EP4210473A1

EP4210473A1 - Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for managing water, in particular irrigation of (green) spaces and/or plants

Info

Publication number: EP4210473A1
Application number: EP21777662.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Flach; Axel LEYBOLD; Paul Lingner; Arne Meincke; Jan Mieze; Anja Sievers
Original assignee: ACO Ahlmann SE and Co KG
Current assignee: ACO Ahlmann SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-09-14
Filing date: 2021-09-13
Publication date: 2023-07-19
Also published as: WO2022053667A1; US20230397550A1; DE102020123914A1; CN116096973A

Abstract

The invention relates to an irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for managing water, in particular irrigation of (green) spaces and/or plants, comprising the following: - at least one water capture device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) designed to collect and/or store water, wherein the water capture device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) is indirectly or directly fluidically connected to a buffer (tank) (60) and/or to a storage reservoir (80), - wherein the buffer (tank) (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80) is/are designed to store water and make the stored water available for use, e.g. to discharge said water into an irrigation line network (85); - at least one control unit (61, 130) designed to receive and/or acquire environmental data, in particular acquire environmental data by means of at least one sensor (100), and, based on the environmental data and using at least one actuator, e.g. a control valve (84), to make a volumetric water flow from the buffer (tank) (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) available for use, e.g. to direct said flow into the irrigation line network (85).

Description

Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for water management, in particular watering of (green) areas and/or plants

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a watering and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for watering green areas and/or plants according to patent claim 1.

In the context of climate change, extreme weather events are increasing globally. This can already be seen in certain regions as a trend: dry periods are becoming drier and in rainy periods more and more precipitation falls in a short period of time in the form of heavy rain. In the dry periods, the soil naturally dries out because there is no precipitation. The precipitation of the heavy rain in the rainy periods only helps to a limited extent against the dry soil - because a large amount of water in a short time often cannot be absorbed by the soil, at least often not completely. A large part of the water from the heavy rain, which accumulates on the dry soil due to the large amount of precipitation, evaporates or gets into the environment - for example in rivers and/or the sewage system - before it can seep into the soil to sufficiently moisten it . This intensifies the effect of the soil drying out and can sometimes lead to plant death because they can no longer be adequately supplied with water and/or nutrients from the soil.

AU 2006 100 165 A4 discloses a method for distributing rainwater for irrigation using an existing urban infrastructure. Such a system is perceived as comparatively inflexible, since on the one hand local irrigation needs are not taken into account and on the other hand the existing infrastructure cannot be adapted to the specific local situation. In this respect, such a system is also considered to be in need of improvement with regard to a precipitation yield. The object of the invention is to provide a watering and drainage device and a watering and drainage method that makes it possible to collect water, for example rainwater, in a simple manner and to keep it available for controlled release in dry periods.

In particular, the object is achieved by a watering and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for managing water, in particular watering (green) areas and/or plants, the device having the following: at least one water collecting device which is designed to To collect and/or store water, wherein the water collecting device is in direct or indirect fluid connection with a buffer (tank) and/or a storage reservoir, wherein the buffer (tank) and/or the storage reservoir is/are designed to store water and to make the stored water available for use, e.g. to put it into an irrigation pipe network; at least one control unit that is designed to receive and/or record environmental data, in particular by means of at least one sensor, and based on the environmental data using at least one actuator, e.g. a control valve, a water volume flow from the buffer (tank) and /or to make it available for use from the storage reservoir, e.g. to control it in the irrigation pipe network.

An essential point of the invention is to store rainwater for dry periods as well as to buffer heavy rain events and to release the collected water directly to plants and/or green areas depending on the water requirement recorded by sensors and/or based on weather data received from a weather data provider. In addition to watering plants and/or green spaces, the evaporation of the water released also leads to a reduction in heat, which is particularly valuable in inner-city areas. Depending on the water requirements of the plants and/or the green areas, the water volume flow can be controlled. This means that when the soil is detected as dry, actuators are controlled or regulated in such a way that correspondingly more water (ie a higher water volume flow) is introduced into the irrigation pipe network. If the soil is sufficiently supplied with water, the actuator can be controlled or regulated in this way that less water or no water (i.e. a low water volume flow or a water volume flow equal to 0.0 L/min) is fed into the irrigation pipe network. In the event of coming heavy rain events, the water-storing elements of the irrigation and drainage system should be emptied in order to provide buffer storage for the heavy rain. Furthermore, the watering and drainage device should be visible—designed to be perceptible to passers-by—and possibly be able to inform passers-by interactively and/or offer the passers-by the opportunity to actively support the watering in order to possibly awaken environmental awareness in the passers-by.

