IES86489B2

IES86489B2 - Water storage shed

Info

Publication number: IES86489B2
Application number: IES20130318A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Robert Laurence Squires; John Joseph Doyle
Original assignee: Robert Laurence Squires; John Joseph Doyle
Priority date: 2012-10-16
Filing date: 2013-10-16
Publication date: 2015-01-14
Also published as: GB2508333A; GB2508333B; IES20130318A2; GB201218558D0

Abstract

A portable water storage shed (1) comprises a rigid base (2), upstanding side walls (3) on the base (2) and a roof (4) on top of the side walls (3). A doorway in one of the side walls (3) provides access to an interior of the shed (1). A number of water storage tanks are mounted in the base (2) and side walls (3) of the shed (1) to collect water run-off from the roof (4). A main water storage tank (5) is mounted within the base (2). Ancillary water storage tanks (6,7,8) are mounted within the side walls (3) at each side and at a rear of the shed (1). All of the ancillary water storage tanks (6,7,8) and the main water storage tank (5) are interconnected by pipework such that water in the ancillary water storage tanks (6,7,8) will feed under gravity from the ancillary water storage tanks (6,7,8) into the main water tank (5). A water outlet (11) on the main water storage tank (5) is connected to a pump (12) for discharging water from the storage tanks (5,6,7,8) for use in the home or garden for example. <Figure 1>

Description

“Water Storage Shed” Introduction The present invention relates to a portable water storage shed.

Rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly common, This is driven by a desire to be more environmentally friendly, and increasingly, as a cost saving measure. The civil water supply delivers potable water to dwellings and commercial premises. However, much of the water used therein does not need to potable. For example, the water used to flush toilets does not need to be suitable for drinking. Nonetheless, many litres of expensively treated water are flushed into the sewers daily, In some cases, processing water to make it potable can be very energy intensive, and hence environmentally unfriendly, so it is desired to make Its use as efficient as possible. Additionally, as homeowners are being charged for the amount of water they use, they become increasingly aware of the quantities of water being used by every device in the home.

There are, however, a number of disadvantages associated with rainwater harvesting.

Firstly, homeowners may be unwilling or unable to attach the necessary harvesting equipment to their home. Additionally, there may be difficulties with the storage of the harvested rainwater, as again the homeowners may be unwilling or unable to accommodate a large rainwater storage tank in their home or garden.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water storage shed that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, there is provided a portable water storage shed comprising: a rigid base, upstanding side walls on the base and a roof on top of the side walls, -2a doorway in one of the side walls to provide access to an interior of the shed, a main water storage tank mounted within the base, at least one ancillary water storage tank mounted in a side wall of the shed, one or more pipes connecting the main water storage tank with the or each ancillary water storage tank, sard pipes being connected between the main water storage tank and each ancillary water storage tank, such that any water in the ancillary water storage tank wiil feed under gravity from the ancillary water storage tank into the main water storage tank, a water inlet in the ancillary water storage tank, and the main water storage tank having a water outlet.

In one embodiment of the invention, a rainwater harvesting system Is mounted on the shed, said rainwater harvesting system comprising a gutter mounted on the shed to collect water run-off from the roof and a rainwater feed pipe connected between the gutter and the water inlet in the ancillary water tank.

In this way, the water storage shed acts as a standalone rainwater harvesting and storage unit. The user may install the shed of the invention in his garden and obtain many of the advantages of rain water harvesting, such as reduced use of civil water supply without disfiguring their home or otherwise having to have work done to their home to allow rain-water harvesting or storage. The structure may be used for general garden or household storage, as extra iiving space or the like. Locating the main rainwater storage tank in one of the structure elements of the structure, such as the floor or a wall, provides tor efficient use of space.

In another embodiment, rainwater collecting wings are hingedly mounted at each side of the roof for movement between a folded stored position overlapping the roof and an -3open position extending outwardly at a side of the roof for directing rainwater into the gutter.

In a further embodiment, insulation material is provided in the side walls outside the 5 ancii I ary storag e ta n k.

