecting surface incident rainwater passes through the water receiving opening into the storage volume, and
• wherein the storage container additionally comprises a drain port for the controlled removal of water stored in the storage volume.

In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that a system for collecting and storing water can be created in a particularly simple manner when storage containers are installed directly at a run-off edge of a collecting surface. For this purpose, the system according to the invention has at least one storage container, in the interior of which a storage volume for receiving water (or other liquids) is provided.

The system according to the invention has at least one collecting surface which is designed to collect water during rainfall. It is in principle of secondary importance, whether the rainfall comes from rain, dew, snow or other precipitation. For this purpose, the at least one collecting surface has an inclination, whereby precipitation water impinging on the collecting surface is directed to a discharge edge. The extent of the inclination is largely irrelevant. The collecting surface should not be too shallow so that the rainwater can reliably flow to the drainage edge. At the same time, the quilt should not be too steep, so that enough rainfall can be collected through the quilt. In this case, reasonable inclinations of the collecting surface should be between 5 ° and 50 ° with respect to the horizontal.

The at least one storage container has a water receiving opening, which forms an access for rainwater to the storage volume of the storage container. In this case, the water intake opening is arranged relative to the run-off edge of one of the collecting surfaces such that precipitation water impinging on the collecting surface and directed to the run-off edge can enter the storage volume through the water intake opening. In this way, a water reservoir is formed, which is arranged directly at the collecting surface and consumes in this way no additional floor space. At the same time, shading can be minimized, which offers a great advantage, in particular when using the system in connection with agricultural land.

For removing water stored in the storage volume, each of the at least one storage container has an outflow opening. The drain opening is designed such that a controlled removal of the stored water can be ensured. Usually, this functionality is provided by a controllable valve. In this way, stored water can be selectively removed again from the storage volume and thus made a needs-based use of the stored water.

In principle, the at least one collecting surface can be formed by a wide variety of surfaces. It would be conceivable, for example, that the collecting surface is formed by a roof surface. In a preferred embodiment, however, the at least one collecting surface is formed by a photovoltaic panel. In this case, the photovoltaic panel is very particularly preferably part of an agrophotovoltaic system which is installed over an agricultural area. This means that the photovoltaic panels are elevated so high that agricultural vehicles drive underneath the photovoltaic panels and can manage the useful area.

The water intake opening may be formed in various ways. In the simplest embodiment, the water intake opening is formed by a substantially rectangular cutout on one of the walls of the storage container. It is understood, however, that the water intake opening can also be formed by any differently shaped openings in the storage container, as long as these openings ensure that rainwater from the discharge edge of the associated collecting surface through the Water intake opening can get into the storage volume.

In principle, the water intake opening can be designed such that it is always open. However, dirt (such as leaves) can enter the storage volume through such a water intake opening and / or evaporate water stored in the storage volume unhindered. Therefore, a protective grid and / or a flap is preferably mounted in front of or at the water intake opening.

A protective grid can prevent dirt from entering the storage volume. In the simplest case, such a protective grid is achieved by a series of parallel struts or a diamond-shaped lattice structure. It is important here that the protective grid does not ensure that water passing over the drainage edge in the direction of the water receiving opening is guided past the storage container. This can be achieved, for example, by virtue of the fact that the protective grid is bent slightly into the interior of the storage container.

A shutter is preferably configured to be pivotable between an open state and a closed state. In this case, the closure flap in the closed state, the water intake opening completely or largely completely cover. It is also conceivable that the closure flap is formed by individual partial flaps, which jointly provide the function of such a closure flap. By a flap, on the one hand minimizes the evaporation of water from the storage volume and on the other pollution of the storage volume can be effectively prevented. In this case, the closure flap can be fastened in various ways. It would be conceivable, for example, a fastening of the flap directly to one of the walls of the storage container. However, it would also be conceivable that the closure flap is fastened to a holding device, by means of which the storage container is held in the storage area.

In addition, the mechanism with which the closure flap is moved in front of the water intake opening can be designed in many different ways. In the simplest case, the pivotability of the flap is ensured by a simple hinge or hinges. However, it is also conceivable that the pivoting mechanism is designed to initially lift the closure flap from the water intake opening (for example outwards) and then to move the closure flap away from the water intake opening in a movement substantially parallel to the closure flap. Such a movement is well known, for example in the context of car sliding roofs. One skilled in the art will recognize that it is only important here to provide pivotability between a closed and an open state, but that the type of pivoting is of minor importance.