Another important point here is both an information connection - for example via radio - and a fluid connection between the individual (modular) components or water collecting devices and/or buffers and storage reservoirs of the watering and drainage device. By exchanging information between the individual components and the control unit (e.g. filling levels, temperature, water quality, soil moisture, etc.), the water can be routed intelligently, i.e. as required, to the irrigation pipe network/to the respective irrigation zones. For this purpose, a water requirement is determined directly in the irrigation zones with a large number of networked sensors. Using this environmental data, the watering or drainage is controlled accordingly in order to optimize watering.

Ambient data is to be understood as meaning data relating to the (immediate) local environment of the watering and drainage device. This can include data measured by the sensors in relation to soil moisture of an irrigation zone and/or an amount of precipitation and/or received weather forecast data.

In particular, physical and/or chemical and/or weather or climate sensors can be used as sensors. In this way, for example, temperature, salinity, level, turbidity or a pH value can be determined. It is possible to use inductive and/or capacitive sensors, flow rate sensors, optical and acoustic sensors, rain gauges, rain sensors, humidity sensors, infrared and UV sensors, position sensors, vibration sensors, GPS sensors, pressure sensors, mechanical sensors and sensors for monitoring the actuators, e.g Hall sensors, read contacts, ammeters/voltmeters, tachometers, counters, vibration sensors, and shaft damping sensors, Use wind sensors, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, NOx and SOx and ozone sensors.

If the water is no longer suitable for use, e.g. too high a salt content and/or other contamination, or because storage volume is required for an upcoming heavy rain event/flooding, it may be necessary to empty the tanks/storage tanks actively (with a pump) or passively in advance

A water volume flow means a water volume per unit of time - for example 0.1 L/min (liters per minute).

Direct or indirect fluid connection between the water-collecting device or a precipitation-collecting device and the buffer or buffer tank and/or storage reservoir is to be understood as meaning that further fluid-conducting and/or fluid-processing devices - such as a water purification device - can be connected between a water-collecting device and the buffer and/or storage reservoir (but don't have to).

In one embodiment, the water in the water collection device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) and/or the (buffer) tank (60) and/or the storage reservoir is drained by rain, drainage, gutters, point drains, roof drainage, area drainage, wells, or other water intake devices, desalination plants, humidity, fresh water mains/water supply, surface water. Subsequent expansion is made possible by a modular design of the irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device. In addition, precipitation can be effectively collected with a large number of (different) water collection devices. At the same time, due to the modularity, an optimal adaptation to a local situation can take place in order to collect and/or store as much precipitation as possible.

In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage device has a water purification device that is designed to purify water that can be supplied from the at least one water collection device, in particular by sedimentation and/or filtering and/or adsorption and/or absorption, preferably before the water is fed to the buffer and/or the storage reservoir.

A (pre-)cleaning of the water makes it possible on the one hand to provide clean water in the irrigation network. On the other hand, by cleaning the Water deposits in the irrigation pipe network or in the other water-carrying or water-storing components avoided. This can prevent constipation. Ultimately, cleaning reduces maintenance work, saves costs and optimizes the durability of the watering and drainage device.

In one embodiment, the buffer and/or a basin and/or a (block) ditch system is at least partially encased with a sealing membrane, in particular geotextile.

A modular (block) trench system or trench system preferably made of plastic enables a stable and structurally simple option to construct the buffer or a buffer tank at low cost. A height is also variable and can be adapted to a top edge of the terrain. With a modular principle, almost any installation situation can be taken into account. Due to the system architecture, a (block) trench system offers high stability and strength. The (block) trench system can be installed under green areas, public paths and squares and also car parking spaces. An additional use of one or more layers of geotextile under or around the (block) drainage system can protect the (block) drainage system. The geotextile can be used as a sealing sheet to seal the (block) trench system and/or as a root protection. Alternatively or additionally, basins can be used to collect or store water. These are comparatively inexpensive.

In one embodiment, the irrigation line network comprises a plurality of irrigation lines, each irrigation line being designed to release water in a corresponding irrigation zone, preferably by means of an open end and/or a respective end region which is perforated at least in sections and/or by means of perforated sections.

This makes it possible for the irrigation to take place directly via a permanently laid pipeline system to the respective irrigation zones or planting areas where the water is required for irrigating the plants. Irrigation zones can be flat green areas (e.g. so-called planting islands) as well as individual tree planting pits or tree planting pits connected to one another by substrate spaces. This promotes the growth of plants in the irrigation zones. On the other hand, can missing/absent precipitation can be replaced with water from the irrigation and drainage system in order to supply the plants in the irrigation zones with sufficient water during dry periods. In general, the evaporation of the water in the irrigation zones also leads to a reduction in heat, which is particularly valuable in inner-city areas.

