WO2015095928A1

WO2015095928A1 - A storage unit for holding water

Info

Publication number: WO2015095928A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/050442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Thorp
Original assignee: Richard Thorp
Priority date: 2013-12-23
Filing date: 2014-12-22
Publication date: 2015-07-02

Abstract

A storage unit for holding water, including a base section; a central section extending upwardly from the base section, the central section and the base section forming a hollow receptacle for holding said water; and a roof structure coupled to the central section so as to close the hollow receptacle.

Description

, I -

A STORAGE UNIT FOR HOLDING WATER

Cross-Reference to Related Applications The disclosure of the specification of Australian Patent Application No. 2013905041, is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field of the Inventio The present invention relates to a storage unit for holding water

Background of the Invention

The inextricable-link of water and energy is the basi for all life and living on this planet - not just for the creation of all life, but for the continued existence and sustamability of all life, on this planet past, present and future. From now, the human race will advantageousl need to judiciousl harness and utilise whatever water and energy resources ate available and accessible in a manner which is both sustainable and of mutual benefit fo all life on this planet.

Man has previously relied on a variety of systems to capture, store, and distribute wate and energy. These systems are increasingly ha ing problems with regard to their inability to properly address and meet a wide variety of current and projected needs for all life on this planet. Some of these water issues are set out below:

1. to properl harness and manage, water to:

a, provide quality water whenever and wherever it is reasonably required; and b. satisfactorily mitigate against the significant detrimental effect from unplanned excess water on and/or to the total environment; _ ~

2, a lack of water - which can directly contribute to drought which, inter alia, can ultimately lead to major economic, social, and environmental problems. For example, lack of water can lead to:

a. the failure of various sources of essential food supplies and chains of food supplies (both of plants and animals);

b. to food shortages and, in the most-dire of circumstances, to famine and undernour hment of vulnerable people and to other living organisms);

c. the outbreak of fire, which can be exacerbated by ineffective methods of bushfire management and control; and

d. degeneration of vegetatio and soils, which ca lead to soil erosion, and desertification;

3, excess water:

a. to reduce the effect of the flow of excess water from floods which cause soil erosion, loss of and/or disruption to human lives and to other ^'life i the environment generally, including from the loss of and/or damage to infrastmeture, the incidence of a variety of deadly and/or debilitating diseases (including cholera, typhoid, dysentery), etc.; and

b. to reduce the effects of stagnation of this excess water b prolonging the disruption to lives and living, the incidence of other varieties of deadly and/or debilitating diseases (including malaria, dengue fever), and contributing to other variou forms of pestilence; and

4, to properly access alternative forms of cleaner and renewable energy (such as solar, wind).

Generally, an increasing number of people throughout the world are aware of this disturbing situation, and of what .the consequences might mean - not onl to themselves, t their children, and to their children's children; but also to the wider environment, It is generally desirable to provide a valid, feasible, and viable system/methodology to directly address and materially mitigate (if not solve) the problems identified above.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a storage unit, for holding water, including:

(a) a base section;

(b) a central section extending upwardly from the base section, the central section and the base section forming a hollow receptacle for holding said water; and

(c) a roof structure coupled to the central section so as to close the .hollow receptacle.

Preferably, the storage unit is hexagonal.

In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a water storage system, including a cluster of the above described units coupled together i such a way as to receive water from an external source and store said water in said units.

Preferably, the units are in fluid communication with water catchment system.

Preferably, the water catchment system is a storm water system.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a water storage system, including:

(a) a cluster of the above-described units; and

(b) an inverter,

wherein the inverter is in electrical communication with solar panels of said units and, in use, transfers energy captured by said solar panels into a power network in electrical communicati n therewith. Preferably, the units are coupled together in such way as to receive water from an external source and store said water in said units. Preferably, the units are in fluid communication with a water catchment system.