In another embodiment, a fitter is mounted In the rainwater feed pipe. in another embodiment, a pump is mounted at the water outlet of the main water storage tank.

In another embodiment, a solar panel is mounted on the roof to provide power to operate the pump, in another embodiment the base is mounted on wheels or castors.

In another embodiment a solar radiation water heating system Is mounted on the roof of the shed and connected to the water storage tanks.

In another embodiment the collected rainwater may be detivered through a sediment filter and carbon water filter to remove contaminants and optionally a UV disinfection lamp may be provided for further purification of the water.

According to the invention there is provided a structure suitable for human occupation comprising a rainwater harvesting system and a rainwater storage system, the structure enclosing a space within a plurality of structure elements, characterised in that the rainwater storage system comprises a main rainwater storage tank, having a tank inlet in fluid communication with the rainwater harvesting system and a lank outlet in fluid communication with a structure rainwater outlet, wherein the main rainwater storage tank is located in one of the structure elements.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a structure in which the rainwater storage system further comprises at least one ancillary rainwater storage tank, located in a further structure element and providing at least a portion of the fluid communication -4between the rainwater harvesting system and the main rainwater storage tank. In this way, extra storage for the harvested rainwater will be provided. Rainwater flows from the harvesting system through the ancillary rainwater storage tank to the main rainwater storage tank, and when the main rainwater storage tank Is full, the rainwater is stored in the ancillary rainwater storage tank. As the level of stored rainwater drops, the rainwater from the ancillary rainwater storage tank will flow into the main rainwater storage tank and from there to the structure rainwater outlet.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a structure in which the 10 structure element comprising the main rainwater storage tank is the floor of the structure.

This is a particularly convenient construction as it allows water from any ancillary rainwater storage tanks located in the walls to flow under gravity to the main rainwater storage tank.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a structure in which the structure element comprising the main rainwater storage tank is a wall of the structure. Such a structure may be useful if the structure was to be erected on a pre-existing floor, In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a structure in which the fluid communication operates under gravity. This is a particularly convenient method of fluid communication as no pumps or the like are required, reducing the cost of operation and required maintenance.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fluid-storage vessel suitable for use as a rainwater storage tank, the fluid-storage vessel having a rainwater Inlet, a rainwater outlet and air-re I ease valve, the fluid storage tank further comprising at least a pair of opposing corrugated sides. This construction provides a vessel that is strong and rigid, even when full of water. The corrugated sides will have reduced deflection when the tank is full, compared to a straight sided vessel.