In one embodiment, the watering and drainage device has at least one electric pump; this electric pump is preferably arranged on the buffer side. Alternatively or in addition, a manual pump or guage or hydraulic ram such as a hand pump may be provided. The manual pump is preferably located at or near the storage reservoir. The at least one electric pump and/or the hand pump are designed to pump the water from the buffer into the storage reservoir and/or into the irrigation pipe network.

By using an electronic pump, the water can be regulated or controlled and/or pumped from the buffer to the storage reservoir as required. This improves the handling of the irrigation and drainage device. The use of a manual pump, such as a hand pump, is also possible without a power supply - transferring the water would therefore also be possible without a power supply. In addition, a hand pump can actively support the watering of the plants and/or green areas by passers-by.

In one embodiment, the control unit is designed to record the environmental data using a large number of sensors, preferably soil moisture sensors, via a sensor interface. In particular, the environmental data include values for a soil moisture content in an irrigation zone. Based on these environmental data or soil moisture sensor data, the water volume flow from the buffer and/or the storage reservoir is controlled by the actuator.

The control unit/controller can consist of local electronic components (hardware and software) and/or decentralized control software. Data communication between local and decentralized components can be made possible by cable-based or radio-based technologies (data exchange). The collection and processing can take place in a database structure, in particular a data cloud, which communicates with the control unit. Irrigation by means of the irrigation and drainage device takes place directly in the respective irrigation zones. A measurement of the water content of the soil or the plant substrate or the soil moisture within the irrigation zone can be done with soil moisture sensors. This enables a needs-based supply of water to the irrigation zones. If it is determined that an irrigation zone is too dry, this irrigation zone can be (increasedly) watered.

In one embodiment, the control unit is designed to receive environmental data via a network interface. In particular, the environmental data include weather data or weather forecast data for a location of the watering and drainage device, which are preferably provided by a weather data provider. Based on this environmental data or weather forecast data, the water volume flow from the buffer and/or from the storage reservoir is controlled by means of the at least one actuator.

This enables a needs-based supply of water to the irrigation zones. If the weather forecast contains a prognosis for a long-lasting drought, the control unit of the watering and drainage device can hold back water for this and/or inform the responsible maintenance personnel that water may have to be (manually) refilled. If the weather forecast contains a forecast for precipitation, the irrigation zones may not be irrigated and/or may be correspondingly less in order to reserve water in the irrigation and drainage device. On the other hand, if (heavy) precipitation is announced, the water storage (buffer and/or storage reservoir) can be emptied in order to make buffer storage volume available for the corresponding precipitation.

In one embodiment, the at least one precipitation-collecting device comprises at least one inflow control valve, which is designed to control and/or prevent an inflow from the at least one precipitation-collecting device to the buffer using the control unit.

The use of an inflow control valve makes it possible, for example when the buffer and/or storage reservoir is full, that the water collected with the at least one water collecting device initially remains in the water collecting device since it is forwarded into the buffer and/or the storage reservoir would overflow and the water would be lost accordingly. In this way, a storage volume of a water collecting device can temporarily increase the total storage volume of the watering and drainage device.

In one embodiment, the at least one water collecting device comprises conventional gutters, point drains (surface drainage system) and/or at least one roof collecting component, e.g. for flat roofs, which is preferably arranged on a house roof. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one water collecting device comprises at least one floor collecting component, preferably formed from floor elements that are at least partially perforated or perforated and/or partially water-permeable with water guiding structures arranged underneath.

This makes it possible for the watering and drainage device to be used in many (almost all) construction situations, regardless of the location. Both on house roofs and on or in floors. The watering and drainage device can either be retrofitted, i.e. installed on existing house roofs and/or in corresponding floor areas, or planned and introduced specifically for new buildings with houses and/or green areas in these houses and/or green areas. A precipitation collection quantity can be optimized especially when (simultaneously) using different or several water collection devices. Overall, this optimizes the watering of the watering zones and thus the watering and drainage device.

In one embodiment, the storage reservoir and/or the buffer has level sensors for determining a water level and/or temperature sensors for determining a water temperature and/or conductivity sensors for determining a water conductivity, in particular with regard to a salt content of the water, and the respective sensors are also designed to transmit the detected sensor data to the control unit and the control unit is designed to control the water volume flow from the buffer and/or from the storage reservoir by means of at least one actuator and/or by means of at least one pump based on the sensor data.

