HYGROTHERMAL REGULATION DEVICE

Abstract

HYGROTHERMAL CONTROL DEVICE A hygrothermal control device comprises a first tank (1) intended to receive and store a first volume of water. At least one layer of textile (3) forms a water collection surface and defines at least one water recovery path. This at least one water recovery path supplies the first tank (1). The at least one layer of textile (3) is intended to be buried in soil (1) to define the collection surface. An irrigation device is connected to the first tank (1) and is configured to irrigate at least a portion of the soil (2) covering a first portion of the collection surface. The irrigation device comprises at least one capillary line (4) connecting the first tank (1) and the soil (2). The capillary line (4) is intended to supply the soil (2) with water by capillary action. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: HYGRO-THERMAL REGULATION DEVICE technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a hygrothermal regulation device. State of the art

[0002] With global warming, a change in the distribution of rainfall throughout the year is observed. There is an increase in periods of rainfall deficit, and even an increase in periods of drought. There is also a significant increase in the occurrence of "Cévennes episodes," which correspond to very heavy rainfall where the equivalent of several days or months' worth of precipitation is delivered in just a few hours. The soils are then rapidly saturated and become unable to retain a significant portion of the water received.

[0003] Once the Cévennes episode has passed, it is possible to see the soils in drought configurations after several days without precipitation.

[0004] As a corollary, with the constant increase in temperatures, heat islands are appearing in urban centers, which are largely paved. The temperatures of green spaces and parks in urban areas are rising drastically, to the point that they are no longer able to cool the surrounding buildings. It is also observed that the fauna and flora of these green spaces are suffering from the temperature increase.

[0005] It is therefore sought in a simple and effective way to better adapt green areas to climatic changes.

[0006] A rainwater harvesting, management, and distribution hydraulic station is known from document WO2008 / 102084. An inlet pipe connects a collection area to a reservoir. The water in the reservoir is sent to a water-supplied device, for example, a plant. Such a technical solution proposes to make use of rainwater, but it requires significant infrastructure work and does not address the urban heat island effect.

[0007] In an effort to increase the grassed area, it is known from document EP3358076 to create a vegetated railway area with vegetation cover arranged over a drainage layer. The drainage layer feeds a rainwater collector connected to an irrigation system. The irrigation system is arranged to water the vegetation cover, thus allowing water recirculation. The vegetated railway area is primarily intended for tramway tracks. the impact is very limited on the scale of a city.

[0008] A system of urban cooling designed to improve pedestrian comfort by combating the urban heat island effect is also known from document WO2019 / 122770. The system includes a water distribution network that supplies a water supply system. The water supply system is located within a volume of permeable mortar delimited by an impermeable layer and by water-retaining evaporative pavers. The water used can be rainwater. When the paver temperature deviates from a reference temperature, water is injected into the mortar to lower the paver temperature through evaporation. This solution appears to be particularly water-intensive and dependent on the surface condition of the paver. Description of the invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a hygrothermal regulation device intended to better manage periods of heavy rainfall and periods of temperature peaks while remaining simple to use and easy to install, in particular with passive or quasi-passive operation.

[0010] This result is to be achieved by means of a hygrothermal regulation device which comprises: - a first tank intended to receive and store an initial volume of water; - at least one layer of textile forming a water collection surface and defining at least one water recovery path, the at least one water recovery path supplying the first tank, the at least one layer of textile being intended to be buried in soil to define the collection surface; - a watering device connected to the first tank and configured to water at least part of the soil covering a first portion of the collection area.

[0011] The hygrothermal regulation device is remarkable in that the watering device includes at least one capillary line connecting the first tank and the ground, the capillary line being intended to supply the ground with water by capillary action.

[0012] Preferably, the watering device includes at least one watering nozzle intended to extend beyond the ground, at least one watering nozzle being connected to the first tank by means of a pumping system.

[0013] Preferably, the hygrothermal control device comprises a first hygrometric sensor intended to be placed in a first portion of the soil above the textile layer and providing information relating to the water content in the first portion of the soil, and comprising a control circuit configured to deliver water from the sprinkler nozzle when the first hygrometric sensor indicates that the water content in the first portion of the soil is less than a threshold content.

[0014] Preferably, the watering nozzle is a misting nozzle to form a water mist.