Brief Description of the Drawi gs

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, i which;

Figure la is a plan view of a storage unit for holding water;

Figure lb is a plan view of an alternative storage unit for holding water;

Figure 2 is a side view of the unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section view of the unit shown in Figure 2 through the line X-X;

Figure 4 is a section view of the unit, shown in Figure 1 through the line Y-Y;

Figure 5 is a side view of the unit shown in Figure 1 arranged in another condition of use;

Figure 6 is plan view of a cluster of units of the type shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a water storage and energy capture system;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an urban area;

Figures 9 a and 9b are diagrammatic illustrations of .filtering apparatus;

Figure 10 is schematic diagram of a national water and energy catchment, storage and distribution system; and

Figures 1 l a to 1 lb are schematic diagrams of a Zones 1 to 5 of a Level 2 system.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

The storage unit 10 shown in Figures la to 5 is used to store water and/or collect electrical energy. The storage unit 10 includes a base section 12; a central section 1.4 extending upwardly from the base section 10. The central section 14 and the base section 12 together foTin a hollow receptacle 16 for holding said water (not shown). The unit 10 also includes a roof structure 18 coupled to the central section 14 so as to close the hollow receptacle 16.

The storage unit 10 is preferably hexagonal in cross-section. This shape provides good load di tribution properties, and cost effectiveness in sharing of common unit components, when a plurality of units 10 are clustered together with abutting surfaces,. For example, the cluster 100 shown in Figure 6 includes eight units 10 with abutting central sections 14. However, alternatively, the unit 10 could be any other suitable shape that has useful load sharing properties when arranged in a cluster.

In the example shown, the central section 14 of the unit 10 includes six abutting panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f arranged to form a hexagon. The width "Ww" of each panel is 1200mm, Alternatively, the width "W_w" can be any other suitable width. The height "Hu" o the storage unit 10 is preferably 1200mm. Alternatively, the height "Hu" of the unit 1 is 2400mm, or any other suitable height.

The base section 12 is preferably reinforced concrete poured n situ' . Alternatively, the base section 12 is suitable prefabricated blocks of an suitable material which are placed in position on the ground surface and covered/treated with a water-proofing materi al/compoiind .

Assembly of the unit 1 will involve the step of: 1. a ground surface at a construction site i cleared and levelled;

2. the base section 12 is placed in position on the ground surface;

3. the panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f of the central section 14 are coupled to the respecti ve, sections of the base and to each other; and

4. the roof structure 18 is coupled to the central section 14, The base section 12, the central section 14 and the roof structure are made from an suitable material. For example, the base section 12 and the central section are prefabricated concrete members. The roof structure 1.8 is adapted to be opened. In one embodiment, the roof structure 18 is hingedly .coupled to the central section 14. Alternatively, the roof structure 18 is adapted to be removed from the central section 14.

In one preferred example of the invention, the base section 12 and the central section 14 are formed integrally as a prefabricated concrete, metal, or plastic structure.

As particularly shown in Figures 1 and 4, the roof structure 18 comprises a prefabricated frame that includes a solar panel 22 for collecting solar radiation and generating electricity. As shown in Figure 5, a planar upper surface 24 of the solar panel 22 is set at an acute angle "A" to a planar- surface 26 of the roof structure 18. The angle "A" is preferably between 30 degrees and 70 degrees. As shown, the uni include a bracket .28 for securing the solar panel at the desired angle "A". The bracket 28 is preferably adjustable.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure lb, the roof stracture 18 comprises a prefabricated frame of suitable materials into which can be fitted six separate equilateral triangle solar panels

22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f for collecting solar energy/radiation which can he. converted to generate electricity. Alternatively, the panels could be of any other suitable material, e.g. metal (aluminium, steel, etc.). concrete/cement tiles. Planar upper surfaces 24 of the solar panels 22 are set at an acute angle "A" to a planar surface 26 of the roof structure 18, The angle "A" is preferably ^'between 3 degrees and 70 degrees. As shown, the unit includes a bracket 28 for securing die solar panel at the desired angle "A". The bracket 28 is preferably adjustable.

The solar panel 22 is in electrical communication with a power outlet 30 for electrically connecting the unit 10 to a power distribution network (not shown). In an altemative embodiment, the unit 10 includes a wind turbine (not shown) coupled to the roof .structure- 18 instead of. or in combination, with, the solar panel 22. In this embodiment, the turbine is in electrical communication with a power outlet 30 for electrically connecting the unit 10 to a power distribution network (not shown).

Alternatively, the wind turbine is not. connected to the roof structure 18 or to the solar panel 22 of unit 10. Rather, tire wind turbine is added as an ancillary piece of equipment connected to a common power network. In addition, the wind turbine includes surveillance equipment for monitoring the cluster of units 1.0 and the surrounding areas.