The use of temperature sensors and/or conductivity sensors makes it possible to determine the water quality of the water used for irrigation is used, and thus ultimately to optimize the watering and drainage device. For example, water temperatures that are too high or too low can damage plants when watered. Equally harmful to the plants is, for example, too high a salt content (e.g. road salt) in the water. If the conductance of the water determined by means of a conductivity sensor is too high, the water can be drained into the sewage system, for example. Level sensors can also log data about water levels and optimize water distribution within the irrigation and drainage system. In addition, the water volume flow that is released into the irrigation zones can be measured and/or controlled by means of the level sensors. Alternatively or additionally, physical and/or chemical sensors can be used in the at least one water collecting device and/or in the buffer and/or in the storage reservoir. In this way, for example, temperature, salinity, level, turbidity or a pH value of the water can be determined. It is possible to use inductive and/or capacitive sensors, flow rate sensors, optical and acoustic sensors, infrared and UV sensors, position sensors, vibration sensors, GPS sensors, pressure sensors, mechanical sensors and sensors for monitoring the actuators, e.g. Hall sensors, read contacts , ammeter/voltmeter, tachometer, counter, vibration sensors, and wave damping sensors, wind sensors, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, NOx and SOx and ozone sensors to optimize the irrigation and drainage device or irrigation and drainage.

In one embodiment, the storage reservoir is designed as an elevated tank such that the water discharge or the control of the water volume flow from the storage reservoir into the irrigation pipe network can be carried out without a pump and/or exclusively by the at least one actuator. For this purpose, the actuator can be designed, for example, as a control valve or as an active throttle. The elevated tank can also be designed to be transparent for visualization purposes, in order to visualize the internal water level.

This makes it possible for the water to be discharged from the storage reservoir into the irrigation pipe network purely "passively" by the weight of the water. This makes the irrigation and drainage device inexpensive and low-maintenance.

In one embodiment, the watering and drainage device includes an information display device that is designed to communicate with the control unit including data-processing unit (e.g. dashboard) and to visualize information, for example in relation to soil moisture, water levels, amount of precipitation or the like, in particular operating states.

An information display device enables the responsible maintenance personnel to have a corresponding overview of the relevant operating data of the watering and drainage device. The information device can also display location-related irrigation and/or precipitation information for passers-by. The information display device can be designed, for example, as a (weatherproof) outdoor display.

In particular, the object of the invention is also achieved by irrigation and drainage methods and/or water storage methods, preferably for the management of water, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, the method comprising the following steps:

Collecting and/or storing water with at least one water collecting device and directing the collected water into a (buffer) tank and/or into a storage reservoir;

Receiving and/or recording environmental data, preferably comprising values for soil moisture in irrigation zones and/or a quantity of precipitation in relation to the location of the (green) areas to be irrigated and/or plants or the irrigating zones, with a control unit;

Controlling a water volume flow from the buffer and/or the storage reservoir into an irrigation pipe network depending on the environmental data in order to make a quantity of water available for use, e.g .

This results in the same advantages as have already been described in connection with the watering and drainage device.

In one embodiment, the watering and drainage method includes a step for increasing the water volume flow when the control unit detects by means of a sensor, preferably a soil moisture sensor, that there is a water content is below a limit value in a corresponding irrigation zone, and/or a step for reducing the water volume flow if the control unit detects by means of the sensor, preferably a soil moisture sensor, that a water content in a corresponding irrigation zone is above the limit value.

This ensures that the optimal amount of water is always provided in the irrigation zones, so that plants and/or green areas can be optimally supplied.

In one embodiment, the irrigation and drainage method comprises a step of actively or passively emptying the buffer and/or the storage reservoir, preferably by emptying into the sewer, when the control unit receives environmental data containing information announcing heavy rain and/or the Control unit detects by means of a conductivity sensor within the buffer and / or the storage reservoir that the salinity of the water exceeds a limit.

This ensures that the buffer and/or the storage reservoir are optimally filled. If a large amount of precipitation is imminent, sufficient buffer volume is provided so that fresh water can be absorbed. Water that is too salty or generally contaminated can be discharged into the sewer system instead of being used for irrigation, as this could potentially have a negative impact on the plants.

For the energy supply, e.g. for the control unit, sensors, actuators, energy harvesting systems, e.g. photovoltaics, wind, heat differences, piezo elements, generators of any kind can be used. The energy can be stored, for example, in rechargeable batteries

Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims. The invention is also described below with regard to further features and advantages using exemplary embodiments which are explained in more detail using an illustration.

This shows:

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an irrigation and drainage device including a roof collecting device and storage reservoir;

2 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of an irrigation and drainage device.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and parts with the same effect.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, several types of water-collecting devices are shown, which are modular and fluid-conducting and electronically, indirectly or directly linked to one another.

The water collecting device 10 is a roof collecting device 10, which is arranged on a house roof 11, here combined with a radio-networked optical level sensor 13 and radio-controlled inflow control valve 12. The level sensor 13 and the inflow control valve 12 can communicate with a sensor interface 110 of a control unit 130 and from of the control unit 130 can be controlled. The roof catcher 10 can preferably be planted. The roof mount 10 is preferably comprised of a modular, flat, geocellular storage cavity. Multiple layers of the flat sheets allow for a larger storage cavity of the roof catcher 10 to be created. An overall height of 85 - 165 mm can vary.