In another embodiment of the invention there Is provided a fluid-storage vessel in which the corrugated sides comprise a series of arcuate portions having flat portions therebetween, This rs a particularly strong configuration of fluid storage vessel. -5According to a further embodiment of the invention, there Is provided an insulated panel suitable for use In construction, wherein the insulated panel comprises the fluid storage vessel of the invention substantially surrounded by insulation and enclosed by one or more sheets to provide a cuboid body, and wherein the insulated panel further comprises a panel rainwater inlet in fluid communication with the rainwater inlet of the fluid storage vessel; a panel rainwater outlet in fluid communication with the rainwater outlet of the fluid storage vessel; and an air outlet in communication with the air-release valve of the fluid storage vessel· Such an insulated panel will have the dual function of providing insulation and rainwater storage to a structure formed therefrom. Such an insulated panel may also be used to retro-fit rainwater storage, and added insulation, to an existing building or structure. The rainwater stored within the panel may be used a grey-water supply to the building in question or, if appropriately treated, as a potable water supply, or both.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now bo more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Fig, 1 is a schematic illustration of a portable water storage shed according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the shed in another position of use; Fig, 3 is a schematic Illustration of the shed of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the shed corresponding to the view shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the shed corresponding to the view shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 6(a) is a schematic illustration of the portable water storage shed in use; Fig. 6(b) is a plan view of the illustration shown in Fig. 6(a); -6Fig, 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating another portable water storage shed; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the portable water storage shed of Fig. 7; Fig, 9 is a view similar to Fig, 3 showing the portable water storage shed in another position of use; Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of another portable water storage shed according to the invention; Fig. 11 is a plan view of the portable water storage shed shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 Is a plan view of a structure according to the invention; Fig. 13 is a top view of the structure of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of the structure of Fig, 12 along the line A-A in Fig. 13, wherein, for clarity, the inner U-shaped structure is not shown; Fig, 15 is a cross section view of the structure Fig. 12 along the line B-B in Fig, 13, for clarity, the inner U-shaped structure is not shown; Fig, 16 is a detail view of the gutter area of the structure of Fig. 12 according to the invention; Fig. 17(a) is a perspective view of a panel suitabie for use in construction according to the invention showing a fluid-storage vessel, in phantom lines, contained therein, the panel shown in a bisected manner; Fig. 17(b) is a perspective view of the panel suitable for use in construction according to the invention shown in Fig 17(a); -7 Fig. 17(c) is a perspective view of the fluid-storage vessel according to the invention; Figs. 17(d), (e), (f) and (g) are front elevation, plan, side elevation and rear 5 elevation respectively of the panel shown in Fig. 17(a), with the fluid-storage vessei contained therein shown in phantom lines; Figs. 17(h) is a section view of the panel of Fig. 17(a); Fig. 18(a) is a side elevation of a house fitted with a plurality of panels according to the invention; Fig. 18(b) is a cross-section view along the line A-A in Fig. 18(a); Fig. 18(c) is a detail view of a junction between panels; Fig. 19 is a view of a plurality of panels according to the invention in a construction; Fig. SO is a detail view of the mounting method the panels in Fig. 19; and Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of fluid-storage vessel according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 6 thereof, there is illustrated a portable water storage shed according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numerai 1. The shed 1 comprises a rigid base 2, upstanding side walls 3 on the base 2 and a roof 4 on fop of the side walls 3. A doorway (not shown) in one of the side wails 3 provides access to an interior of the shed 1. In accordance with the present invention, a number of wafer storage tanks are mounted in the base 2 and side walls 3 of the shed 1.

A main water storage tank 5 Is mounted within the base 2. Ancillary water storage tanks 6,7,8 are mounted within the side walls 3 at each side and at a rear of the shed 1, All of -8the ancillary water storage tanks 6, 7, 8 and the main water storage tank 5 are interconnected by pipework such that water in the ancillary water storage tanks 6, 7, 8 will feed under gravity from said ancillary water storage tanks 6, 7, 8 into the main water tank 5, A water inlet 10 (Fig.3) is provided at the ancillary water storage tank 8. A water outlet 11 on the main water storage tank 5 is connected to a pump 12 for discharging water from the storage tanks 5,6, 7, 8 for use in the home or garden for example.

A rainwater harvesting system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 15, is mounted on the shed 4, The rainwater harvesting system comprises a gutter 16 mounted on fhe shed 1 to collect water run-off from the roof 4. A rainwater feed pipe 17 (Fig. 3) delivers rainwater from the gutter 16 through a high volume water filter 18 to the water Inlet 10 in the ancillary water storage tank 8, The filter 18 has an overflow 19, Rainwater collecting wings 20 are hlngedly mounted at their inner ends 21 at each side of the roof 4. These wings 20 are movable between a folded stored position overlapping the roof 4, as shown in Fig. 1, and an open position extending outwardly at each side of the roof 4, as shown in Fig. 2, for collecting additional rainwater and directing it Into the gutter 16. The wings 20 essentially increase the rain catchment area provided by the roof 4, Insulation material 25 is provided between the ancillary water storage tanks 6, 7, 8 and a framework of the side wafis 3, and, if desired, also the base 2. Exterior cladding 26 is mounted on an exterior of the framework forming the side wails of the shed 1.

The shed 1 is shown in the drawings as being mounted on castors 30 for increased manoeuvrability. However, these are not essential. The base 2 may be provided with a pair of sockets for reception of the tines of a forklift truck to facilitate handling and manoeuvring of the shed 1 into position.