The unit 10 includes an inlet port 32 for feeding water into the unit 10. The inlet port 3 includes a valve assembly (not shown) for selectively opening and closing the port 32.

The unit 10 also includes a main outlet port 34 for drawing water from the unit 10. The main outlet port 34 includes a valve (not shown) for opening and closing the main outlet port 34. The valve can be remotely operated so as to open and close the outlet.

The unit 10 preferably includes a plurality of additional outlet ports 36a, 36b, 36c located in vertically separated positions on the central section 14 for drawin water from respective section of water contained in the unit .10 to allow for the control and management of water flow into/out of respective sections of water contained^' in the unit 10, including between units which could be arranged in a variety of clusters of units. The ports 36a. 36b, 36 are preferably laterall offset s as to reduce impact on the structural integrity of the unit 10, in the cluster 100 of units 10 shown in Figure 6, each unit 10' includes three main outlet ports 34 arranged on alternate panels 20a, 20c, 2Qe of the central section 14 and each unit 10" includes three outlet ports 34 arranged on respective adjoining panels 20a, 20b, 20c. The main outlet ports 34 of units 10' and 10" in the cluster 100 are arranged for transmission of water therebetween. In this embodiment, water disperse evenly throughout the units 10' and 1.0" in the cluster 100. Further, water stored in the cluster 100 can be drained from any one of the free outlet port 34'.

In the cluster 100 of units 10 shown in Figure 6, the power outlets 30 are electrically connected in such a way that electricity generated by the solar panels 22 can be transferred from the panels 22 to a common output power transmission line.

Water Storage & Energy Capture System 200 The system 200 for water storage and energy colleetion shown in Figure 7 includes an authorised land area 202 and a water and energy catchment area 204 that is defined as a smaller area within the greater authorised area 202. Thus, a buffer zone is created between the catchment are 202 and the outside world » Preferably, the catchment area 204 includes security means, such as fencing, fo inhibiting access to the catchment area 204.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the catchment area 204 includes first cluster 206 of units 10 for water (ungraded / Grade 3+) storage and energy capture. The cluster 206 is connected to a ungraded/Grade 3+ water network .208 by conduit 210. As such, water stored in the cluster 206 can be selectively transferred to the ungraded/Grade 3+ water network 208 via the condui 1 . To facilitate this, an outlet port 34 of. one of the units 10 in. the cluster 206 is in fluid communication with the conduit 210. Flow of stored water from the cluster 206 into the conduit 210 is controlled by a valve (not shown) of the outlet port 34. Alternatively, any other suitable means for controlling the flow of water from the cluster 206 to the conduit 210 can be used.

Energy captured by the solar panels 22 of the units 1 in the cluster 206 is transmitted to a power network 212 by transmission lines 214.

The catchment area 204 includes a second cluster 216 of units 10 for water (Grade 2+) storage and energy capture. The cluster 216 is connected to a Grade 2+ water network 218 by conduit 220, As such, water stored in the cluster 216 can be selectively transferred- to the Grade 2+ water network 218 via the conduit 220. To facilitate this, an outlet port 34 of one of the units 10 in the cluster 216 is i fluid communication with the conduit 220. Flow of stored water from the cluster 216 into the conduit 220 is controlled b a valve (not shown) of the outlet port 34. Alternatively, any other suitable means for controlling the flow of water from the cluster 216 to the conduit 220 can be used.

Energy captured by the solar panels 22 of the units 10 in the cluster 216 is transmitted to a power network 212 by transmission lines 214. In additio to the above, the system 200 also includes a plurality of wind turbines 222 electrically coupled to the power network by transmission lines 224. The system 200 can use any suitable wind turbines 222 coupled to the power network 212 using standard connections. Water Capture Area (WCA} in a Built-up Environment

Water capture in a built up built-up (man-made) environment, such as the urban area 300 shown in Figure 8, involves capturing water which falls as precipitation as it runs from the buildings 302 and the streets 304 into the drains 306 and the conduits 308 of the greater storm water system. This captured water feeds into storm water drainage system 310 which is preferably part of a municipal drainage and/or sewerage, system. This water is progressively captured and transferred to a cluster 100 of units 10 in a Level 1 water storage area such as that shown in Figure 6 specifically established to store this ungraded water,

To minimise the type and amount of insoluble contamination which inevitably will be collected as water mns-off the land/ground in this type of urban catchment area 300, the drains 306 are fitted with filtering apparatus 600 shown in Figure 9a. The filtering apparatus 600 includes a barrier 602 that is designed to inhibit insoluble mater entering into the drain 306 from being passed into the conduits 308 of the storm water system 310. Preferably, the apparatus 600 includes a receptacle shaped to be at least partially seated in an opening section of a drain 306 so as to collect the insoluble matter. Preferably, the receptacle can be easily removed from the drain for emptying.