In addition, several water collecting devices 20, 20a, 30, 40, 64 are shown, which are designed as bottom collecting devices 20, 20a, 30, 40, 64 of the watering and drainage device. In an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the ground collecting devices are, for example, a retention channel 30 and/or a drainage channel 40 introduced into the ground have floor elements 31, 41 which are water-permeable in sections--for example grid structures or perforated structures through which water can enter. Underneath are corresponding water guiding structures 32, 42, which are designed to guide the water that has entered accordingly.

The ground collecting devices in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 comprise a lawn collecting device 20. The lawn collecting device has green area elements 27 (for example grass honeycombs) which form a ground. In addition, the lawn collecting device has a channel 22 below the ground or in the ground. The channel 22 can have water-permeable floor elements 21 on its surface. The water can be guided from the gutter 22 in the direction of the buffer 60 via corresponding lines 28 of the lawn collecting device 20 .

Alternatively or additionally, the ground collecting devices in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 can have a perforated concrete plate collecting device 20a. Rainwater can penetrate through a perforation in floor-forming concrete slabs 27a. Below the perforated concrete slabs 27a is a water guiding structure designed as a channel 22a. The channel 22a can supply the rainwater to the buffer 60 via corresponding lines 28a.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the water from the water collecting devices 10, 20, 20a, 30, 40 reaches a water cleaning device 50. The water cleaning device 50 can clean the water, in particular by means of sedimentation. In addition to pure sedimentation, filtration and adsorption, for example via activated carbon, can also be implemented within the water purification device 50 . According to the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1 , the water purification device 50 has a level sensor 51 for determining a water level in the water purification device 50 . The level sensor 51 transmits the recorded data relating to a water level to a sensor interface 110 of a control unit 130. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the water purification device 50 can have further sensors (not shown). For example, temperature sensors and/or conductivity sensors and/or sediment level sensors, which also transmit their respective data to the control unit 130 . From the water purification device 50, the purified water reaches a buffer 60. In one embodiment, the (buffer) tank 60 is constructed from a modular (block) drain system, preferably made of plastic (polypropylene).

A modular (block) infiltration system can be based on basic infiltration elements (blocks), which are laid in a bonded arrangement using a plug-in system. As a result, the structural strength and the (assembly) handling of the (block) trench system can be significantly increased. The individual elements can be assembled on site in advance to form a connected block system. Such a trench system can be designed both for block infiltration and for block storage/retention. For example, as block storage below traffic areas, driveways or public areas.

The stability is preferably increased by a large number of columns within the trenches. The columns can also be filled with water, so that a storage coefficient of up to 95% can be achieved.

The use of polypropylene for the trenches also provides a robust and corrosion-resistant foundation for system longevity.

Furthermore, the buffer and/or the trenches of the (block) trench system can have inspection accesses—for example for an inspection camera and/or for cleaning devices.

In the embodiment shown, the bumper 60 is below a floor surface.

The buffer 60 is equipped with a drain pump 67 and a pipe such that water from the buffer can be actively discharged into the sewer 140 . Alternatively or additionally, an overflow pipe 68 can be provided in order to prevent the buffer 60 from overflowing. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the overflow pipe 68 of the buffer is connected to the sewage system 140.

A sensor unit 61 of the buffer 60 comprises a plurality of sensors, for example a temperature sensor for determining a water temperature within the buffer and/or a buffer filling level sensor for determining a buffer fill level and/or a conductivity sensor for determining a water conductivity, in particular in relation to a salinity and/or a sedimentation sensor for detecting sedimentation values of the water within the buffer 60.

The sensor unit 61 of the buffer 60 can transmit the recorded data to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130 via radio signals and/or by cable.

For one or more of the bottom collecting devices 10, 20, 20a, 30, 40 and/or the buffer 60 and/or for the water purification device 50 (smart) covers 170 can be used to close a passage opening.

The passage opening can, for example, allow access or access to the subterranean elements.

The smart cover 170 has at least one antenna such that signals can be sent and received through the transmission and reception opening, the antenna of the cover 170 being connected to at least one electrical line.

The electrical line of the smart cover 170 can be connected to sensors and/or actuators of at least one of the bottom collecting devices 10, 20, 20a, 30, 40 and/or the buffer 60 and/or the water purification device 50.

The antenna of the smart cover 170 forwards these signals (above ground) and wirelessly to the control unit 130 in such a way that a signal transmission quality of sensor-detected values within the ground collecting device and/or the buffer to the control unit 130 is optimized.