[0015] Preferably, the hygrothermal control device comprises: - a first thermometer configured to measure a first temperature representative of the temperature of air above the collection surface; - a control circuit connected to the first thermometer to receive initial information representative of the first temperature and connected to the watering device to control the start and stop of the pumping system.

[0016] Preferably, the control circuit is configured to generate a water mist over the collection surface when the thermometer delivers information indicating that the temperature is above a threshold value.

[0017] Preferably, the control circuit is configured to generate the water mist only when a sensor indicates that a water level in the first tank is above a threshold height.

[0018] Preferably, the first tank is connected to a second tank by a second pipe, the second pipe being disposed in the upper third of the height of the first tank so that the second tank is filled from the first tank when the volume of water in the first tank reaches a threshold volume.

[0019] Preferably, the second tank has a porous bottom intended to supply the ground under the second tank.

[0020] Preferably, the second tank is disposed under at least one textile layer which is an impermeable textile layer.

[0021] Preferably, the first tank is connected to the second tank by a spillway device configured to supply the second tank from the first tank when the water volume in the first tank is below the minimum threshold volume. The spillway device is connected to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to supply the second tank through the spillway device when the control circuit receives information regarding the imminence of precipitation. The control circuit is connected to a weather module.

[0022] The invention also relates to a park or garden that is more resistant to climatic hazards and more capable of forming an island of coolness.

[0023] This result is tended to be achieved by means of a park or garden comprising a humidity control device according to any one of the preceding configurations Description of the drawings

[0024] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a hygrothermal regulation device installed in a park or garden. Detailed description

[0026] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the hydrothermal control device has a first tank 1 for receiving and storing a first volume of water. The first tank 1 is watertight. The first tank 1 is preferably intended to be buried in the ground 2. The first tank 1 can be made of any suitable material, for example, metal or polymer. The first tank 1 is preferably made of a rigid material, but it is also possible to excavate the ground, lay a waterproof membrane, and then place a rigid cover over it to protect the waterproof membrane. Using the first tank 1 allows for the storage of a significant quantity of available water. The first tank 1 preferably has a volume of at least 100 liters, preferably at least 500 liters, advantageously at least 1000 liters.

[0027] The hydrothermal control device has at least one textile layer 3 defining a water collection layer and at least one water recovery path. At least one textile layer 3 is intended to be buried in the soil 2 to define a water collection surface. At least one textile layer 3 defines a rainwater collection zone for water that has passed through part of the soil 2. The textile layer 3 is covered by a soil 2 that is microbiologically active. The soil 2 may include a layer of humus. The soil 2 contains active vegetation, for example, trees or shrubs.

[0028] At least one water recovery path feeds the first tank 1. The textile layer 3 can be an impermeable or a permeable layer. It is advantageous to use a permeable layer with a water transmissivity between 0.2 and 1.11 m / s (at 20 kPa). The transmissivity is measured according to ISO 12958. It is advantageous to use a permeable layer so as not to significantly alter the flow of rainwater in areas located beneath the textile layer 3.

[0029] Preferably, the first tank 1 is arranged at a lower altitude than the textile layer 3 so that the first tank 1 is supplied with water by gravity. Preferably, the first tank 1 is arranged below the textile layer 3. that is, facing the textile layer 3 in the vertical direction. It is advantageous for the textile layer to be inclined to direct the water towards an inlet of the first tank 1.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the textile layer 3 is disposed at a depth of between 0.5 and 0.8m relative to the surface of the ground 2. Preferably, the textile layer 3 has a surface area of ​​at least 500m2.

[0031] The hydrothermal control device has a watering system connected to the first tank 1. The watering system has a capillary line 4 designed to supply the soil 2 with water by capillary action from the first tank 1. The capillary line 4 is, for example, a wire element. The capillary line 4 has a first end located in the lower part of the first tank 1 to make contact with the water present in the first tank 1, specifically down to the bottom of the first tank 1. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the hygrothermal control device is passive.

