NL2024684B1 - Vertically integrated rain water greenhouse - Google Patents

Abstract

the present invention relates to a system for retention of rainwater and for the cultivation of plants in a vertical manner using the rainwater, the system comprising: (a) a plurality of plant growth modules structurally configured for growing plants therein, and further comprising a reservoir; (b) a water supply system comprising a rainwater supply tube comprising at least one static direction member directing the rain water flow, and (c) a water distribution system comprising at least one static distribution member or nozzle, the water distribution system providing a flow of irrigation water to the plants growing in the plant growth modules, and drainage of excess water from the plant growth modules.

Description

VERTICALLY INTEGRATED RAIN WATER GREENHOUSE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to structural systems for the distribution and retention of rain water from building structures. i further relates to systems for growing plants in urban settings, In particular, the invention is directed to a vertical greening structure affixed io a facade of a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION increasing population growth and density in urban growth have Ied to global construction surges. As a lot of arable land is converted to built-up space, the use and distribution, and in times of climate change, retention of run-off water, In particular rain water, has become more important. Accordingly, there is a clear need for retention of valuable rain water, which otherwise usually is directed towards the sewage system, to increase the amounts of water having to processed as sewage. Yet further, sewage and drainage systems usually have issues with too high run foo due to the Joss of arable land, and hence in particular in cities there is an increased need for retention of rainwater, At the same lime, air quality issues trouble cities, e.g. through emissions of toxic or noxious gases and fine dust, Yet further, the microclimate in cities is often an issue with heat retention, which requires more energy to cool down buildings, And last but not least, the areas of arable land lost are also no longer available for food production, which will inadvertently increase the pressure on the areas that are left, as well as transporting food products into the cities to feed the ever-inoreasing urban population, The latter requires that food products, once grown and harvested, must travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers to reach consumer, adding to traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions, Accordingly, there remains a clear need to optimize rain water retention, and there is the need to provide plants or crops inside cities,

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a vertically-integrated rainwater retention and greenhouse system, which provides a novel system of plant production on building facades. The present invention can be installed as a replacement or drop in for existing rain weler piping, while at the same time also offering the possibility to grow plants on the Tacede, allowing for food products, reducing building maintenance efforts by offering shade, air treatment, and evaporative cooling to building occupants, and enhancing the guality of the work and life environment of the building's occupants as well as the public. The invention advantageously may be installed in any focation wheres there is sufficient Hght for growth of plants, By meeting an ecologically significant share of the food demand of building occupants, the invention advances a more holistic set of expectations for the performance of green buildings, with the sphere of analysis enlarged to consider the resgurce consumption not only of the building itself, but also of the occupants, Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a vertical rain water retention and plant cultivation system, as set out in clam 1. Further embodiments are set out in the dependent claims, The present invention also relates to a process for the retention and distribution of rain water for the growth of plants on a facade, and also the use for reducing energy use, and improving the environment,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of a multi-columnar plant growth module with vertically integrated greenhouse according to the present invention in which the plant growth modules are arranged in vertical columns, From left to right {tubing and columns 1 to 8), there is shown a traditional rainwater pipe according to the state of the art {1}, a spiral water tubing {2} according to the invention, wound around an optional vertical structural member, the same tubing 2 with distribution zones indicated for water retention and distribution to the plant growth modules; modular water retention and storage tank modules {4} incorporated into the plant growth modules 5}, and the outside view of the column {6} with foliage and plants exposed to the outside of the column, FIG, 2 tliustrates a spiral tubing with groves for guidance of water when at lower flows {24} and a spiral tubing comprising parallel groves all over the surface to allow for the formation of cyclones movements at high water flows {28}. Optionally a central gas relief tubing 20 is present in the centre for high flow situations.