In the alternative embodimen of the filtering apparatus 600 shown in Figure 9b, the banier 602 is formed in the bottom of the receptacle 604. Alternatively, the barrier 602 is formed at a suitable position so as to interface with tile conduit 308 that leads into the system 310.

Water Capture Area in Natural Environment Water capture in a natural environment involves capturing water which falls as precipitation and runs off the surrounding ground on which it falls. The methods of capture of this water are as follows: a. either, modify or enhance, whatever exists (man-made or natural) in any natural environment as some form of rudimentary water drainage system - for example, existing roads and/or tracks, and/or gullies, crevices, etc. which traverse a variety of natural terrains, includin hills, mountains, jungles, flood plains, even deserts; and/or, b. create an new water drainage system, as an integral part of any road/track or natural formation so as to effectively drain (and, therefore, capture) whatever flow of water is in the proximity into water storage units of an adjacent water storage area.

Thi water is captured and transferred to a cluster 206 of units 10 in a Level 1 system such as that shown in Figure 7 specifically established to store this ungraded water.

Thi water is captured and transferred to a cluster 206 of units 10 in a Level 1 system such a that shown in Figure 7 specifically established to store this ungraded water.

National Water & Energy Catchment, Storage & Distribution System The National Water and Energy Catchment, Storage and Distribution System 550 shown in Figure 10 comprises the following systems: a. Level 1 system 552;

b. Level 2 system. 554:

c. Level.3 system 556;

d. Level.4 system 558;

c. Level 5 system 560;

I Level 6 system 562;

g. Level 7 system 564;

h. Level 8 system 566;

i. Level 9 s stem 568; and

j- Level 1.0 system 570. The configuration of clusters 100 of units 10 for system 550 are completely flexible to optimise whatever situations and circumstances are considered and deemed appropriate at any stage of the systems' planning, development, and operation. Whatever the source and type of water is initially captured and securely- tored, then subsequently tested and appropriately-treated to produce various required 'grades' of water which can be distributed whenever, and to wherever, it is reasonably required, these subsystems 552 to 570, ca be progressively-built, the subsequently modified, to provide maximum flexibility to achieve optimal results whenever and wherever,

The number and configuration of the units 10 in the Level 1 system 552, for example, is adaptable to the environment (human and natural) at the time and place it is built. However, there will be total flexibilit to provide for complete adaption to whatever are the changes in situations and circumstances that arise at any time in the future - for example, it could be upgraded to a Zone 2 or higher, or it could be dismantled, for whatever reason was appropriate at the time, Some Zone 10' s might become super-Zones, where the number of units 10 might exceed 1 million, and the area might, expand to >2,000 sq^'Kni. A description of the operation of each on of the above described sub-systems 552 to 570 that make up the National Water and Energy Catchment, Storage and Distribution System 550 is set out below.

A Level 1

^•The Level 1 system 552 has been above-described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the cluster 206 shown in Figure 7. The energy generated from the solar panels 22 is captured mid inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212

In the Level 1 system 552, the captured water can be treated to remove some undesirable contaminants. Further, the water can be treated to add some desirable qualities such as magnesium, chlorine, etc. relevant to achieve a minimum grade quality of water within the system. b. Level 2

The Level 2 system 554 shown in figure 1.1 a to l ie covers an area of 2,500 square meters and is divided into the following areas:

L Zone 1, as shown in Figure 1 la;

ii Zone 2, as shown in Figure l ib; and

iii. Zones 3 to 5, a shown in Figure 1 i.e.

Zones 1 to 5 provide the progressive water and energ catchment; water storage and water treatment system 554. The energy generated from the solar panels 22 of the units 10 of the clusters in the system 554 is captured, inverted using inverter 701 , and fed into the power network 212 via transmission lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 h captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224.