[0032] When the first tank 1 contains water, the water rises to the ground by capillary action, providing a virtually constant flow of water to the vegetation in the soil 2. As the vegetation is supplied with water, it contributes to lowering the ambient temperature through evapotranspiration. It is therefore important to have a hygrothermal control system that provides water to the vegetation, even during periods of high heat. The hygrothermal control system operates passively, resulting in a robust and autonomous device.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the watering device comprises at least one first nozzle 5 arranged to water at least a portion of the soil 2 covering a first part of the collection surface. The watering device 4 has a pumping device or a pump 6 configured to extract water from the first tank 1 and supply at least the first nozzle 5. The first nozzle 5 protrudes from the soil 2. The pump 6 draws some of the water from the first tank 1 and supplies this water to the first nozzle 5 to deliver a jet of water. The jet of water allows the soil 2 to be watered from top to bottom, while the capillary action ensures the soil 2 is moistened from below.

[0034] The hygrothermal control device may have a first thermometer 7 configured to measure a first temperature representative of the air temperature above the collection surface. The first thermometer 7 is configured to measure the outside temperature in the immediate vicinity of the ground 2.

[0035] The first thermometer 7 delivers this first temperature or information representative of this first temperature to a control circuit 8. The control circuit 8 has a processor capable of processing different information as well at least one memory that records several data points, including, for example, the initial temperature and / or the evolution of the initial temperature over time. The control circuit 8 is connected to the pump 6. The control circuit 8 is connected in such a way as to enable or disable the operation of the pump 6 and to enable or disable the supply of a water jet from the nozzle 5.

[0036] When the control circuit 8 detects that the first temperature is above a threshold value and / or that the difference between the first temperature and a reference temperature reaches a threshold, the control circuit 8 can activate a water jet. The water jet moistens the soil 2, which promotes evaporation and thus lowers the temperature.

[0037] When the hygrothermal control device is installed in a park or garden, the control circuit 8 can be connected to a second thermometer configured to measure a second temperature outside the park, for example, the temperature of an inert area chosen from among a wall, a road, a sidewalk, or a building. The inert area can be a mineral area, for example, made of concrete, asphalt, stone, glass, or even steel. When the temperature difference reaches a threshold, for example, 5°C, it is advantageous to apply a water jet, which increases the vaporization of the water, thus creating a park or garden where the relative coolness can be felt nearby while using the water to benefit the vegetation.

[0038] It is advantageous that the application of a water jet be conditioned on a first temperature and / or a second temperature which are on the one hand greater than a threshold temperature and on the other hand to the measurement of a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature which is greater than the threshold difference, the first temperature being less than the second temperature.

[0039] When nozzle 5 is a misting nozzle, the water supply generates a water mist. The water mist induces water evaporation, particularly at the surface of the ground 2. The water mist generates a multitude of water droplets, resulting in a very large contact area between the water and the air for a given volume of water. It is then possible to achieve a significant drop in temperature near at least one nozzle 5 for a small volume of water consumed.

[0040] The control circuit 8 is configured to generate a water mist over the collection surface when the first thermometer 7 provides information indicating that the temperature is above a second threshold temperature. The vegetation ensures the presence of a large surface area to receive the water droplets from the water mist.

[0041] Water mist is generated near the first thermometer 7 to evaluate the evolution of the temperature following the actuation of the first nozzle 5. This technical solution is advantageous compared to the teaching of document WO2019 / 122770.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the control circuit 8 is configured to generate a water jet or water mist only when a sensor 9 indicates that the water level in the first tank 1 is above a minimum threshold volume. Such an embodiment allows the generation of the water jet or water mist only when the water volume in the first tank 1 exceeds the minimum volume maintained to ensure soil hydration via the capillary line 4.

[0043] When the volume of water in the first tank 1 is less than the minimum volume, it is advantageous to use the remaining water to moisten the soil with water from the first tank 1 in order to ensure the sustenance of the vegetation growing from the soil 2. Some of the water transferred by capillary action is lost through evapotranspiration by the vegetation, which is struggling to cope with the heat. Evapotranspiration contributes to the formation of a cool island.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the hygrothermal control device includes a first hygrometric sensor 10 intended to be placed in the soil 2. The first hygrometric sensor 10 is configured to measure the water content in a first portion of the soil 2. Advantageously, the first hygrometric sensor 10 is placed above the textile layer 3 to monitor the water content of the first portion of the soil 2 placed above the textile layer 3. Alternatively, the first hygrometric sensor is placed at a distance and sufficiently close to the textile layer 3 to monitor the water content of the first portion of the soil 2 placed above the textile layer 3.