In a further development, a motor for pivoting the closure flap between the closed and the open state or vice versa is provided. Such a motor will usually be formed by an electric motor. In this development, a motor control can also be provided, which pivots the shutter depending on further boundary conditions in the open state, the closed state and / or a state in between. Such a "further boundary condition" can be, for example, the detection of precipitation. If it is detected that rain is falling and a maximum water level in the storage volume has not been reached, the engine controller may cause the engine to pivot the shutter to the open state. Conversely, a "further boundary condition" can be that reaching a maximum water level is detected. In this case, no further water should be directed into the storage volume (even if precipitation continues again), so that the engine control would pivot the closing flaps into the closed state. Even if the precipitation ends, the engine controller could cause the closure flap to pivot to the closed state. It can be seen from these simple, non-limiting examples what is understood here as "further boundary conditions". In this case, the motor control can be controlled by a higher-level unit.

In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the storage containers are located on a flat roof of a building. The stored water can be used for a variety of purposes, such as car washes or garden irrigation or toilet flushing in homes or public buildings. Also conceivable is the use as cooling water in factory buildings. In these cases, the stored water can be supplied to the respective service water pipes or service water distribution systems.

In another, particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, this forms an irrigation system. For this purpose, the drain opening would be connected to an irrigation device. It can be for every drain the at least one storage container may be provided with its own irrigation device, although an irrigation device may also be used for several or even all outflow openings. The irrigation device can function purely passive, ie the water passes by gravity from the storage volume in the irrigation device. Such a configuration is useful, for example, if the irrigation device is formed by a trickle hose or a drip hose. The irrigation device can be actively configured. Such an active irrigation device may comprise a pump with which the water present in the storage volume (s) is pumped out of the storage containers. This is particularly useful if the irrigation device includes a sprinkler. The choice of an active or passive irrigation device or the type of distribution of the water for irrigation will depend essentially on the particular use of the irrigation system.

Depending on the nature of the use of the system according to the invention and depending on the number of storage containers used, the storage containers can either be used individually or individual or all storage containers are connected to one another with equalizing hoses or equalizing channels. When using balancing hoses / compensation channels can be achieved that may be passed in a storage tank excess water in another storage tank.

In principle, the storage containers can be shaped differently. Both in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, a large number of possible shapes is conceivable. The storage tank does not necessarily have to be of uniform construction. Both a variation of the cross section and a bending in the longitudinal direction are conceivable in principle. In a preferred embodiment, however, the at least one storage container is designed as a prism. The base of the prism can be formed variously. By way of example only, but not limited to this, reference is made to a cross section in the form of a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle or another polygon. In this case, the base and top surfaces would each form the closed ends of the storage container, while the side surfaces define the longitudinal extent of the storage container. The water intake opening will usually be formed on one of the side surfaces. In this case, the water intake opening does not necessarily have to be arranged symmetrically on a side surface. For example, in the case of a storage container having a rectangular cross-section, the long edge of the rectangular cross-section may be oriented horizontally and the water-receiving opening may be formed on an edge of the side surface facing upward in the installed state. In this way, the storage container would protrude minimally over the collecting surface and thus, in particular when used in an agrophotovoltaic system, generate a minimum of shading.

In principle, storage containers can be provided which have similar dimensions in the transverse and longitudinal directions. Thus, it is conceivable that cylindrical storage containers are used whose diameter is approximately as large as their height. Other such storage containers may be formed, for example, as a cuboid, wherein the height is similar to its length. Such a configuration offers the advantage that a leak-impacted storage container has only a small effect on the overall system, since less water can leak out of such dimensioned storage containers than in the case of storage containers with a large extension in the longitudinal direction.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the storage containers are significantly larger in their longitudinal extent than in their transverse extent. This means that the storage containers in the longitudinal direction are preferably at least twice as large as in the transverse direction. Particularly preferably, however, the storage containers are extended at least three times in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction, very particularly preferably at least four times as extensive. Such designed storage container can be particularly well installed on a run-off edge of a collecting surface.

The at least one storage container can be made of various materials. If the structure supporting the at least one storage vessel at the run-off edge is sufficiently stable, the storage vessel may be made of stainless steel (or generally steel). Otherwise, however, it is recommended that the storage tanks are made of a lightweight material. For example, aluminum or plastic would be recommended here. In particular, when using the storage container in an agrophotovoltaic system, it may be useful if the material of the storage container is also transparent, since this shading of the agricultural area is reduced by the storage container. Such a light, transparent and yet resistant material can be formed by acrylic glass (also known as Plexiglas). In another embodiment, the storage container may be formed of wood.

Depending on the material of the storage container, it may be useful if the storage volume (ie the inside of the storage container) in addition coated or lined with a film. For example, it makes sense for a steel tank if the inner surface of the tank is coated. Here, for example, a resistant plastic coating can be applied. In a storage container made of wood, it makes sense if the inner surfaces of the storage container are lined with a waterproof film. For this purpose suitable films or coatings are well known in practice.