Although shown as a single unit, the inverter 701 may alternatively include a plurality of inverters: (not shown), each being associated with a particular cluster of the system 554 or each unit 10 within each cluster.

A description of the operation of each one of Zones 1 to 5 is set out below,

i. Zone 1

Wit reference to Figure i la, Zone 1 includes a cluster 702 of units 10 arranged to receive and store therein upgraded water from a Level 1 water storage area. In the Zone 1 area, die captured water ca be treated to remove some undesirable contaminants. The captured water can be analysed and graded. Further, the water can be treated to add some desirable qualities, such, as magnesium, chlorine, etc. relevant to achieve a minimum grade quality of water within the system.

The energy generated from the solar panel s 22 of the units 10 of the cluster 702 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224. ii. Zone 2

With reference to Figure l ib, Zone 2 includes a cluste 704 of units .1.0 that receive upgraded water from Zone 1. The water received is treated to become Grade 3 water, The energy generated from the solar panels 22 of the units 10 of the cluster 702 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224. iii. Zone 3

With reference to Figure l ie. Zone 3 includes a cluster 706 of units 10 that receive Grade 3 water from the cluster 704 in Zone 2. The Grade 3 water is stored in the cluster 706 for later distribution and use in areas adjacent the cluster.

The energy generated from the solar panels 22 of the units 10 of the cluster 702 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224. iv. Zone 4

Wit reference to Figure 1 ic, Zone 4 includes a cluster 708 of units 10 that receive Grade 3 water from the cluster 704 in Zone 2. The Grade 3 water is further treated to become Grade 2 water and stored in the cluster 70S.

The energy generated from the solar panels 22 of the units 10 of the cluster 702 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricit into the power network 212 via transmission. lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricit into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224. v. Zone 5. With reference to Figure 1 lc. Zone 5 includes a cluster 710 of units 10 that receive Grade 2 wate from the cluster 708 in Zone 4. The Grade 2 water is stored in the cluster 7 for later distribution to the surrounding areas. The energy generated from the solar panels 22 of the units 10 of the cluster 702 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 vi transmission lines 214. Similarly, energy generated from the turbines 222 is captured and inverted into power to feed electricity into the power network 212 via transmission lines 224. c. Level 3 (Small Regional Area)

The Level 3 water and energy storage and collection system 556 is similar the Level 2 system 554, but with the following differences; L the catchment area is around 1 square kilometre - therefore, it will have the capacity to have more units .10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 2 system 554;

2. it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other water storage area(s); and

3. it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution and use in adjacent areas.

<L Level 4 (Medium Regional Area)

The Level 4 water and energy storage and collection system 558 is similar to the Level 3 system 556, but with the following differences;

1. the catchment area is around 4 square kilometres - therefore, it will have the capacity⁷ to have more units 10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 3 system556; 2, it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other water storage areas- arid

3. it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution and use in adjacent areas. e. Level 5 (Large Regional Area)

^•The Level 5 water and energy storage and collection system 560 is similar to the Level 4 system 558, but with the following differences:

1. the catchment aim is around.25 sq Km - therefore, it will have the capacity to have more units 10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 4 system 558;

2. it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and or Grade 3) - from to any other water storage areas; and 3, it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution and use in adjacent areas. ji Level 6 (Small State/Territory Area) The level 6 water and energy storage and collection system 562 is similar to a Level 5 system 560, but with the following differences:

1. the catchment are is 100 sq Km - therefore, it. will have the capacity to have more units 1.0 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a. Level 5 system 560;

2, it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other water storage areas through the water distribution network; and

3. it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/o graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distributio through the water distribution network 550 for use in adjacent areas. Level 7 (Medium Stete/Territory Area)

The Level 7 water and energy storage and collectio system 564 i sim lar in design to a Level 6 system 562, but with the following differences:

1. the catchment area is around 225 sq Km - therefore, it will have the capacity to have more units 10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 6 system 562·

2. i will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other Wafer Storage Area(s) ■through the Water Distribution Network 550; and

3. it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution through the Water Distribution Network 550 for use in adjacent areas. ft. Level 8 (Large State/Territory Area)

The Level 8 water and energy storage and collection system 566 is similar to a Level 7 system 564, but with the following differences: 1. the catchment area is around 625 sq Km - therefore, i will have the capacity to have more units 10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 7 system 564;

2. it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other Water Storage Area(s) through the Water Distribution Network; and

3, it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution through the Water Distribution Network 550 for use in adjacent areas. I Level 9 (Small National Area) The Level 9 water and energy storage and collection system 568 is similar to a Level 8 system 566, but with the following differences:

1. the catchment area is around 900 sq Km - therefore, it will have the capacity to have more units .10 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than a Level 8 system.566;

2. it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or •graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from/to any other Water Storage Area(s) through the Water Distribution Network; and.