FIG, 3 tlustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention In which a water distribution is shown per plant growth module, wherein the water distribution system provides water Trom a reservoir in the module to a each plant growth module and the water flows down by gravity through successive plant growth modules to return to the drain or a reservoir for recycling FIG. 4 lustrates a nozzle connecting a plant and reservoir module distribution tubing to the main water distribution tubing, whereby a ring-shaped nozzle statically distributes the amount of water that enters the plant growth module and reservoir depending on the How in the main tubing, which may be adjusted by rotation of the opening vis-a-vis the flow path in the tubing and the height of the water table in the tubing and the height of the respective nozele; FJG, & illustrates a view of a tubing shown in FIG. 4 with several different nozzles gositionad in different areas of the flow; FIG. & finally Hustrates a sheet comprising static retention nozzles integrally worked into the wall of a distribution tubing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system according to the invention comprises {3} a plurality of modules structurally configured for growing plants therein; {b} a water distribution system comprising a water supply tubing further comprising static water retention valves. The water distribution system provides a flow of irrigation water to the plants growing in the plant growth modules, and drainage of excess water from the plant growth modules, The spacing between the plant growth modules in the suspension system is adjustable to optimize the amount of light passing through the greenhouse, That is, the plant growth module suspension system may be configured to allow natural Hghting to pass to the plants growing in the plant growth modules. The present invention provides for a novel type of rainwater drainage that enables greening of parts of a facade within the living and urban environment possible in a simple and affordable way, and which exclusively uses rainwater that is drained from roofs or similar surfaces, The system, when operated, allows buffering of rainwater at specified locations on the facade, after which it can be led to substrates / plant roots with capillary materials or the like, The system has the advantage of being reliable and showing a low-maintenance, due to self-cleaning, by offering a modular and passive water distribution system in combination with storage reservoirs and green facade elements, which can replace existing and new rainwater piping.

The present system permits to establish a predictable and controllable water distribution over the height of rainwater along the facades of buildings over several storage reservoirs, regardless of drainage intensity or duration of precipitation events, whereby each storage reservolr may be fled evenly at every occurring situation, The main tubing may induce a spiral flow due to provision of a spirally shaped vertical drain pipe, prefearbly which an internal profiling, in combination with dimensioning of whole, may create an essentially continuous flow speed, and therefore position of the water How.

The distribution may be advantageously be achieved by placing a membrane which, in the path of the water stream, separates this stream into a passing and continuous water stream, as a static element, using prefearibly the Coands principle as already applied in so-called water screens in rivers, whereby the continuous water flow Improves the cleaning of the screen and the chance of survival of fish, The system also may be used for horticuhure, Le. {vertical farming} and incorporated into other run-off “gray water” applications.

Application of the invention preferably also delays rainwater drainage to the sewer system, thereby reducing peak load on the sewer system, Additionally, drainage, distribution and storage of rainwater from roots of buildings may be employed for the conservation of plants, fruits and vegetables in a vertical growth medium {substrate} over the height of the drainage path throughout the year. in the event of exceptionally persistent drought, walter can sasily enter the system at ground level be pumped up, after which tis alsa predictably discharged and distributed, as can be run- off Finally, drainage, distribution and storage of rainwater from roofs of buildings may be employed for adiabistic evaporative cooling on the facades of bulldings in the fight against heat island formation, thereby providing passive cooling. in operation, the width distribution, and the height / thickness of the water film over the width, are preferably dimensioned such that a constant flow rate of the downstream water flow may be achieved.

When a high flow is encountered the spiral shape and groves allow to reach a constant end flow rate, such that the distribution, in width and height / thickness, of the water film becomes less turbulent and/or laminar, allowing positioning of any dirt particles in the water stream to become manageable, as the system becomes self-cleaning with a substantia! rinse, The system further prefearbhy comprises module suspension system, such as interior office spaces.

Such features permit the plants growing in the plant growth modules to receive an opimal amount of natural lighting, as well as allowing building staff to receive sunlight passing through the plant growth module suspension system.

The plant growth modules in the vertical growing system may be structurslly configured for growing plants using any convenient method. For example, the plant growth modules may be 5 configured for growing plants hydroponically, such as via a nutrient film technique.

Hydroponics involves growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. Plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool The plants may also be grown in pots such as net pots which are placed in the plant growth modules, Such hydroponic technigues are known in the art.