In a preferred development of the system according to the invention, the collecting surfaces are fastened to a carrier structure. This support structure comprises at least supports, longitudinal and transverse beams. In addition, other structural elements may be present, such as stiffening elements. The supports ensure that the longitudinal and transverse beams are kept at a certain distance from a substrate. How big this distance depends on the respective support structure and the use of the underlying surface. If the carrier structure including collecting surfaces is formed by an agrophotovoltaic system, the supports will provide a distance between the ground and longitudinal and transverse beams, which should be in the range between 4 and 6 m. The longitudinal and transverse beams form a preferably horizontally oriented framework to which the collecting surfaces are attached. The longitudinal members are the carriers which extend in a direction parallel to the trailing edges of the collecting surfaces.

The supports are attached to / on a substrate and carry the connected longitudinal and transverse beams. The supports can be bolted to a stone or concrete surface. Preferably, however, the supports are secured with ground anchors which are screwed or rammed into the ground. From practice a variety of ways are known how such a support structure can be constructed and attached to / on a substrate.

When using such a support structure, the collection container may be secured with a holding device to the support structure. It makes sense if the holding device is attached to one or more of the longitudinal members. In this case, the holding device may be formed variously, as long as a secure and reliable holding of the collecting container is ensured on the support structure. It would be conceivable, for example, that a hook-shaped structure is welded or screwed to the collecting container, which is then connected as a holding device with the support structure. Preferably, however, the holding device is formed like a bow and engages under the respective holding container. In this case, such a bow-like holding device may be formed relatively narrow, so that several of these holding devices together hold a collecting container. In a preferred embodiment, however, the holding device is designed so wide that the holding device extends over a substantial part of the length of the collecting container or even the entire length of the collecting container. In this way, the weight of the collecting container together with the water stored there can be easily derived via the holding device to the support structure and the holding device contributes to an additional stabilization of the carrier to which the holding device is attached. It is conceivable that such a wide holding device has a plurality of openings in order to keep the weight of the holding device low.

If there is sufficient space between the longitudinal members and the outlet edge, it is also possible for the storage containers to be placed on the longitudinal members. In this embodiment, holding devices may be provided which hold the storage container at the setting position. Such a holding device may for example be formed by an angle which engages around an edge of the storage container and is screwed or welded to one of the longitudinal members. If the storage containers are cylindrically shaped, the holding devices can also be formed by quarter-circle-shaped profiles, which prevent the storage containers from rolling away.

In general, it is also conceivable that additional support elements are inserted into the support structure in order to be able to derive the forces additionally imposed on the support structure by the collecting container and the water stored therein better in the ground. In particular, additional supports and / or additional longitudinal members may be inserted. This approach is also possible if the side members are not arranged so that a meaningful arrangement of the storage container is possible. In this case, the additional support elements would complement the support structure.

To increase the storage volume of the overall system can also be arranged along the supports of the support structure additional container into which water from the storage volume of the storage container via the respective outflow opening of the storage container can be passed. Since the storage containers have a controllable discharge opening, water can be discharged from the storage volume of the storage containers into this additional container, as required. It would be conceivable, for example, that a maximum filling of the storage container is fixed. If more rainwater is collected by the collecting surfaces and the water level in one or more of the storage tanks reaches the maximum filling, Thus, with sufficient capacity in the additional tank, part of the water can be discharged from the storage tank (s) into the additional tank (s). It is recommended that the additional container occupy a relatively small footprint, so that only a small loss of footprint arises. At the same time, the storage containers remain at the collecting surfaces - despite the additional container - continue storage container and store in the storage volume of water. In addition, it is possible that a filler opening is present on the additional containers. Should an "external" filling of the water storage system be desired, ie that water should reach the storage system via a different way than collecting through the collecting surfaces, this filling opening can be used on the additional containers. Since these additional containers will usually be better accessible for an additional filling than the storage container, this filler opening can make an additional filling easier.

If the system is used for irrigation, an irrigation controller may additionally be provided which has a sensor input and a control output. The sensor input is used to enter sensor data obtained by sensors in the irrigation control. Such sensors may be, for example, moisture sensors for measuring soil moisture, rain sensors for measuring precipitation, temperature sensors, wind sensors and / or level sensors for measuring the fill level of a storage container. The control output is used to output control signals to actuators of the system. Such actuators may be, for example, motors for controlling shutters in front of the water intake openings of the storage containers, valves at the discharge openings of the storage containers and / or pumps of an irrigation system.

The irrigation control can have a nonvolatile memory in which log messages can be stored. It is thus conceivable that the irrigation control logs received sensor data, emitted control signals, possibly occurring errors, accesses via an interface to the irrigation control and / or further data accumulating during the operation of the irrigation control and stores them in the non-volatile memory. In this way can be easily understood by maintenance personnel or the owner or operator of the system, as the irrigation control works, which in particular in the event of a fault can promote troubleshooting.