An air vent 38 is provided at a top of the rear ancillary water storage tank 8. A water level indicator 36 is fitted to the main water storage tank 5. This water level indicator 36 may incorporate an air vent also. Means 38 to allow mains top up of the water storage tanks 5, 6, 7, 8 may be provided in the shed 1, if desired. -9A water inlet 40 may be provided on an ancillary water storage tank 6 to receive water run-off from the gutter of a dwelling adjacent the shed 1 in use. An overflow pipe 42 Is also provided in one of the ancillary water storage tanks 7. A filter 44 is provided in the gutter to prevent the entry of leaves and other debris. A connection point 46 for a garden hose or tap may be provided on one of the ancillary water storage tanks 7.

Et will be appreciated that the shed 1 may be constructed of any suitable materials such as metals, plastics, fibreglass, GRP, timber and the like. The shed may be suppiied assembled or in a flatpack configuration for assembly on site, A solar panel 50 is mounted on the roof 4 and may be used for powering the pump 12 for discharging water from the shed 1, and/or lamps within the shed.

In use, rainwater run-off from the roof 4 and wings 20 selected in the gutter 10 and delivered via the filter 18 to the ancillary water storage tanks 6T 7, 8 and from these to the main water storage tank 5. The pump 12 can be operated to supply water from the storage tanks 5, 6, 7, 3 to a home for use in the toilet, clothes washing and in the garden, for example.

Fig. 6 shows the portable water storage shed 1 mounted adjacent a dwelling 60. Rainwater run-off from a roof 61 of the dwelling 60 is collected in a gutter and delivered to portable water storage shed 1 for storage in the water storage tanks 5, 6, 7, 8 via the inlet 40 (Fig. 1). Stored water can then be used in the dwelling 60, being pumped from the main water storage tank 5 by the pump 12 to an attic reservoir 63 for use In toilets 64 and the like.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 9 there is shown another portable water storage shed according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 65, parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case a solar radiation heating system 66 is mounted on the roof of the portable water storage shed 65 and connected by pipework to the rainwater storage tanks 5, 6, 7, 3, The rainwater is heated by solar radiation and can then be pumped to a dwelling 60 to provide a hot water heating system that enables the user to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, the hot water can provide heating for an underfloor heating - 10system in the dwelling, or for an alternative environmental heating system or hot water supply system of the dwelling 60.

A 5 micron sediment filter 67 and carbon water filter may be provided to remove 5 contaminants and impurities. This may conveniently be mounted in pipework 69 connecting between the outlet 11 of the main water storage tank 5 and the pump 12. A UV disinfection lamp 69 may also be provided in the pipework 69 which when combined with the filter 67 brings the rainwater up to bathing or drinking standards.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, there is shown another portable water storage shed according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. Rainwater run-off from a roof of a dwelling 60 Is delivered under gravity via pipe 71 to the ancillary water storage tank 6 from where it is distributed to the other water storage tanks , 7, 8. In this case, the shed 79 has a low pitched roof 4 with a continuous valley gutter 16.

It will be appreciated that the portable water storage shed may be used in conjunction with a main dwelling to provide water for use in the toilet, clothes washing and in the garden, for example. It Is also envisaged that the portable water storage shed will have many other uses, for example, it might be provided as a stand alone unit in a remote area without ready access to water for providing drinking water for animals and simultaneously, the storage of fodder materials within the shed.

Referring now to Figs. 12 to 15, there is shown a structure according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, the structure suitable for human occupation. In this case, the structure shown is a garden shed. The structure 100 is formed from a U-shaped structure element 102 that provides a straight rear wall 104 and a pair of straight side walis 106a, 106b projecting orthogonally from the ends of the rear wall 104. The opening of the U-shape forms the front of the structure 100, and is bridged by a front structure element 108 comprising a door 110, The structure 100 further comprises a floor structure element 112, providing a base on which the U-shaped structure element 102 and front structure element 108 are supported; and a roof structure element 114 supported on the U-shaped structure element 102 and front -11strudure element 108 The U-shaped strudure element 102, front structure element 108, floor strudure element 112 and roof strudure element 114 enclose a space that is suitable for human occupation. The floor structure element 112 comprises a main rainwater storage tank 116. The main rainwater storage tank 116 comprises a tank inlet 118 and a tank outlet 119, Rainwater exits the main rainwater storage tank 116 through the tank outlet 119 and an outlet pipe 120. The outlet pipe 120 brings the rainwater to a pump 121, from where the rainwater may be pumped, through an adjacent structure rainwater outlet (not shown), to an external destination such as a dwelling or outside tap.