Alernatively, the plants may be grown in a solid growing medium, such as soil, bark, loam, peat, sand, vermiculite, or other natural or synthetic growing medium. Combinations of natura! and synthetic growing mediums are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. The plant growth modules may be spaced at any convenient vertical distance during a growing cycie. For example, the plant growth modules may be shout 10-30 inches apart, Preferably, the plant growth modules are fastened to the water distribution system tubing, which also acts as suspension system, The term “plant growth module” may include any kind of plant growing container, such as rectangular plant growth modules or gutters, circular or round pots, or containers having any other kind of dimension or shape. The plant growth modules may also be individual containers for growing ons or more plants each, The plant growth modules can have any convenient dimensions, and be formed of any kind of material, such as plastic, metal, or a composite. Plastic plant growth modules are particularly convenient and lightweight. The plant growth modules can be purchased commercially from a vendor, or they may be prepared from commercially available components, The plant growth modules can also be open-ended gutters or closed square or rectangular tubes which are then sealed at their extreme ends to prevent water from exiting.

The plant growth modules in the growing system may have respective inlets and outlets and may be interconnected by one or more water distribution tubes) for providing water in series to the various plant growth modules.

The rain water distribution is typically fed by rain water that is collected in roof structures, and fed to the water distribution tubing of the system below, but may also include other “grey water” sources,

The water distribution system may be configured to provide water to g first inlet of an upper plant growth module, and to further lower inlets in the flow path, Active or passive static valves may be present al each of the intersections with the plant growth modules that allow for purging of the system, e.g. to remove contaminated water as usually at the end of a longer period without rain, which is likely going to be contaminated, and then can be switched to a distribution per plant growth module or horizontal line in line with the desired distribution, This may for instance be an equal distribution, or skewed towards the need of various plants, Water exiting this upper plant growth modules through an outlet may How via gravity to an inlet of a lower plant growth module, or return to the water distribution tubing In this manner, excess water from an upper plant growth module may exit the plant growth module and flow dewn through a water distribution tube into 2 lower pliant growth module.

When the plant growth modules are graded, water may flow from the side of the plant growth module near the water inlet to the side of the plant growth module near the water outlet.

Therefore, there is seguential movement of water from upper plant growth modules to lower plant growth modules and eventually back to the water reservoir of drain. in ancther embodiment of the invention, the plant growth modules may have respective inlets and outlets, and the water distribution system may provide water in parallel to each plant growth module, In this embodiment, water enters through an inlet of a plant growth module and excess water exits the plant growth module through an outlet, flowing through a water distribution tube, or other means for conducting water from the plant growth module, To the reservoir for recirculation, or to a drain for disposal.

There may also be a plurality of water distribution systems in a given greenhouse, each water distribution system watering a different plant growth module or sets of plant growth modules, For example, one kind of vegetable plant growing ina front set of slant growth modules may be watered using one water distribution system, and a different kind of vegetable plant growing in a rear set of plant growth modules may be watered using a different water distribution system.

In this manner, different plants may receive optimal kinds of nutrient solutions.

The plant growth modules in the slant growth module suspension system may be arranged in parallel vertical columns.

For example, the plant growth modules may be arranged in a first and second row.

The rows of plant growth modules may be staggered and vertically adjustable relative to each other to optimize the amount of light passing to or through the plant growth modules. Alternatively, the plant growth modules may be aligned at the same height. Severs] plant growth modules above each other preferably form a column of plans, giving the aspect of a continuous foliage wall or column, As the plants in the plant growth modules mature, plants may be harvested or removed from a particular plant growth module, to replant the plant growth modus, thereby allowing gardening and grooming of columns.

The manner in which the plant growth modules are affixed to the distribution system is not critical. The plant growth modules may be releasably affixed to the system to permit removal of individual plant growth modules from the greenhouse in case a plant growth module becomes damaged or worn, or for replacement of seedling plant growth modules with large plant plant growth modules. Alternatively, the plant growth modules may be permanently mounted to the suspension system, The water distribution system may be configured to provide plant nutrients to the plant growth modules, for example, in the form of a fertilizer, minerals, or other substances dissolved in the water. When desired, a pesticide, or other additive may be added to the water distribution system to kill bacteria, algae or fungi. The water distribution system can be configured to irrigate the plant growth modules in any convenient manner, For examples, the water distribution system may irrigate the plant growth modules simultaneously {in parallel, e.g., all plant growth modules being watered all at once), sequentially {in series, e.g, water is delivered to a top plant growth module, and excess water flows down through successive plant growth modules, or plant growth modules are watered successively), or a combination of both {water may be provided to simultaneously to two or more upper plant growth modules, and excess water flows down through successive plant growth modules to provide water), In one embodiment, the water distribution system may be configured to irrigate particular subsets of plant growth modules, such as front plant growth modules and rear plant growth modules separately. Other combinations of watering methods are possible and within the scope of the present invention. in particular embodiments, where there is a plurality of water distribution systems, these systems may nevertheless have shared components, such as shared water reservoirs, In other embodiments, the water distribution systems mey be entirely separate, such as in the case when there are multiple kinds of plants being grown and each kind of plant has its own particular or specialized nutrient needs.