Such irrigation control may also include an interface for remote access to the irrigation controller. This interface can be reached, for example, over a wide-area network, for example a mobile radio network. In this way, the irrigation control can be accessed, for example, via an Internet connection, log messages are read, water levels within the storage containers are checked, control interventions are carried out, irrigation processes are started and / or they are otherwise interacted with the irrigation control.

In principle, any necessary electronics and electrics can be supplied with power from the public power grid. It would also be conceivable to supply via an energy store, for example an accumulator. If the system is formed by a photovoltaic system, however, the power generated by the photovoltaic system can be used to supply the electrical / electronic.

Most preferably, the system is modular. In the simplest case, this means that the collection surface and any necessary support structure are already present and that the storage container together with the necessary installation material are retrofitted. Accordingly, the storage container, possibly existing holding devices and other additional components would be designed such that they can be attached as flexibly as possible to existing systems.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht des Systems nach 1 mit einer Trägerstruktur,
• 3 eine Ansicht von vorne auf das System nach 1,
• 4 eine Ansicht von vorne auf das System nach 3 mit geöffneter Verschlussklappe,
• 5 eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems mit einer anders ausgestalteten Haltevorrichtung und
• 6 eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems mit einem Sammelbehälter mit rechteckigem Querschnitt.

There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand to claim 1 subordinate claims and on the other hand, to refer to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, also generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are explained. In the drawing show

• 1 a side view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention,
• 2 a side view of the system after 1 with a support structure,
• 3 a front view of the system 1 .
• 4 a front view of the system 3 with open flap,
• 5 a side view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention with a differently designed holding device and
• 6 a side view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention with a collecting container of rectangular cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a rainwater storage and irrigation system consisting of a plurality of individual, at the ends closed Speicherbehältem, and has the property that it can be grown on most highly elevated open space photovoltaic systems. The storage containers lie with the lower part in holders made of steel or aluminum, which are adapted to the shape and size of the recorded storage container. The brackets are attached to the stator of the photovoltaic system. The storage tank system is mounted at a height just below the photovoltaic modules. As a result, they do not hinder the agricultural management of the area under the photovoltaic system, because the agricultural machinery has enough space to drive under the storage tank system through. The storage tanks have at the top of long, rectangular water intake openings, through which the rainwater is collected in the rain and is collected in this way in the storage tanks.

In one embodiment of the invention, instead of the openings at the top of the storage container there are rectangular flaps that open automatically in the rain and automatically close again after the rain. For this purpose, rain sensors are attached to the photovoltaic system. The flaps are extended in the rain by means of a pivoting mechanism first up and then to the side. After the rain, the flaps close automatically again. The storage containers are located parallel to the lower edge of the photovoltaic module rows - also referred to herein as the discharge edge - and the water receiving openings of the storage containers are positioned so that they are located below the lower edge of the rows of modules and catch the runoff on the rows of modules rainwater. As the under-photovoltaic plant requires water, sensors send signals to pumps, which are thereby activated and transport the water from the storage tanks to the sprinkler units, where it is distributed by nozzles over the bottom surface beneath the photovoltaic system. The required power is provided by the photovoltaic system. After a certain programmable time interval, the pumps stop operating and irrigation is stopped. This ensures that only the required amount of water is used for irrigation and the rest of the stored water is retained for later irrigation.

Irrigation control equipment allows irrigation to run according to pre-set, automatic programs. The associated irrigation system activity data, such as water consumption, is recorded and can be accessed via the Internet by the authorized user from any computer or smartphone with an Internet connection or other Internet-enabled device. In this way, an irrigation management of agricultural land is possible under photovoltaic systems, which can be conveniently monitored remotely and optimizes the water supply of the agricultural area. Sensors also measure the water level in the storage tanks, and the related data can also be obtained from the operator or owner of the photovoltaic system who always knows how much water is available for irrigation.

In one embodiment variant, the storage containers are made of a transparent material, for example of Plexiglas (acrylic glass), so that the water level in the storage containers is visible from the outside. Should it happen that the storage containers contain no water and irrigation is required, the storage containers can be filled with water via the water receiving opening in the top of the storage containers or a separate filling opening, for example by means of a water hose.

As a result, a rainwater storage and irrigation system attached to highly elevated open space photovoltaic systems is formed, which enables convenient, automatic, time-shifted and demand-based irrigation of the agricultural area under the photovoltaic system. At the same time, this ensures that neither the agricultural management of the area nor the generation of electricity by the photovoltaic modules is impaired in their function.

It is a demand-based, simple and automatically carried out irrigation of agricultural land under photovoltaic systems possible, with both the required water, as well as the irrigation system directly in place and permanently available, without the construction and dismantling of the irrigation system or transport of the Water is needed.