[0045] The first moisture sensor 10 provides information regarding the water content in the first portion of the soil 2. The control circuit 8 is configured to generate a water jet or mist when the first moisture sensor 10 indicates that the water content in the first portion of the soil 2 is below the threshold level. However, the command to generate a water jet or mist can be canceled when the sensor 9 indicates that the water volume in the first tank 1 is below the minimum volume. The threshold level can be a level corresponding to a risk to the survival of the vegetation.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the first tank 1 is connected to a second tank 11 by a second pipe 12. The second pipe 12 is located in the upper third of the height of the first tank 1, preferably in the upper quarter, more preferably in the upper 10%. The first tank 1 is connected to a second tank 11 such that the second tank 11 is filled to The first tank 1 is opened when the water volume in the first tank 1 reaches its maximum. The second pipe 12 allows the excess water to be discharged as needed. The height is measured vertically. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tank 1 and the second tank 11 are part of the same tank, which has been divided in two. This construction facilitates the transport and installation of the tank in the ground 2. The separation between the first tank 1 and the second tank 11 can be a perforated plate.

[0047] When soil 2 is subjected to intense rainfall, the large quantity of water supplied is not entirely absorbed by the vegetation. It is therefore advantageous to use the first tank 1 to store the water that has not been absorbed for later use, thus providing a more regular water supply.

[0048] When the quantity of water delivered is significant and especially in a short period of time, it is advantageous to fill the first tank 1 to its maximum volume and then pour the surplus into the second tank 11 which will be used for another purpose.

[0049] Preferably, the second tank 11 has a porous bottom that allows water to drain into the soil 2. The porous bottom allows excess water to be released into the soil, which can then replenish a water table. The second tank 11 is connected in series with the first tank 1 in the water flow from at least one textile layer 3, which collects and supplies the water. This series connection staggers the release of excess water into the soil 2. This allows for better water management by the soil 2.

[0050] On arid or slightly moist soil, an initial volume of water seeps into the soil and is absorbed by vegetation. As precipitation continues, the vegetation no longer absorbs the water, which then flows through the soil 2 until it primarily reaches the textile layer 3. This water is collected and sent to the first tank 1 until it reaches its maximum volume. This quantity of water is stored in the first tank 1, thus preventing its discharge into waterways and, more specifically, into the urban wastewater systems where it would be treated. This avoids an unnecessary cost to the community.

[0051] Once the maximum volume is reached, the excess water is transferred to the second tank 11 via the second pipe 12. The water in the second tank 11 is discharged through the porous bottom. The porosity level is chosen to define a discharge flow rate and promote water uptake by the soil 2. The use of a second tank 11, supplied by the excess water from the first tank 1 and having a porous bottom, allows for the staggered release of some of the water resulting from precipitation. The first portion of precipitation fills the first tank 1. Then, the second portion of precipitation fills the second tank 11. tank 11 while part of the water volume is evacuated into the ground 2 through the porous bottom.

[0052] If precipitation continues until the second tank 11 reaches its maximum volume, it is advantageous to provide the second tank 11 with an outlet 13 connected to the water treatment circuit, for example, the rainwater treatment circuit or the wastewater treatment circuit. This arrangement is particularly beneficial because the volume of water injected into the treatment circuit is limited throughout the year. Its passive operation makes it a robust hygrothermal control device.

[0053] Preferably, the first tank 1 is positioned under at least one layer of textile 3, which reduces the surface area occupied by the hydrothermal control device, i.e., the floor area 2 occupied by the device's equipment when viewed from a vertical position. This also reduces the length of the pipes connecting the first tank 1 to the nozzle(s) 5, as well as the pipes between the first tank 1 and the at least one layer of textile 3.

[0054] The use of a porous base is particularly advantageous when the second tank 11 is placed under the textile layer 3 and more particularly under a waterproof textile layer 3 because this allows a supply of water to be maintained in the soil 2 to maintain a good level of humidity.

[0055] The volume of the first tank 1 and the volume of the second tank 11 are chosen according to the surface area of ​​the textile layer 3 and the annual rainfall recorded during the previous years.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the second tank 11 is connected to the first tank 1 by means of a discharge device 14 configured to supply the second tank 11 from the first tank 1 when the volume of water in the first tank 1 is less than the threshold volume. The discharge device 14 is connected to the control circuit 8. The control circuit 8 is configured to supply the second tank 11 through the discharge device 14 when the control circuit 8 receives information regarding the imminence of precipitation. The control circuit 8 is connected to a weather module. The volume of water transferred from the first tank 1 to the second tank 11 can be a function of the volume of water required to reach the maximum volume in the first tank 1, the volume of water required to reach the maximum volume in the second tank 11, and the expected volume of water for the upcoming precipitation.