The water for irrigation is made available via an electric pump 63 and/or via a manual pump such as a hand pump 81 . According to the exemplary embodiment from Figure 1, the water reaches an elevated storage reservoir 80 via the electric pump 63 and/or via the hand pump 81 via a corresponding connecting pipe 62.

The electric pump 63 of the buffer 60 may also include a solar and/or wind powered pumping system.

A wall of the storage reservoir 80 can be transparent (in sections) or partially transparent (in sections) in order to be able to record the internal water level directly.

In addition, the storage reservoir 80 includes a storage reservoir filling level sensor 82 which is designed to transmit a filling level of the storage reservoir to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130 . The storage reservoir level sensor 82 also regulates the inflow.

In addition, an overflow is integrated into the storage reservoir 80 which, if necessary, returns the water to the buffer 60 .

By means of the hand pump 81, passers-by can actively support the watering of the green areas or fill the storage reservoir 80. Such offers are used very well, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

In principle, however, the actual watering is never carried out by passers-by, but always via an actuator 84 that can be controlled by means of the control unit 130 in order to be able to ensure an optimal water supply to the watering zones.

If required, the buffer 60 can be manually filled with water via a filler neck 65 . Alternatively or additionally, the filler neck can be connected to a water supply line, via which the buffer 60 can be filled. Manual filling can be advantageous, for example, when the weather forecast predicts a prolonged dry period, but control unit 130 reports that buffer 60 and/or storage reservoir 80 is low. In one exemplary embodiment, the buffer 60 itself can have a water collection device 64 or a direct feed structure 64 such that precipitation from the ground can seep directly into the buffer 60 .

An information display device 70 can be set up, which is designed to communicate with the control unit 130 and to visualize information, for example in relation to soil moisture of the soil around the irrigation and drainage device, water levels in the irrigation and drainage device, amount of precipitation. Interactive elements can also be present on the information display device 70 . Visible level indicators (visible in particular to passers-by) of the watering and drainage device can also be installed. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the buffer 60 has, for example, a level indicator 66 provided with a float.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 , a weather station 90 is also attached to the information display device 70 . This detects local weather data such as precipitation and/or ambient temperature and transmits this to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130, where the data from the weather station 90 can be taken into account when controlling the watering and drainage device.

The volume and/or height of storage reservoir 80 may vary based on need and/or environment.

In this exemplary embodiment, the storage reservoir 80 is designed as an elevated tank similar to a water tower. A photovoltaic device for generating solar power can be attached to an upper side of the storage reservoir. The resulting water pressure within the storage reservoir 80 or within a supply line section 83 makes it possible to supply the irrigation line network 85 without a pump—ie only by opening at least one actuator 84 . The design and/or the height and/or the position of the feed line section 83 of the storage reservoir 80 can be optimized with regard to the water pressure present at the actuator 84 .

The green areas and/or plants are watered via a permanently installed irrigation pipe network 85 directly to the respective Irrigation zones AD. The irrigation line network 85 in this exemplary embodiment includes irrigation lines 85a - 85d for this purpose.

Irrigation zones A - D can be flat green areas (e.g. so-called planting islands) as well as individual tree planting pits or tree planting pits connected to one another by substrate spaces. Both applications involve the natural capillarity of the plant substrate, since capillarity helps the water get to where it is needed by the plants.

In the respective irrigation zones AD, soil moisture sensors 100 record a soil moisture or a soil water content of the irrigation zones AD and transmit the recorded data to the sensor interface 110 of the control unit 130.

The control unit 130 receives both the soil moisture values determined locally via the soil moisture sensors 100 via the sensor interface 110 and weather data from corresponding providers via a network interface 120. The network interface can be an Internet network interface, for example.

The control unit 130 can be a computing unit as well as a

Include information interface for maintenance personnel. The control unit 130 includes the underlying control logic of the watering and drainage device:

Heavy rain likely: Buffer 60 and/or storage reservoir 80 (or water catchment devices, if applicable) are actively or passively drained to sewer or optional other storage.

Drought Likely: Water is being held back and/or a message is sent to maintenance personnel to manually fill the buffer and/or storage reservoir.

Buffer 60 and/or storage reservoir 80 are empty or contain only a small amount of water and/or the soil moisture is too low: Warning message (e.g. via email to maintenance staff and/or a corresponding message to an app) that buffer 60 and/or storage reservoir 80 must be refilled. Water in tanks is too salty (e.g. due to road salt): water is fed into the sewage system.

Irrigation of the irrigation zones when soil moisture in the corresponding irrigation zone is too low.

Output and visualization of the environmental data such as soil moisture, amount of precipitation, etc. on the information display device 70. Under certain circumstances, a progression of the values of the environmental data over a certain period of time (for example a week) can also be visualized.