3. it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - for distribution through the Water Distribution Network 550 for use in adjacent areas.

j. Level 10 (Large National Area)

The Level 10 water and energy storage and collection system 570 is similar to a Level 9 system 568, but with the following differences: 1. catchment area s greater than 2500 sq Km - therefore, it will have the capacity to have more units 1.0 and, possibly, more Wind Turbines, than, a Level 9 system 568; 2, it will be capable of receiving, holding, and distributing water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and/or Grade 3) - from to any othe Water Storage Area(s) through the Water Distribution Network; and

3, it will also be capable of testing, treating, and holding any water - ungraded and/or graded water (Grade 2 and or Grade 3) - fo distribution through the Water

Distribution Network 550 for use in adjacent areas.

National Water and Energy Catchment, Storage and Distribution System 550 is used for: a. the capture of water^■■■ initially, to capture any water which fells as precipitation (in a liquid state .as rain and/or in a solid, state as ice/snow) on land/ground and, subsequently (and as soon as is possible thereafter) as it commences to flow in its liquid state over adjacent land/ground;

b. the secure storage of the captured water and, where determined necessary by •appropriate testing of that water, to provide treatment to:

i, initially, achieve a minimum grade/quality of that wafer to meet, the need for water for the purpose/use in a variety of human endeavours and activities (other than for personal human consumption), including for a variety of environnientaKl uman and natural) requirements; and

ii. subsequently, for some of that water to be further tested and treated to meet the need for water specifically for personal human consumption;

c. the secure and separate distribution of the captured, stored, and graded water to wherever and whenever it is reasonably required;

d, d e secure capture of solar energy and, where possiblei^'as a complementary, but integrated, objective), of other forms of accessible and captured renewable energy, e.g. wind, tidal, water flow, geo-thermal; and

e. the secure distribution of the captured renewable energy (solar and of other accessed and captured renewable forms of energy ) to wherever and whenever it i reasonably required.

The system 550 is based on a fundamental unit 10 which is uniquely-designed to separately but, in a totally-integrated manner within the unit, to: a. securely store captured water; and

b. securely capture solar energy.

Features of the Unit 10 in relation to secure water storage (and secure solar energy capture), the unit 1 provides significant and strategic advantages of versatility, capacity, and cost/benefits including ease of construction of the units 10 into clusters 1.00. The units 10. as part of the system 550, will be capable of being widely-utilised in. a multitude of applications - primarily for the public interest, but also for all types of private and commercial purposes/uses - wherever and whenever quality water (and renewable solar energy) is required. The units 1.0 provide for the secure storage of water and, optionally (although strongly recommended), for the capture of solar energy.

The units 10 will be able to be used in suitable location on land/ground which is reasonably accessible by/to man - with only one caveat, that the land/ground on which the units 10 will be built/constructed must be level, or capable of being levelled.

The unit Hi has the following advantages:

The units 10 can be can be located (to securely-store captured run-off rainwater) in areas which are in relatively-close proximity to strategically- determined sources of run-off rainwater, wherever they are located - which can be in areas which are remote and/or in relatively-difficult terrain, (tropical jungles, mountains, etc.) which are known to experience high precipitation (water in a liquid and/or a solid state). This provides for an ideal opportunity to not only access and capture water where it is in abundance and relatively contaminant-free but, to also minimise the detrimental effect of excess water flow from these sources which can (and does!) variousl contribute to flood, soil erosion (including landslides), damage to a variety of infrastructure (both human, and natural), and increasing the risk to health from a variety of water-related diseases. b, The units 10 can also be located (to securely-store water transferred from other areas of secure water storage) on land/ground which has minimal value/use for any known purpose/use (including economic, environmental, cultural, etc) and or is considered to be relatively risk-free from a variety of natural events, e.g. earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis. Thus, areas of land ground which are remote: are considered to be relatively safe and secure; and, are considered relatively unproductive for any currently-known purpose/use,, including, because of high salinity; and/or deficiencies in essential constituents in the composition of the land/ground; and/or, are not a source (existing or prospective) of any essential minerals/ores, or of other desirable resources - can be a location for any application for which the units 10 is intended to be used. Furthermore, there can be other strategic reasons for locating the units (as part of The System) in such areas, e.g. for national security; for economic (and social) development of areas, e.g. either for the economic and social expansion of existing areas and/or the economic and social development of completely new areas which, hitherto, have not been able t be considered for any type of development because of the lack of a reliable source- of quality wate and energy (especially of renewable energy). e. The units 10 are capable of being manufactured by mass production, including the pre-fabrication of its -structural components.