The U-shaped structure element 102 comprises a pair of spaced apart U-shaped assemblies, an outer U-shaped assembly 122 and an inner U-shaped assembly 124. Three ancillary rainwater storage tanks 126a, 126b, 126c are located between the outer U-shaped assembly 122 and the Inner U-shaped assembly 124 such that one ancillary rainwater storage tank is located in each of the pair of side walls 106a, 106b and in the rear wall 104. The ancillary rainwater storage tanks 126a, 126b in the side walls are connected through pipework 125 to the rear ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c. The strudure 100 is fitted with an external cladding 127 surround the U-shaped structure element 102 and the front structure element 108 to provide a suitable external surface to the structure WO.

The roof structure element 114 is an apex-type roof, with gutters 128a, 128b running along the lowers edges thereof. Each gutter 128a, 128b Is fitted with a debris filter 130 to reduce the amount of debris such as leaves and the like that reach the gutters 128a, 128b, Each gutter 128a, 128b Is connected to a downpipe 132a, 132b. Each downpipe 132a, 132b is connected to rainwater hatvesting duct 134a, 134b. The rainwater harvesting ducts 134a, 134b meet and direct the rainwater to a filter unit 135, where small pieces of debris are removed therefrom. The filter unit 135 may be accessed by the user for cleaning. From the filter unit 135, the rainwater is piped to the ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c in the rear of the U-shaped strudure element 102. Together the roof structure element 114, gutters 128a, 128b, downpipes 132a, 132b and rainwater harvesting ducts 134a, 134b form a rainwater harvesting system by which rainwater falling on the structure 100 is colleded and guided towards a rainwater storage system, The main rainwater storage tank 116, ancillary rainwater storage tanks 126a, 126b, 126c and their Interconnedlng piping are comprised within the rainwater storage system, An -12overflow pipe 136 extends from the ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c in the rear of the U-shaped structure element 102 to an external location (not shown) so that any excess rainwater is directed out of the structure 100.

The roof structure element 114 is fitted with a solar panel 133 to provide electricity to the structure 100.

In an exemplary system, each rainwater storage tank has a capacity of 500 litres, giving a total system capacity of 2000 litres.

The structure comprises a pump 121 to pump stored rainwater from the structure to where it may be desired. Potential uses for the stored rainwater are for garden uses for example watering plants or washing a car; or for grey water use within a nearby dwelling or other building, sample grey water uses are for flushing toilets or laundry. Additionally, the rainwater may be pumped to a treatment assembly (not shown) for rendering it potable, from where it may be pumped to a dwelling or other building for use as drinking water. The pump may be powered by the electricity generated by the solar pane! 138, In use, rainwater falling on the roof structure element 114 will fall along the sides thereof, in the direction of the large arrows shown in Fig. 13, towards the gutters 128a, 128b. Rainwater falling straight into the gutters 128a, 128b will also be collected. The rainwater from the gutters 128a, 128b flows down the down pipes 132a, 132b. A portion of the rainwater flowing down the down pipes 132a, 132 b will be directed into rainwater harvesting ducts 134a, 134b, through the filter unit 135 and from there to the ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c in the rear of the U-shaped structure element 102. Water flows from the rear ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c to the main rainwater storage tank 116 through the tank inlet 118 and from there to the tank outlet 120. As the main rainwater storage tank 116 is below the ancillary rainwater storage tanks 126, if the quantity of rainwater drops, all of the stored rainwater will flow to and be stored in the main rainwater storage lank 116, so that even very small amounts of stored water are available to the structure rainwater outlet When the main rainwater storage tank 116 is fulf, rainwater will flow from the rear ancillary rainwater storage tank 126c to the side ancillary rainwater storage tanks 126a, 126b through pipework 125. -13 It will be understood that the structure elements of the structure may be designed to allow modular construction of the structure. For example, the U-shaped structure may be constructed from elements forming the rear and side walls. The structure elements may comprise insulation to protect the rainwater tanks from external temperatures, and to facilitate energy efficient temperature control of the space within the structure.