Output of maintenance notifications (e.g. by e-mail to maintenance personnel and/or a corresponding message to an app): notifications relating to sedimentation in water purification device 50 or buffer 60, notifications relating to filter states, notifications relating to sensor failures and/or or actuators or, if applicable, the battery status of the sensors.

A system network of the control unit 130 consists of sensors and/or sensor units, actuators, pumps and/or circuits that are used for signal processing and forwarding.

By means of a gateway 160, signals from the local system network are processed on the one hand and the connection to the Internet is established on the other hand. Depending on the site conditions, the LoRaWAN or the NB-IoT radio standard or other radio standards can be used.

In addition, the control unit 130 can have a user interface which is designed to enter and/or modify corresponding limit values or target ranges for water temperatures and/or water salinity.

An alternative embodiment of the irrigation and drainage device is shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the buffer 60 serves directly as a storage reservoir. In the exemplary embodiment, the watering and drainage device is used for at least one tree, which is protected by a tree protection grate 150 and a tree protection grid 151 . In this exemplary embodiment, the filling of the buffer 60 takes place analogously to the previous exemplary embodiments via at least one water collecting device 64.

A water collecting device is shown as a direct feed structure 64 in FIG. 2 .

The direct feed structure 64 allows rainwater to be fed directly into the underground buffer 60 . The buffer 60 is at least partially covered with at least one layer of sealing membrane 69, which on the one hand has a sealing effect and also prevents roots from growing in. The liner/geotextile 69 may be made of plastic, for example.

The soil moisture sensor 100 records soil moisture values for an irrigation zone and transmits these to the control unit 130 (not shown). An actuator or a control valve 84 can be opened by the control unit 130 as soon as the soil moisture sensor 100 falls below a specific value. In this way, water is fed from the buffer 60 into the irrigation pipe network 85 . In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the irrigation pipe network 85 can comprise a perforated pipe from which the water can seep into the surrounding substrate. Due to the capillary force of the optimized substrate, the water rises and becomes available for the plant roots in the irrigation zone.

Alternatively or additionally, a pump 63a controlled by the control unit 130 can introduce water into a drip tube 85e laid in the root area of a plant, which carries out drip irrigation.

Alternatively or additionally, a layer of rock wool can be placed within the root area. The stone wool layer is sealed with foil on the bottom and on the sides and can thus store water that has seeped in and/or that has been brought in through the irrigation pipe network 85 . Plants have direct access to the reservoir through their roots.

At this point it should be pointed out that all the parts described above, viewed individually and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with changes hereto. reference sign:

10 water catchment device (roof catchment device)

11 house roof

12 flow control valve

13 level sensor

20 water catchment device (floor catchment device or

grass catcher)

20a water intake device

21 water-permeable floor element

22 water guiding structure (channel)

27 green space elements

28 line

22a water guiding structure (channel)

27a water-permeable floor element (perforated concrete slab)

28a line

30 water catchment device (floor catchment device or

retention channel)

31 water-permeable floor elements

32 water guiding structure (channel)

40 water catchment device (floor catchment device or

drainage channel)

41 water-permeable floor elements

42 water guiding structure (channel)

50 water purification device

51 level sensor

60 buffer (tank)

61 sensor unit

62 connecting tube

63 electric pump

63a electric pump

64 water catchment device (floor catchment device or

direct feed structure)

65 filler neck

66 level indicator

67 drain pump

68 overflow pipe waterproofing membrane (geotextile)

information display device

Storage reservoir manual pump

Storage reservoir level sensor

lead section

actuator

Irrigation line network a-85d irrigation lines e drip line

Weather station 0 sensor (soil moisture sensor) 0 sensor interface 0 network interface 0 control unit 0 sewer system 0 tree protection grid 1 tree protection grid 0 gateway 0 smart cover