Features of the National Water and Energy Catchment, Storage and Distribution System 550

The primary feature of the System 550 is its capability of being able to provide a high degree of flexibility in developing (plannin and implementing) an integrated approach to: a. the capture of water;

b. the secure storage of the captured water for treatment and separate storing of graded quality water:

c. the secure distribution of the captured, stored, and graded quality water to wherever and whenever it is reasonably required;

d. the secure capture of solar energy (and, where considered appropriately- advantageous, of other forms of accessible and captured renewable energy); and. e. the secure distribution of the captured solar energy (and, where applicable, of other accessed and captured renewable forms of energy) to wherever and whenever it is reasonably required. For Australia, this: feature provides for the real opportunity to develop (and grow) areas of Australia which, for so long, ha ve been regarded as been incapable of being developed.

The benefits - direct and indirect, immediate and ongoing - to/for Australia (and to/for Australians for this generation, and for generations to follow) from such an opportunity are material and significant, even if immeasurable at this time. However, some of these benefits will include the opportunity for substantial (and sustainable) regional development. This regional development will not only include the mvitalisatipn of existing regional areas and the creation of new regions, but also enable the decentralisation of a wide range and variety of industries (and of population) from Australia's coastal fringes generally but, specifically, from the major cities - both from CBD's, and from the adjacent suburban sprawls.

For Australia and the world, it means a real opportunity to not only develop (in some cases, redevelop) areas which have long been regarded as being impossible to develop (or redevelop) but, also, of having an opportunity to effectively manage and control an important source of water - which, up until that proposed i this initiative, has been at the centre of many of the world's issues/problems, including of drought, disease, famine, flood, soil erosion, desertification, climate change, various conflicts (based on 'the hearts and minds' of people), economic migration, etc,

Many modifications will be apparent: to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not. the exclusion of an other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should no he taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Definitions

Water Catchment Area (WCA). An are which has both the capability and the feasibility of capturing rainfall run-off for harvesting within the proposed national water and energy catchment, storage and distribution network. Rainfall run-off includes any rain which falls on ground/land which; a. is in its natural stale, i.e. is unaffected by man;: or,

b. has been subject to modification by man.

Water Storage Area (WSA)

An area of land considered eligible (meets specific criteria) to be reserved, for the development of any complex of water storage units and/or of water storag and energy catchment units. The criteria for a WSA should, subject to relevant and available data, be that the land: a. is relatively safe ('benign') from possible disruption from a variety of natural causes, including earthquakes or earth movement, flooding, tsunamis, volcanic activity, etc.;

b. is not capable (without substantial rehabilitation) of being used fo any commercial/economic use;

c. has minimal sensitivity or value in terms of cultural, environmental, or othe national/international, factor, e.g. national/international security.

Any WSA should; a. comprise an area on which the water storage units and/or of water storage units and/or of water storage and energy catchment units would be sited plus a surrounding 'buffer zone' area; and b. be a regarded as and, accordingly, be adequately protected at the highest level of security given the fundamental nature which the resources of water and energy represent to the nation. A WSA could range in size from say 25sqm (5m x 5m) up to 400 square- Km (20: Km x 20 Km) according to the potential water capacity of the WSA.

Water G ade A system used throughout this document to classify the quality of water:

a. Grade 1 - pure water, i.e. contains no contaminants

b. Grade 2 - water containing some contaminants but, with minimal treatment, is suitable for human consumption.

c. Grade 3 - water below Grade 2. Contains types and or levels of contaminant which would require only minimal treatment to be upgraded to Grade 2.