Referring now to Fig. 16, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a detail view of the gutter 123b and associated debris tilter 130. The debris filter comprises an array of bristles 140 projecting from a central axis 142 so as to form a substantially cylindrical array. Rainwater will pass through the bristles 140 into the gutter 128b, but large debris such as leaves and the like wiil be prevented from entering the gutter by the bristles 140. It will be understood that the structure of the invention is not limited to operation with the debris filter 130, but may work with known debris filters for preventing the clogging of gutters with leaves.

Referring now to Fig, i7(c), in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a fiuid-storage vessel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200, suitable for use as a rainwater storage tank, The fluid-storage vessel 200 comprises a top pair of rainwater apertures 201, a middle pair of rainwater apertures 202 and a lower pair or rainwater apertures 204. Each aperture may function as a rainwater inlet and a rainwater outlet, The fluid-storage vessel 200 comprises an overflow aperture 205 to allow rainwater to flow out therefrom when the level of rainwater in the fluid-storage vessel is above the level of the overflow aperture 205. The fluidstorage vessel 200 further comprises an air-re I ease valve 206 in a top corner thereof.

The fluid storage tank is elongate in shape with a pair of opposing flat end faces 203 at the top and bottom thereof. The fluid-storage vessel 200 further comprises a pair of opposing arcuately corrugated sides 210 and a pair of opposing arcuate ends 212. Each pair of rainwater apertures has one aperture on each narrow side edge of the fluidstorage vessel 200. The corrugations comprise six circularly arcuate portions 214 with substantially flat portions between each circular portion. The terminating corrugations, adjacent the arcuate ends 212 continue to form the arcuate end 212 and on to form the first corrugation of the opposing corrugated side 210. The fluid-storage vessel 200 therefore has the impression of six elongate, vertically arranged, circular cylinders that have been joined together, side by side, to form a single hollow space contained therein. - 14Referring now to Fig. 21, there is shown an alternative embodiment of fluid-storage vessel, Indicated generally by the reference numeral 1000, comprising horizontally arranged corrugations. The fiuid-storage vessel 1000 comprises a rainwater aperture 1002 and an air-release valve 1006 in a top corner thereof. The fluid storage tank is elongate irt shape with a pair of opposing flat side faces 1006, The fluid-storage vessel 1000 further comprises a pair of opposing arcuately corrugated sides 1010 and a pair of opposing arcuate ends 101£. The corrugations comprise eleven circularly arcuate portions 1014 with substantially flat portions 1016 between each circular portion. The terminating corrugations, adjacent the arcuate ends 1012 continue to form the arcuate end 1012 and on to form the first corrugation of the opposing corrugated side 1010. The fluid-storage vessel 1000 therefore has the impression of eleven elongate horizontally arranged, circular cylinders that have been joined together, one tying on the next, to form a single hollow space contained therein. The fluid-storage vessel 1000 may be fitted with further rainwater apertures and an overflow aperture as required.

Preferably, the fluid-storage vessels 200, 1000 are formed from polypropylene, for its anti-bacterial qualities. In a preferred embodiment, the polypropylene is 5mm thick.

Referring now to Figs, 17(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown an insulated panel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, suitable for use in construction. The insulated panel 300 takes the form of an elongate cuboid, somewhat slab-tike in shape. The insulated panel 300 may be formed from weather resistant sheets, so that the insulated panel 300 may be used in the construction of the exterior of a building. Such weather resistant sheets are well known tn the art, One of the large faces of the insulating panei 300 extends beyond the width of the opposing large face, to provide a pair of fixing wings 302 on either side thereof. The insulated panei 300 encloses the fluid storage vessel 200 therein, with insulation 301 filling any voids within the insulated panel 300. Each of the rainwater apertures 201, 202, 204 of the fluid-storage vessel 200 is connected to a panel rainwater channel 304 and from there to panel rainwater apertures 306, such that there is fluid communication therebetween vessel apertures 201, 202, 204 and the panel apertures 306. The panel rainwater apertures 306 may function as rainwater inlets and outlets. The vessel overflow aperture 205 is connected to an - 15overflow channel 307 which is in turn connected to a panel overflow aperture 309 to allow rainwater to overflow from the insulated panel 300. The insulated panel 300 further comprises an air outlet 308 adjacent the air-release valve 206 of the fluid-storage vessel 200, to allow air pushed from the fluid-storage vessel 200 to escape the insulated panel 300.