For irrigating an agricultural area as needed, the amount of water available for irrigation is of great importance. So that even with longer periods of drought always water for irrigation available, the storage tanks should be able to store the largest possible volume of water. Such a rainwater storage and irrigation system is described that provides the water and irrigation system at the point of need and has the largest possible water storage capacity, as permitted by the size and statics of the particular open space photovoltaic system.

Due to a modular design of the system and the existence of several individual Speicherbehältem, which can have different lengths and diameters and the number of storage tanks can be varied, the size of the rainwater storage and irrigation system is variably selectable and adaptable to the photovoltaic system. Due to this variability, even the most highly elevated open-space photovoltaic systems can be retrofitted with the rainwater storage and irrigation system.

The type of attachment to the photovoltaic system is chosen so that it is practicable in most photovoltaic systems and does not affect the function of the photovoltaic system. This is achieved by a stable attachment to the stator of the photovoltaic system at a height just below the photovoltaic modules, on horizontal support elements of the stator (here also referred to as "side members"). If these are not or not sufficiently available for the photovoltaic system concerned, they can be subsequently cultivated. The storage tanks are located just below the photovoltaic modules so that there is enough distance to the ground for agricultural vehicles to pass underneath. Thus they do not hinder the agricultural management of the soil surface, as it would be the case if they were placed on the ground or buried in the ground.

The system is variable in size and may consist of a different number of storage containers and storage containers of different lengths and diameters. As a result, it can be adapted in size and weight to the respective static conditions of the various photovoltaic systems. Depending on the size and stability of the photovoltaic system, a maximum possible size of the storage tank system is selected, which can be supported by the support structure at full load with water according to static considerations. This is to ensure that whenever possible sufficient water in the storage tanks for irrigation is available when it is needed. Bringing the photovoltaic system with their stand too few possibilities for the attachment of the storage container with or does not suffice the statics of the existing support structure, subsequently horizontal support members are attached to the support structure to which the holders of the storage container can be attached.

The complete system consists of the open-space photovoltaic system and the attached rainwater storage and irrigation system. The design of the photovoltaic system is optimally adapted in terms of the built-up storage and irrigation system with respect to the static, the load capacity and the mounting options for the water storage system in their design and their properties. It has a sufficiently high stability and carrying capacity to carry the weight of the fully water-laden storage container and has a plurality of horizontal support members to which the holders for the storage container can be attached.

In the 1 to 4 are different views of such a system 1 shown. 1 shows a side view in which a cylindrically executed storage container 2 in a holding device 3 at a trailing edge 4 a quilt 5 is arranged. The storage tank 2 has a water intake opening 6 on, giving access to a storage volume 7 offers. The water intake opening 6 is in the in 1 illustrated example by a flap 8th almost completely closed. In one embodiment, the storage containers 2 have a diameter of about 50 cm and a length of 2 m.

The holding device 3 is bow-shaped and engages under the storage container 2 , This is the bottom half of the storage tank 2 in the holding device 3 , At the other end of the holding device 3 This is U-shaped and surrounds a side rail 9 a support structure on which the collecting surface 5 is attached. At the end of the U-shaped area is a locking screw 10 attached to the holding device 3 on the side member 9 holds.

When precipitation is the flap 8th open and the on the quilt 5 incident precipitation is due to the inclination of the collecting surface 5 to the drainage edge 4 passed and then passes through the water inlet opening 6 in the storage volume 7 of the storage container 2 , By means of a discharge opening, not shown here, this water can be removed again if necessary.

2 shows a slightly larger section of the system, in addition to the support structure is recognizable. In addition to the already mentioned side rails 9 , which are not recognizable in this representation, comprises the support structure supplementary supports 11 and crossbeams 12 , In addition are stabilizing struts 13 present, which support the support structure against forces parallel to the cross members. In the embodiment shown here, the collecting surface - a photovoltaic module - via a joint 14 with the prop 11 connected. In this way, in principle, the inclination of the collecting surface could be varied within certain limits. However, it is important that always the run-off 4 such relative to the water intake opening 6 is arranged on the quilt 5 collected rainwater over the water intake opening 6 in the storage volume of the storage container 2 can get.

In 3 and 4 views from the front are shown on this system. These differ 3 and 4 in that at 3 a flap available and at 4 no flap is installed. It can be seen that the holding device 3 is made wide, wherein the holding device in this embodiment is wider than the storage container 2 so that the holding device 3 even slightly above the storage tank 2 protrudes. Furthermore, the holding device 3 some breakthroughs 15 on, whereby a lower material requirement for the holding device 3 arises. The breakthroughs 15 are in this case by substantially rectangular cutouts in the material of the holding device 3 educated.