Untreated, or with minimal treatment, this water would be suitable for human use (other than for consumption), and for general. commercial (agricultural, mining, other) and environmental use.

d. Grade 4 - water below Grade 3. Contains types and/or levels of contaminant which would, require a reasonable level of treatment to he upgraded to Grade 3 or higher. Thi grade of water could be used for restricted purposes, e.g. fire- fighting, limited environmental.

e. Grade 5 - water below Grade 4. Contain types and/or levels of contaminant which would require considerable treatment to be upgraded to Grade 4 or higher. f. Grade 6 - water below Grade 5. Contains types and/or level of contaminants which would either require a substantial treatment to be upgraded to Grade 5 or higher.

g. Grade 7 - water below Grade 6. Contains types and/or levels of contaminants which, subject to contemporary methodology, are considered to be untreatable, This grade of wafe might need to be separately stored and seeured for securit purposes.

Claims

Claims Defining the Invention

1. A storage unit for holding water, including:

(a) a base section;

(c) a roof structure coupled to the central section so as to close the hollow receptacle

2. The unit, claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit is hexagonal.

3. The unit claimed in claim 2, wherein the central section includes six abutting panels arranged to form a hexagon.

4. The unit claimed in claim 3, wherein a width of each panel is 1200mm.

5. The unit claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a height of the storage unit i 1200mm.

6. The unit, claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a height of the storage unit is 2400mm

7. The unit claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the roof stmcture includes a solar panel for collecting solar radiation and generating electricity ,

8. The unit claimed in claim 7, wherein the roof stmcture includes six triangular panels arranged such that vertices of all six panels meet at a common point. 9. The unit claimed in claim 8, wherein said solar panel comprises six solar panels, each being located on a respective one of said panels of the roof structure.

9. The unit claimed in claim 8, wherein a planar upper surface of each solar panel is set at an acute angle to a horizontal plane.

10. The unit claimed in claim. 8 or claim. 9, wherein the angle is: between 30 degrees and 70 degrees,

1 1. The unit claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the angle is adjustable.

12. The unit claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the solar panel is in electrical communication with a power outlet for electiieally connecting the unit to a power distribution network.

13. The unit claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including a wind turbine coupled to the roof structure.

14. The unit claimed in claim 13, wherein the wind turbine is in electrical communication with a power outlet for electrically connecting the unit to a power distribution network.

15. The unit claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, including an inlet port for feeding water into the unit.

16. The unit claimed in claim 15, wherein the inlet port includes a valve for selective])' opening and closing the port.

17. The unit claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, including a main outlet port for drawing water from the unit.

18. The unit claimed in claim 17, .including a plurality of additional outlet ports located in vertically separated positions on the central section for drawing water from respective sections of water contained in the unit.

19. The unit claimed in claim 18, wherein the additional outlet ports are laterally displaced.

20. The unit claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the main outlet includes a valve for opening and cl sing the main outlet.

21. The unit, claimed in claim 20, wherein the valve can be remotely operated so as to open and close the outlet.

22. A water storage system, including a cluster of the units claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 coupled together in such a way as to receive water from an external source and store said water in said units.

23. The system claimed in claim 22, wherein the units are in fluid communication with a water catchment system.

24. The system claimed in claim 23, wherein the water catchment system is a storm water system.

25. The system claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the pluralit of units are in fluid communication such water is distributed substantially evenly amongst the units.

26. The system claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, including an outlet for withdrawing water from the units.

27. The system claimed in claim 26, wherein the outlet is couple to a conduit for transferring water stored in the units to another location.

28. A water storage system, including:

(a) a cluster of the units claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12; and

(h) an inverter,

wherein the inverter is in electrical communication wit solar panels of said units and, in use, transfers energy captured by said solar panels into a powe network in electrical communication therewith,

29. The water system claimed in claim 28, wherein the units are coupled together in such a way as to receive water from an external source and store said water in said units.

30. The system claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the units are in fluid communication with water catchment system,

31. The system claimed in claim 30, wherein the water catchment system is a storm water system.

32. The system claimed in an one of claims .28 to 1 , wherein the plurality of units are in fluid communication such water is distributed substantially evenly amongst the units,

33. The system claimed in. any one of claims 28 to 32, including an outlet for withdrawing water from the units.

34. The system claimed in claim 33, wherein the outlet is couple to a conduit for transferring water stored in the units to another location.