The insulation used within the insulated panel 300 may of a number of types including rockwool, Polyisocyan urate (PIR) and the like.

Referring now to Fig. 18(a), In which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown the side elevation of a house, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400. The gable end of the house 400 has been fitted with thirteen interconnected, vertically oriented insulated panels 300, Rainwater from the gutters 402 passes into the down pipes 404 and from there is collected and directed into panel rainwater apertures 306 at the top ot the insulated panels 300 adjacent to the down pipes, and thus through the rainwater apertures 202 of the fluid-storage vessel 200 enclosed in those insulated panels 300. The rainwater then travels from the insulated panels 300 adjacent the downpipes to their neighbouring insulated panels 300 through the panel rainwater apertures 306, via the fluid-storage vessel 200 rainwater apertures 204, as indicated by the arrows between the insulated panels 300. The rainwater will then flow between the fluid-storage vessels 200 such that an equalisation of rainwater levels in each fluid-storage vessel 200 will occur. One of the insulated panels 300 will be selected to have its pane! rainwater aperture 306 connected, though a T-piece (not shown) fitted with a valve (not shown), to a pump 310 so that the rainwater may be pumped into the house for use in flushing toilets and the like. When the water is required the pump 310 will turn on and the waive will opens to allow the flow of rain water stored in the fluid-storage vessels 200, Insulated panels 300 adjacent the downpipes will have their panel overflow apertures 309 connected back to the downpipe by an overflow pipe 405 to allow any rainwater overflow to be directed safely back to the downpipe and the drains, insulated panels 300 that are not adjacent to the downpipes may be without panel overflow apertures or may have their panel overflow apertures 309 closed off. The rainwater apertures of the insulated panels 300 are connected together using flexible pipework to allow a flow of water between all of the insulated panels 300. - ΙόRef erring now to Fig. 18(b), in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a cross-section along the line A-A in Fig. 18(a). There is shown a wall 406 of the house 400, such that the wall has an internal side and an external side. Three Insulated panels 300 are mounted on the wall 406, each insulated panel comprising a fluid-storage vessel 200, with Insulation 301 in the surrounding voids. Each insulated panei 300 is mounted such that the face having the fixing wings 302 abuts against the side of the house 400. Each insulated panel 300 is secured to the wall using an insulated top hat securing means 408 passing through each fixing wing 302 thereof. w Referring now to Fig. 19, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a detail of a building, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600. The building 600 is formed from a basic support framework (not shown) with a plurality of insulated panels 500 secured thereto to provide an insulating wall. The insulated panels 500 are substantially similar to the insulated panels previously described in reference to Figs. 17(a) and 21, however in this instance, the corrugations of the fiuid-storage vessel run horizontally in the insulated panel, and the flu id-storage vessel is elongate in the direction of the corrugations, The fluid-storage vessel 502 is shown in phantom lines within some of the insulated panels 500, with Insulation 504 filling the space surrounding the fluid-storage vessel 502 in the insulated panels 500. The insulated panels 500 are secured at each end to a fixing rail 602. Each insulated panel 500 has a pair of rainwater apertures 604, in fluid communication with the vessel rainwater apertures of the flu id-sta rage vessels 502, Referring now to Fig. 20, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a detail of the manner of mounting the insulated panels 500 on the mounting rail 60Ξ, and connecting together the fluid-storage vessels 502. Each insulated panel 500 comprises a fluid-storage vessel 502 having a pair of rainwater apertures 506, each of which is connected to an isolation valve 608 in the insulated panel 500. The Isolation valve 608 is accessed by an access hatch 610. The insulated panels 500 are secured to the fixing rail 602 with a number of screws 612, A connecting pipe 614 provides for fluid communication between the fluid-storage vessels 502 is adjoining insulated panels 500 when the associate isolation vafves 608 are open. -17In use, rainwater is collected in the gutters (not shown) of the building 600 and flows into a downpipe (not shown), the water is directed from the downpipe into the fluid-storage vessels 502 of the insulated panels 500, by way of a filtering system (not shown). Rainwater enters one of insulated panels 500 on the lowest level on the building, and from there flows to fluid-storage vessels 502 of the other insulated panels 500 on that level, until all the fluid-storage vessels 502 on that level are full. As the rainwater enters a fluid-storage vessel 502, the air in the fluid-storage vessel 502 exits through the airrelease valve 500, however when the rainwater in the fluid-storage vessel 200 reaches the level of the air-release valve 508, the water will not be able to flow through ihe valve.