5 shows a very similar embodiment as 1 , only the holding device 3 ' is different in this case. The holding device 3 ' has at both ends U-shaped angled portions, so that in each case a longitudinal beam 9 at the ends of the holding device 3 ' can be included. One security screw each 10 secures the U-shaped area. Should the side members 9 can not be arranged sufficiently close to each other, one (or even both) of the side members may be replaced by an additionally inserted carrier.

6 shows a further embodiment, which is particularly well, for example, if between the side rails 9 and the drainage edge 4 there is a lot of space. The storage tank 2 ' here has a rectangular cross-section. At the top is a flap 8th arranged, which has a water intake opening 6 can close. In this embodiment, the water intake opening 6 and the flap 8th Off-center mounted. This arrangement allows the shutter 8th to release the water intake opening 6 parallel to the top of the storage tank 2 ' is moved. Between storage tanks 2 ' and side members 9 are holders 3 ' each arranged. These can be used with the side rails 9 be welded and partially under the storage tank.

1. 1. Das System kann der bedarfsgerechten Wasserversorgung von landwirtschaftlich genutzten Flächen unter Photovoltaikanlagen durch Regenwasserspeicherung und zeitversetzt gesteuerte Bewässerung mittels eines Systems von Speicherbehältern dienen, welche über Halterungen am Ständerwerk einer Photovoltaikanlage in einer Höhe dicht unterhalb der Photovoltaikmodule befestigt sind. Das Regenwasserspeicher- und Bewässerungssystem kann optional nachträglich an eine Freiflächen-Photovoltaikanlagen angebaut werden oder es kann ein Komplettsystem aus Photovoltaikanlage und Regenwasserspeicher- und Bewässerungssystem vorliegen. In letzterem Fall kann die Photovoltaikanlage in ihrer Bauart an das Regenwasserspeicher- und Bewässerungssystem angepasst sein.
2. 2. Die Speicherbehälter haben an der Oberseite Wasseraufnahmeöffnungen, über die bei Regen Regenwasser aufgefangen und in dem Speicherbehälter gesammelt und gespeichert wird.
3. 3. Die Speicherbehälter können an der Oberseite Verschlussklappen besitzen, die sich bei Regen automatisch öffnen, indem sie mittels einer Verschwenkmechanik zuerst nach oben und dann zur Seite ausfahren. Regensensoren an der Photovoltaikanlage können einsetzenden Regen registrieren und leiten das Signal an den Öffnungsmechanismus weiter. Hierzu kann ein Steuerungsgerät vorgesehen sein.
4. 4. Nach dem Regen können sich die Verschlussklappen wieder automatisch schließen.
5. 5. Die Speicherbehälter sind an den Enden verschlossen und können aus leichtem, robustem, langlebigem, temperaturbeständigem, lebensmittelzugelassenem, durchsichtigem und/oder recyclebarem Material, zum Beispiel aus Plexiglas (Acrylglas), bestehen.
6. 6. Die Speicherbehälter können eine unterschiedliche Länge und einen unterschiedlichen Durchmesser besitzen und das System kann aus einer unterschiedlichen Anzahl von Speicherbehältern bestehen, welches dadurch variabel in der Größe und im Gewicht ist, je nachdem, wie es die Stabilität und Statik der Photovoltaikanlage erfordert.
7. 7. Das Speichersystem besitzt eine maximale Größe, wie es die Statik und Stabilität der Photovoltaikanlage zulässt, um so viel Niederschlagswasser wie möglich sammeln und speichern zu können, damit möglichst immer genügend Wasser für die Bewässerung zur Verfügung steht.
8. 8. Die Speicherbehälter können über die Wasseraufnahmeöffnung an der Oberseite oder eine zusätzliche Einfüllöffnung mit Wasser befüllt werden, zum Beispiel mittels eines Wasserschlauchs, falls die Speicherbehälter kein Wasser enthalten.
9. 9. Die Speicherbehälter können mit der unteren Hälfte in Halterungen liegen, die zum Beispiel aus Stahl oder Aluminium bestehen, und in der Form und Größe an die aufgenommenen Speicherbehälter angepasst sind. Die Halterungen sind an dem Ständerwerk der Photovoltaikanlage befestigt, und zwar an den horizontalen Trägerelementen der Photovoltaikanlage. Besitzt die Photovoltaikanlage keine oder nicht genügend horizontale Trägerelemente, können diese nachträglich an die Photovoltaikanlage angebaut werden.
10. 10. Die Speicherbehälter können in einer Linie an den beiden Längsseiten der Photovoltaikanlage angebracht sein, wo sie bei Regen Niederschlagswasser auffangen, und in einer Linie unterhalb der Unterkante der Photovoltaikmodulreihen angebracht sein, so dass sie das an den Modulreihen herablaufende Niederschlagswasser auffangen.
11. 11. Die Bewässerung kann mittels verschiedener Sensoren bei Wasserbedarf automatisch ausgelöst werden, indem ein Sensorsignal über eine Bewässerungssteuerung an Pumpen weitergegeben wird, die daraufhin das Wasser aus den Speicherbehältern zu den Beregnungseinheiten transportieren, welches dann durch Düsen über die Bodenfläche unter der Photovoltaikanlage verteilt wird. Die Sensoren sind an der Photovoltaikanlage angebracht und befinden sich zum Beispiel auch im Boden und messen zum Beispiel die Temperatur, Luft- und Bodenfeuchtigkeit.
12. 12. Die Pumpen können nach einem bestimmten, programmierbaren Zeitintervall ihre Tätigkeit beenden, wodurch die Beregnung abgestellt wird, damit nur so viel Wasser verbraucht wird, wie es für die Bewässerung nötig ist und das restliche Wasser für spätere Bewässerungen zur Verfügung steht.
13. 13. Die Bewässerung kann mittels Sensoren und Steuergerät nach vorher einstellbaren, automatischen Programmen ablaufen, so dass ein Bewässerungsmanagement möglich ist.
14. 14. Der für die Aktivität der Regenwasserspeicher- und Bewässerungsanlage benötigte Strom kann von der Photovoltaikanlage bereitgestellt werden.
15. 15. Die Daten über die Aktivität des Regenwasserspeicher- und Bewässerungssystems können aufgezeichnet und über das Internet vom Eigentümer oder Betreiber der Photovoltaikanlage von einem internetfähigen Computer, Smartphone, Tablet oder einem anderen internetfähigen Gerät abgerufen werden.
16. 16. Die Speicherbehälter besitzen Sensoren, die den Wasserstand in den Speicherbehältern messen. Der Wasserstand kann vom Eigentümer oder Betreiber der Photovoltaikanlage von einem internetfähigen Computer, Smartphone, Tablet oder einem anderen internetfähigen Gerät abgerufen werden.

