Modular retention and evaporation system with integrated planted outdoor area for temporary storage and evaporation of water

Abstract

The modular retention and evaporation system with integrated planted outer surface for the temporary storage and evaporation of water is characterized by the fact that it comprises a multi-layer structure consisting of an inner, open-pore, capillary-active storage layer made of foam or mineral fabric such as rock wool, and an attached outer plant support layer or directly integrated plants.

Description

[0001] The invention described here relates to a modular water retention and evaporation system that is installed in or behind facade elements and, for the first time, enables the targeted evaporation of rainwater via planted support mats, such as sedum mats, or via plants integrated into the storage material. The technical functionality is based on an open-pore support material in the storage body (e.g., rock wool or hydrophilic foams), to whose exterior a vegetated support layer or plants are attached. This combination both supplies the plants with water and achieves optimal evaporation of the rainwater.

[0002] In contrast to existing evaporation elements based on metallic or unplanted surfaces, the present invention utilizes actively living plants to increase evaporation performance while simultaneously fulfilling ecological functions such as oxygen production, particulate matter capture, biodiversity promotion, and aesthetic facade design. This integrated combination is not yet state of the art. The integration of such systems into facades simultaneously provides ecological enhancement and technical cooling for buildings.

[0003] The system consists of a multi-layer structure: The inner layer is an open-cell, capillary-active storage material, such as rock wool or hydrophilic foam. This material absorbs and stores rainwater, graywater, or pre-treated water through diffusion and capillary action. The visible side is connected to planted support mats or planted with plants. The connected vegetation uses the stored water for transpiration, while simultaneously, continuous evaporation occurs through the substrate surface (evapotranspiration).

[0004] The modules are designed to adapt to different facade geometries and support systems. The construction allows for tool-free installation on standard substructures for ventilated facades. Optionally, a superabsorbent can be integrated into the storage layer to significantly increase the water retention capacity. The stored water remains available to plants and serves as a long-term reservoir for the facade vegetation, eliminating the need for additional irrigation.

[0005] The evaporative units are designed for a service life of at least five years while fully functional. The system operates entirely without active energy input, thus offering a passive, resource-saving solution for urban adaptation to climate change and summer overheating. The invention thus represents a technical and ecological innovation for construction and building technology.

Claims

[1] The modular retention and evaporation system with integrated planted outdoor area for the temporary storage and evaporation of water, is characterized by that it comprises a multi-layer structure, consisting of an inner, open-pored, capillary-active storage layer made of foam or mineral fabric such as rock wool, and an outer plant support layer or directly integrated plants attached to it. [2] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to claim 1, characterized by that the storage layer is made of hydrophilic material, in particular rock wool, foam glass or open-pore plastic foam. [3] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that the absorbed water is retained in the storage layer via diffusion and capillary forces and released to the plants as needed. [4] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that the outer plant layer consists of pre-cultivated vegetation mats, e.g. sedum mats, or of directly integrated plants. [5] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that water is released into the environment by evapotranspiration via vegetation and by transpiration from the storage substrate. [6] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized byA superabsorbent is added to the foam or mineral fabric at a concentration of 0 to 80 percent by mass. The superabsorbent is added during the manufacturing process of the retention and evaporation mat and is embedded in the fabric matrix. This permanently binds the superabsorbent to the fabric matrix. The superabsorbent can significantly increase the storage volume of the retention and evaporation mat. [7] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that the stored water remains available to plants and enables a self-sufficient water supply to the vegetation over several days without external supply. [8] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that the module dimensions are adapted to facade substructures and enable tool-free installation. [9] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that it operates without external energy supply and serves for passive building cooling through evaporation. [10] The planted retention and evaporation system is according to a preceding claim, characterized by that it contributes to promoting biodiversity, binding fine dust and producing oxygen in urban areas.