Claims

23

CLAIMS Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for water management, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, having the following: at least one water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) which is designed for this purpose To collect and / or store water, wherein the water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) is in direct or indirect fluid connection with a buffer (tank) (60) and / or a storage reservoir (80), wherein the Buffer (tank) (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80) is/are designed to store water and to make the stored water available for use, eg to release it into an irrigation pipe network (85); at least one control unit (61, 130), which is designed to receive and/or record environmental data, in particular by means of at least one sensor (100), and based on the environmental data using at least one actuator, e.g. a control valve (84 ), to provide a volume flow of water from the buffer (tank) (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) for use, for example to control it in the irrigation pipe network (85). Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the water from the at least one water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) and/or the buffer (60), in particular a buffer tank, and/or the storage reservoir Rain, drainage, gutters, point drains, roof drainage, surface drainage, wells or other water intake facilities, desalination plants, humidity, fresh water network/water supply, surface water can be supplied. Irrigation and drainage device and / or water storage device according to claim 1, characterized by a water purification device (50) which is designed to purify water which can be supplied from the at least one water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64), in particular by sedimentation and/or filtering and/or adsorption, preferably before the water is supplied to the buffer (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80). Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the buffer (60) and/or a basin and/or a (block) ditch system, preferably at least partially with a sealing membrane (69), in particular geotextile, wrapped, has. Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irrigation pipe network (85) comprises a plurality of irrigation pipes (85a - 85d), each irrigation pipe (85a - 85d) being designed to supply water in a corresponding irrigation zone ( A - D), preferably by means of an open end and/or a respective end region which is perforated at least in sections and/or by means of perforated sections. Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one electric pump (63), preferably arranged on the buffer tank side, and/or a manual pump (81) or Göpel/hydraulic ram, preferably on the storage reservoir (80) or arranged in its vicinity, wherein the at least one electric pump (63) and/or the manual pump (81) is/are designed to pump the water from the buffer (60) into the storage reservoir (80) and/or into the irrigation pipe network (85) to pump. Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (130) is designed to, the environmental data, in particular comprising values for a soil moisture content in an irrigation zone (A - D), by means of a large number of sensors (100), preferably soil moisture sensors (100), via a sensor interface (110) and based on the environmental data to control the water volume flow from the buffer (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) by means of the actuator (84). Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (130) is designed to receive environmental data, in particular including weather data or weather forecast data for a location of the irrigation device, via a network interface (120) and to control the water volume flow from the buffer (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) by means of at least one of the actuators (84) based on the environmental data. Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) comprises at least one inflow control valve (12) which is designed to divert an inflow from the at least to control and/or prevent a water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) to the buffer (60) by means of the control unit (130). Irrigation and drainage device and / or water storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 26 the water collection device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) comprises conventional gutters, point drains (surface drainage system), and/or comprises at least one roof collection component (10), which is preferably arranged on a house roof (11), and/or comprises at least a floor collecting component (20, 30, 40, 64), preferably formed from floor elements (21, 27, 27a, 31, 42) which are perforated or perforated at least in sections and/or are water-permeable in sections, with water guiding structures (22, 22a, 32) arranged underneath, 42). Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage reservoir (80) and/or the buffer (60) and/or the at least one water collecting device (10, 20, 30, 40) has level sensors (51 , 61, 82) for determining a water fill level and/or temperature sensors (61) for determining a water temperature and/or conductivity sensors for determining a water conductivity, in particular with regard to a salt content of the water, and the respective sensors (51, 61, 82 ) are also designed to transmit the detected sensor data to the control unit (130), and the control unit (130) is designed to calculate the water volume flow from the buffer (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) based on the sensor data at least one actuator (84) and/or by means of at least one pump (63, 67). Irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage reservoir (80) is designed as an elevated tank such that the water discharge or the control of the water volume flow from the storage reservoir (80) into the irrigation pipe network (85 ) can be carried out without a pump and/or exclusively by the at least one actuator (84), the elevated tank can be transparent for visualization purposes in order to visualize the water level. 27 irrigation and drainage device and / or water storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an information display device (70) which is adapted to communicate with the control unit (130) incl. Data processing unit (eg dashboard) and information, in particular with regard to Soil moisture, water levels, amount of precipitation, in particular to visualize operating states. Irrigation and drainage method and/or water storage method, preferably for water management, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, the method comprising the following steps:

Collecting and/or storing water with at least one water collection device (10, 20, 30, 40) and conducting the collected water into a buffer (tank) (60) and/or a storage reservoir (80);

Receiving and/or recording of environmental data, preferably comprising values for soil moisture in irrigation zones (A - D) and/or amount of precipitation in relation to the location of the (green) areas and/or plants to be irrigated or in relation to the irrigation zones ( A - D), with a control unit (130);

Controlling a water volume flow from the buffer (tank) (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80) into an irrigation pipe network (85) depending on the environmental data in order to make a quantity of water available for use, e.g. for the to be irrigated (green) areas and/or plants in the irrigation zones (A - D) according to the environmental data. Irrigation and drainage method and / or water storage method according to claim 14, characterized by a step for increasing the water volume flow when the control unit (130) by means of a sensor (100), preferably soil moisture sensor (100), detects that a water content in a 28 corresponding irrigation zone (A - D) is below a limit value, and/or a step for reducing the water volume flow if the control unit (130) detects by means of the sensor (100), preferably soil moisture sensor (100), that a water content in a corresponding Irrigation zone (A - D) is above the limit. Irrigation and drainage method and/or water storage method according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized by a step for actively or passively emptying the buffer (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80), preferably emptying into the sewage system (140), when the control unit (130 ) receives environmental data containing information announcing heavy rain, and/or the control unit (130) uses a conductivity sensor within the buffer tank (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80) to detect that the salinity of the water exceeds a limit value.