JO When the fluid-storage vessels 502 of the insulated panels 500 on the lower level, the rain water will then begin to fill the next level of insulated panels up, and so on until ail the insulated panels 500 are full. Rainwater is drawn from the lowest level of insulated panel 500, such that those insulated panels 500 will be refilled from rainwater stored in higher insulated panels 500. An overflow pipe (not shown) is fitted such that any rainwater that arrives when all the insulated panels are full to capacity will be re-directed back to the downpipe and from there to the drain. Rainwater is accessed from a rainwater outlet 204 on an insulated panel 500 in the lowest level.

It wili be clear to the person skilled in the art the insulated panel may be used a retro-fit device for existing buildings, including dwellings or commercial buildings; or may be used in the construction of a new building, for example as a cladding panel.

It will understood by the person skilled in the art that the shape of the fluid storage vessel is not limited to the corrugated construction described herein, but may comprise any of a number of non-straight sided configurations chosen to increase strength and reduce the deflection of the sides when the tank contains water. Such configurations may include U or V shaped corrugations, undulations, fluting, concave or convex sides or the like.

It will be understood by the person skilled In the art that the location and orientation pipework in the structure of the invention and the location and orientation of the rainwater apertures and their interconnections in the fluid storage vessel and insulated panel of the invention may be adjusted to suit a preferred fluid flow path. -18In the specification the terms ‘comprise’, ‘comprises’, comprised’ and 'comprising' or any variation thereof and the terms ‘include’, 'includes’, ’included’ or ‘including’ or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should ali be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention Is not limited to the embodiment herein described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A po liable wate r storag s shed oom prisi n g: a rigid base, upstanding side walls on the base and a roof on top of the side walls, 10 a doorway in one of the side walls to provide access to an interior of the shed, a main water storage tank mounted within the base, 15 at least one ancillary water storage tank mounted in a side wall ot the shed, one or more pipes connecting the main water storage tank with the or each ancillary water storage tank, said pipes being connected between the main water storage tank and each ancillary water storage tank, such that water in 20 the ancillary water storage tank will feed under gravity from the ancillary water storage tank into the main water storage tank, a water inlet in the ancillary water storage tank, and 25 the main water storage tank having a water outlet.

2. The portable water storage shed as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rainwater harvesting system mounted on the shed, said rainwater harvesting system comprising a gutter mounted on the shed to collect water run-off from the 30 roof and a rainwater feed pipe connected between the gutter and the water inlet in the ancillary water tank.

3. The portable water storage shed as claimed in claim 2, wherein rainwater collecting wings are hlngedly mounted at each side of the roof for movement -20between a folded stored position overlapping the roof and an open position extending outwardly at a side of the roof for directing rainwater into the gutter.

4. The portable water storage shed as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein 5. Insulation materia! is provided in the side walls outside the ancillary storage tank, a filter is mounted in the rainwater feed pipe, a pump is mounted at the water outlet of the main water storage tank, a solar panel is mounted on the roof to provide power to operate the pump, and the base is mounted on wheets or castors.

5. A portable water storage shed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.