[0057] In other words, the weather module indicates to the control circuit 8 that precipitation is expected in the coming days or hours. The control circuit 8 measures the amount of water present in the first tank 1 and in the second tank 11. The control circuit calculates the volume of water to be supplied by the Precipitation is imminent. When the control circuit determines that the first tank 1 and the second tank 11 are about to reach their maximum volumes, it may be advantageous to slightly empty the first tank 1 into the second tank 11 to remove water through the porous bottom and thus reduce the volume of water that needs to be drained through the outlet. If the initial temperature is above an evaporation threshold, it is advantageous to remove some of the water from the first tank 1 as a jet of water or a mist before precipitation.

[0058] It is particularly advantageous to create a park or garden which has such a hygrothermal regulation system because it allows, in a predominantly or exclusively passive and autonomous way, for better water supply to the vegetation, which in particular allows for the creation of an island of coolness during periods of heat wave.

Claims

Demands

1. Hygrothermal regulation device comprising: - a first tank (1) intended to receive and store a first volume of water; - at least one layer of textile (3) forming a water collection surface and defining at least one recovery path, the at least one recovery path supplying the first tank (1), the at least one layer of textile (3) being intended to be buried in a soil (1) and inclined to define the collection surface which directs the water towards the first tank; - a watering device connected to the first tank (1) and configured to water at least a part of the soil (2) covering a first portion of the collection surface; characterized in that the watering device comprises at least one capillary line (4) connecting the first tank (1) and the soil (2), the capillary line (4) being intended to supply the soil (2) with water by capillary action and in that the textile layer is permeable.

2. Hygrothermal control device according to claim 1 in which the watering device comprises at least one watering nozzle (5) intended to overflow from the ground (2), at least one watering nozzle (5) being connected to the first tank (1) by means of a pumping system (6).

3. Hygrothermal regulation device according to claim 2 comprising a first hygrometric sensor (10) intended to be disposed in a first portion of the soil (2) above the textile layer (3) and delivering information relating to a water content in the first portion of the soil (2), and comprising a control circuit (8) configured to deliver water from the sprinkler nozzle (5) when the first hygrometric sensor (10) indicates that the water content in the first portion of the soil is less than a threshold content.

4. Hygrothermal regulation device according to claim 3 wherein the sprinkler nozzle (5) is a misting nozzle for forming a water mist.

5. Hygrothermal control device according to claim 4 comprising: - a first thermometer (7) configured to measure a first temperature representative of an air temperature above the collection surface; - a control circuit (8) connected to the first thermometer (7) to receive a first information representative of the first temperature and connected to the watering device to control a start and stop of the pumping system (6); and wherein the control circuit (8) is configured to generate a water mist over the collection surface when the thermometer (7) delivers information indicating that the temperature is above a threshold value.

6. Hygrothermal control device according to claim 5 wherein the control circuit (8) is configured to generate water mist only when a sensor (9) indicates that a volume of water in the first tank (1) is greater than a minimum threshold volume.

7. Hygrothermal control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first tank (1) is connected to a second tank (11) by a second pipe (12), the second pipe (12) being disposed in the upper third of the height of the first tank (1) so that the second tank (11) is filled from the first tank (1) when the volume of water in the first tank (1) reaches a maximum threshold volume.

8. Hygrothermal regulation device according to claim 7 in which the second tank (11) has a porous bottom intended to supply the ground (2) under the second tank (11).

9. Hygrothermal regulation device according to claim 7 in which the second tank (11) is disposed under at least one textile layer (3) which is an impermeable textile layer.

10. Hygrothermal control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the first tank (1) is connected to the second tank (11) by means of a discharge device (14) configured to supply the second tank (11) by means of the first tank (1) when the volume of water in the first tank (1) is less than the minimum threshold volume, the discharge device (14) being connected to the control circuit (8), the control circuit (8) being configured to supply the second tank (11) through the discharge device (14) when the control circuit (8) receives information relating to the imminence of precipitation, the control circuit (8) being connected to a meteorological module.

11. Park or garden comprising a hygrometric regulation device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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