In the following, some features and advantages of the system according to the invention as well as some further developments will be pointed out in the following manner:

1. 1. The system can be used to provide adequate water supply to agricultural areas under photovoltaic systems by rainwater storage and time-controlled irrigation by means of a system of storage tanks, which are attached via brackets on the stand of a photovoltaic system at a height just below the photovoltaic modules. The rainwater storage and irrigation system can optionally be retrofitted to an open space photovoltaic system or there may be a complete system of photovoltaic system and rainwater storage and irrigation system. In the latter case, the photovoltaic system may be adapted in its design to the rainwater storage and irrigation system.
2. 2. The storage tanks have at the top water intake openings, which are collected during rain rainwater and collected in the storage tank and stored.
3. 3. The storage tanks may have top flaps on the top, which open automatically in the event of rain, by means of a pivoting mechanism first extend upwards and then to the side. Rain sensors on the photovoltaic system can register onset of rain and forward the signal to the opening mechanism. For this purpose, a control device may be provided.
4. 4. After the rain, the flaps can close automatically again.
5. 5. The storage containers are closed at the ends and can be made of lightweight, durable, temperature-resistant, food-grade, transparent and / or recyclable material, for example made of Plexiglas (acrylic glass).
6. 6. The storage containers may have a different length and a different diameter and the system may consist of a different number of storage containers, which is variable in size and weight, as required by the stability and statics of the photovoltaic system.
7. 7. The storage system has a maximum size, as permitted by the statics and stability of the photovoltaic system, in order to collect and store as much rain water as possible so that as much water as possible is always available for irrigation.
8. 8. The storage containers can be filled with water via the water intake opening at the top or an additional filling opening, for example by means of a water hose, if the storage containers contain no water.
9. 9. The storage container can lie with the lower half in brackets, which consist for example of steel or aluminum, and are adapted in shape and size to the recorded storage container. The brackets are attached to the stator of the photovoltaic system, on the horizontal support elements of the photovoltaic system. If the photovoltaic system has no or not enough horizontal support elements, these can be retrofitted to the photovoltaic system.
10. 10. The storage containers may be mounted in line on the two longitudinal sides of the photovoltaic system where they collect rainwater during rain and mounted in line below the lower edge of the rows of photovoltaic modules so as to catch the rainwater running down the rows of modules.
11. 11. Irrigation may be automatically triggered by various sensors in need of water by passing a sensor signal via an irrigation controller to pumps, which then transport the water from the storage containers to the irrigation units, which is then distributed through nozzles over the bottom surface below the photovoltaic system. The sensors are attached to the photovoltaic system and are also located in the ground, for example, and measure, for example, the temperature, air and soil moisture.
12. 12. The pumps may terminate after a certain programmable time interval, thereby stopping the sprinkling, so that only enough water is used to irrigate and the remaining water is available for later irrigation.
13. 13. The irrigation can proceed by means of sensors and control unit according to previously adjustable, automatic programs, so that an irrigation management is possible.
14. 14. The electricity required for the activity of the rainwater storage and irrigation system can be provided by the photovoltaic system.
15. 15. Data on the activity of the rainwater storage and irrigation system can be recorded and retrieved over the Internet by the owner or operator of the photovoltaic system from a web-enabled computer, smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device.
16. 16. The storage tanks have sensors that measure the water level in the storage tanks. The water level can be retrieved by the owner or operator of the photovoltaic system from a web-enabled computer, smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention, reference is made to avoid repetition to the general part of the specification and to the appended claims.