To minimize water waste, the water distribution system may be configured for recirculation of the irrigation water within the growing system, In this embodiment, excess water drains to the reservoir and is then recirculated and pumped to the various plant growth modules. Alternatively, the water distribution system may be configured to dispose of water exiting the plant plant growth modules, In such embodiments, the reservoir may be a specific container for storage of water, or it may be a building water supply. The growing system may be structurally configured for assembly in any kind of building or to any portion of a building which provides sufficient lighting. In ons embodiment, the present invention may be configured for installation to a building facade. The system may in particular be installed or mounted to the outside of an existing building facade, as a retrofit. Where applicable it may also be Installed in an outside location to demonstrate vertical farming.

The system may be conveniently structured as modules, and any number of modules can be installed in a building. For example, one module can consist of a plurality of plant growth modules fastened in a single plant growth modules suspension system and an associated water distribution system, The modules can be installed in any convenient fashion, such as side by side along the facade of a building. in a preferred embodiment, the vention incorporates well-established hydroponic methods, e.g. providing a thin film of water flows along the bottom of each plant growth module, delivering nutrients to the roots of leafy plants before exiting the plant growth module.

in one embodiment, seeds are germinated in the plant growth modules, Fast-growing plants may provide foliage already an early stage after a few weeks, whereas slow-growing plants will take several weeks or months, In summer, the system provides shade the interior of the building, and reduces solar heat gain by absorbing energy as latent heat, through transpivation or adiabatic evaporation. As such, the system helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect Hike a green roof, In winter, H may provide additional insulation to the fagade.

The vertical rainwater distribution tubes preferably have a spiral shape. The vertical rainwater distribution tubes preferably also comprise indentations or groves on the interior side facing the lumen, to channel water at lower concentrations along the groves: when combining to spiral shape and groves, the water will likely travel in cyclone routs, and hence there is more throughput possible due to the retained gas path through the centre of the tubing, to avoid clogging and plug How. This leads to a higher capacity, and reduces clogging and otherwise issue with presently employed simple rainwater pipes. Yet further, by having a gredicted flow along the groves, a static distribution can be incorporated towards the plant growth modules or distribution pipes feeding the planting plant growth module. The inventive system consists of vertically interconnected plant growth modules or modules that hold plants seeded in media and/or net pots, cups, and the likes, and In doing so conveys nutrient enriched water to the slant root area, These horizontal plant growth modules or modules are interconnected through plumbing, and, where nesded, also structural supports. in one embodiment, the plant growth modules are convex or formed in a shape which channels walter How evenly to plants and is capped on both =nds to prevent spillage. in a preferred embodiment, water travels sequentially from plant growth module to plant growth module via gravity flow. The water enters the topmost plant growth module, and excess water is channeled into tubing at the down slope side of the plant growth module and travels to the next lowest plant growth module. The water flows from plant growth module to plant growth module until the lowest plant growth module drains into a reservoir where there is a pump that returns the water to the top, Baffling In the tubing can be used for water containment and channeling to avoid exposing the chain to water flows, and to realize a Coanda effect over the baffle. In this embodiment, water can be supplied and distributed to all plant growth modules simultaneously through gravity combined with the Coanda film effect, The inventive system can be installed in a frame, cage, cr similar support structure to provide strength, For example, a frame can be built of aluminum, stainless steel, wood, fiberglass, plastics, or other materials, and the plant growth module suspension system can be mounted to the sides, top, and/or bottom of the frame.

The use of a frame slows the gardener to install the greenhouse as a free-standing structure inside an existing building without having to couples, moor, or otherwise attach any greenhouse components to the building. The frame can be the same height as the plant growth module suspension system, or i can be taller or shorter than the plant growth module suspension system, The frames can alsa be coupled or joined together to form a larger structure for supporting a plurality of greenhouses. The greenhouse or frames may also be fastened to the building or its wall{s} for structural support.

The invention can be installed in the form of independent blocks or modules, Each block may have its own plant growth module suspension system and water supply system. Individual growing blocks can be modular and independent of sach other, and a plurality of growing blocks can be installed side by side, There is no limitation on the height of the individual blocks or the width of the plant growth module suspension system in a particular column, and different modules in the same building may have the same or different heights or widths. Although there is no Bmitation on the height of the buildings, certain embodiments may be conveniently installed in modules which are shorter than a building height, When multi-floor embodiments of the invention are instalied in a building, one or more particular modules may be designated as edible plant growth modules, allowing to grow or harvest plants from those floors, The plants grown in the plant growth modules may be any combination of vegetable, herb, fruit, or Towering plants, For increased employee motivation, plant growth modules which are viswable in certain portions of the building, such as executive offices or dining facilities may contain flowing plants, while plant growth modules suspended in other portions of the building, such as office, manufacturing, or warshouse space, may contain vegetable or herbs. Such embodiments are primarily aesthetic and do not affect the structure of the vertically integrated greenhouse.

Numerpus modifications and variations of embodiments of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described.

Claims (13)

CONCLUSIONS A system for retaining rainwater, and for growing plants in a vertical manner using the rainwater, the system comprising: a. a plurality of plant growth modules, the ones of which are structurally configured to grow plants therein , and further comprise a reservoir; b. a water supply system comprising a rainwater supply pipe having at least one static directional member guiding the flow of the rainwater, and c. a water distribution system comprising at least one static distribution section or manifold, the water distribution system providing a flow of irrigation water for the plants growing in the plant growth modules, as well as drainage of excess water from the plant growth modules. The system of claim 1, wherein the plant growth modules are structurally configured to grow plants hydroponically using a nutrient film technique or in a solid growth medium. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plant growth modules comprise respective inlets and outlets, and the water distribution system supplies water to an inlet of an upper plant growth module, and wherein water leaving through an outlet of the upper plant growth module the latter, under the influence of gravity flows to an inlet of a lower plant growth module. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stormwater distribution system comprises manifolds that provide a static distribution of water to all plant growth modules in the same column under the influence of gravity. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reservoir, a pump, and a rainwater supply pipe, wherein the water distribution system provides a flow of irrigation water to the plants growing in the plant growth modules, and wherein a drainage of excess water from the plant growth modules takes place; wherein the plant growth modules comprise respective inlets and outlets and are interconnected by one or more water distribution pipes, and wherein the water distribution system supplies water to an inlet of an upper plant growth module, and water leaving the latter through an outlet of the higher plant growth module, under the influence of flows from gravity to an inlet of a lower plant growth module. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further configured and operable to supply plant nutrients to the plant growth modules. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rainwater distribution system is configured for recirculation of the irrigation water within the growth system. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the growing system is structurally configured to be mounted on a building facade. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water distribution system is configured to supply water from a reservoir to one or more plant growth modules, and wherein the system is further configured to allow water to flow downward under influence of gravity, through successive plant growth modules, to return to the drainage or to a reservoir, for recycling. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a manifold manifold connecting a plant growth and reservoir module manifold pipe to the main water manifold pipe, the manifold being configured as an annular elevation on the pipe, and configured to statically distribute the amount of water entering the plant growth module and reservoir, depending on the flow in the main pipe, a flow that can be adjusted by twisting the opening relative to the flow path in the pipe, and the weight of the water column in the pipe and the height at which the respective manifold is set up. The system of claim 10, wherein one or more manifolds are integrally formed with the inner wall of a rainwater distribution pipe. A method for retaining rainwater and/or for growing plants, comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in fluid communication with a roof or other surface draining provides rainwater, and b. providing seeds and/or plants in the plant growth modules. Use of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, for retaining rainwater, for reducing harmful gases and fine dust, for reducing the energy consumption of a building, for providing shade from sunlight, and/or for providing food crops in an urban environment.