Finally, it should be expressly understood that the above-described embodiments of the system according to the invention are only for the purpose of discussion of the claimed teaching, but do not limit these to the embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system

2

storage container

3

holder

4

trailing edge

5

quilt

6

Water intake opening

7

storage volume

8th

flap

9

longitudinal beams

10

locking screw

11

Support

12

crossbeam

13

stabilizing struts

14

joint

15

perforation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012002551 A1 [0007]
• DE 102013002825 A1 [0009]

Claims (19)

System for collecting and storing rainwater, in particular for irrigation of agricultural land, with at least one storage container (2), which provides a storage volume (7) for receiving water, and at least one collection surface (5) designed to collect rainwater, which has a slope for directing precipitation water impinging on the collection surface (5) to a drainage edge (4), wherein the at least one storage container (2) has at least one water receiving opening (6), wherein the water receiving opening (6) is arranged relative to one of the trailing edges (4) such that precipitation water impinging on the collecting surface (5) passes over the water receiving opening (6) in FIG the storage volume (7) passes, and wherein the storage container (2) additionally has a drain opening for the controlled removal of precipitation water stored in the storage volume (7). System after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one collecting surface (5) is formed by a photovoltaic panel, wherein preferably a plurality of such collecting surfaces (5) are arranged side by side, so that the trailing edges (4) of the plurality of collecting surfaces (5) form substantially a line. System after Claim 1 or 2 characterized by at least one closure flap (8) which is / are pivotable between an open state and a closed state, wherein the at least one closure flap (8) in the closed state preferably completely covers one of the water absorption openings (6). System after Claim 3 characterized in that the closure flap (8) is pivotable by means of a motor between the open and the closed state, wherein a motor control controls the motor such that depending on further boundary conditions, the closure flap (8) in the open state, the closed state or a state is pivoted in between. System according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the outflow opening is connected to an irrigation device, with the water stored in the storage volume (7) can preferably be used as needed for irrigation. System according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the collecting container (2) are interconnected with equalizing hoses or equalization channels, whereby water from a storage volume (7) of a collecting container (2) to a storage volume (7) of another collecting container (2) can be conducted. System according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the storage containers (2) are each formed as a prism, wherein the base of the prism is formed by a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle or another polygon. System according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the at least one storage container (2) in its longitudinal extent is significantly larger than in its transverse dimension. System after Claim 7 and 8th , characterized in that the extension of the prism along the base surface is significantly smaller than the extension of the prism along the side surface / n System after Claim 8 or 9 characterized in that the storage containers (2) are at least twice as long in a longitudinal direction as in a transverse direction, preferably at least three times as elongated, most preferably at least four times as elongated. System according to one of Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the storage container (2) made of acrylic glass, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, plastic or wood are made. System according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the collecting surfaces (5) are fixed to a support structure, wherein the support structure at least supports (11), longitudinal members (9) and cross member (12) and wherein the longitudinal beams (9) parallel to the trailing edges (4) of Quenching surfaces (5) are arranged. System after Claim 12 , characterized in that the collecting container (2) with holding devices (3) on the support structure, preferably on one or more of the longitudinal members (9) are mounted, wherein the holding device (3) is preferably bow-shaped and / or one of the collecting container (3). 2). System after Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that along the supports (11) of the support structure additional containers are arranged, in which via the drainage openings water from the storage volume (7) in the / the additional container is conductive. System according to one of Claims 12 to 14 , characterized by additional support elements, the components of the support structure, in particular Supports and / or longitudinal beams, reinforce and / or supplement. System according to one of Claims 1 to 15 characterized by an irrigation controller having at least one sensor input for input of sensor data obtained by sensors and at least one control output for outputting control signals to actuators within the system, wherein the irrigation controller is adapted to generate control signals for the actuators based on received sensor data. System after Claim 16 characterized in that the irrigation controller comprises a nonvolatile memory in which the irrigation controller deposits a log of its activities and / or received sensor data. System after Claim 16 or 17 characterized in that the irrigation controller has an interface for remote access to the irrigation controller, the interface preferably allowing access over a wide area network. System according to one of Claims 1 to 18 , characterized in that the system is modular.

Images