A system comprising a basin and allowing for water storage

Abstract

Title: Assembly comprising a basin and enabling water storage. The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a basin (2) disposed at least partially in a cavity in the ground (5) and a backfill zone (3) located at least between a wall (21) of the basin and a wall (41) of the cavity. The backfill zone comprises an embankment (30) providing mechanical support for the wall of the basin and / or the wall of the cavity and a waterproof membrane (31) surrounding the embankment so as to define a water retention zone (32). At least a first part of the water retention zone collects rainwater overflowing from the basin. The assembly includes at least one fluid outlet (36) and a control device configured to control the extraction of rainwater contained in the water retention zone through the fluid outlet. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2D.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly comprising a basin and enabling water storage Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction, more specifically to the field of basin construction, for example swimming pools. It is of particular interest in the bioclimatic construction sector. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The construction of a dwelling today is accompanied by numerous constraints, both technical, regulatory and budgetary, a fortiori when it is accompanied by the construction of a basin or a swimming pool.

[0003] In particular, when constructing a swimming pool or a planted pond, it is necessary to ensure the proper mechanical support of the structure. Certain types of pools, such as so-called "hard" pools, whose perimeter is made of concrete or sheet metal, for example, do not necessarily require additional mechanical support. However, the material providing the overall mechanical support, typically concrete, is expensive, has a very poor carbon footprint, and is not environmentally sustainable. Fiberglass pools, which are less expensive, often require the construction of a mechanical support zone around the pool.

[0004] Furthermore, the construction of water retention basins has become a regulatory requirement in certain municipalities for housing construction projects, in order to limit or even eliminate the impact of soil sealing during heavy rainfall. At a minimum, retention basins create a delay in water runoff, thus preventing the saturation of public drainage systems and avoiding the well-known flooding phenomena, particularly during the Cévennes episodes. The construction of underground, invisible masonry retention basins, designed to avoid disfiguring real estate projects, requires the implementation of costly construction techniques (appropriate earthworks, construction of the masonry elements, supply of necessary aggregates, etc.), representing approximately €150 to €200 per square meter of sealed soil, depending on the region (for example, a budget of €25,000 for sealing 150 square meters of soil in Aix-en-Provence).

[0005] It is therefore understood that the construction of a dwelling and an accompanying swimming pool entails very heavy and very costly work in order to meet the mechanical maintenance needs of the swimming pool and water retention.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution that reduces the disadvantage of existing solutions, in particular their cost. SUMMARY

[0007] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, an assembly is provided comprising a basin located at least partially within a cavity in the ground and a backfill area, the backfill area being situated at least between a wall of the basin and a wall of the cavity, the backfill area comprising: • An embankment configured to provide mechanical support for at least one of the basin wall and the cavity wall, • A waterproof membrane at least partially surrounding the embankment so as to define a water retention zone within the embankment zone, the whole being configured so that at least a first part of the water retention zone collects rainwater flowing onto the ground and / or overflowing from the basin, • At least one fluidic output, • A control device configured to selectively control the extraction of rainwater contained in the water retention area through the fluidic outlet.

[0008] The presence of the embankment helps to support the basin and / or the land adjacent to the embankment area, thus addressing the problem of the mechanical support of the basin in its environment.

[0009] Furthermore, thanks to the waterproof membrane, the backfill area plays a role in water retention and therefore addresses the problem of desaturation of public networks.

[0010] The water stored in the backfill area can potentially be drawn and used for various purposes (watering, washing vehicles, flushing toilets, floor cleaning, laundry, etc.), possibly after settling, filtration, or even sterilization. A dwelling's water consumption from the public network can thus be reduced by a factor of 2 to 4, depending on the size of the retention area, the region, and the uses.

[0011] The stored water can also be discharged into a public stormwater drainage system, or directly into the surrounding ground. Thanks to the invention, this discharge can be carried out at a controlled flow rate, preventing any saturation of the system.

[0012] Regardless of the use made of the water stored in the retention area, the control device makes it possible to control when this water is discharged and advantageously the flow rate at which it is discharged.

[0013] Furthermore, the water stored in the retention zone greatly improves the mechanical stability of the basin and / or the ground. Indeed, its weight adds to that of the backfill, thus allowing the backfill zone to exert a reaction force on the walls of the basin and / or the ground greater than the same force would have if the retention zone did not contain water.

[0014] The invention thus proposes a solution guaranteeing both the possibility of water storage and excellent mechanical support for the basin and the surrounding land. It also allows for significant savings, both during the construction and operation of a basin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig.1] Fig.1 represents the assembly according to the invention and includes in particular the basin, the backfill area and the ground in which the assembly is located.

[0017] [Fig.2A] Figures 2A to 2C represent different embodiments of thermal extraction from the backfill area to an external environment.

[0018] [Fig.2B]

[0019] [Fig.2C]

[0020] [Fig.2D] Fig.2D illustrates one embodiment of the extraction of water stored in the retention area.

[0021] [Fig.3] Fig.3 illustrates a simplified top view of the assembly according to the invention.

[0022] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0024] According to one embodiment, the assembly is configured so that the rainwater collected by at least the first part of the water retention area comes from the basin, in part or solely, by overflowing from the basin.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the assembly is configured so that the rainwater collected by at least the first part of the water retention area comes from the basin, in part or solely, by overflowing and being conveyed from the basin.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the assembly is configured so that the rainwater collected by at least the first part of the water retention area comes from the basin by overflowing from the basin and / or by being conveyed from the basin.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly further includes a settling tank, and the fluidic outlet communicates with said settling tank.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly further comprises water distribution equipment in communication with the fluidic outlet. The assembly is configured so that the water distribution equipment can be supplied by rainwater extracted from the fluidic outlet.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the water distribution equipment is taken from among a tap, a household appliance, an automatic garden sprinkler.

[0030] According to one example, the assembly further includes a pump for extracting water from the retention area through the fluidic outlet and conveying it to the water distribution equipment.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly further includes a fluidic drain configured to convey rainwater from the retention area to the fluidic outlet.

[0032] Advantageously, the fluidic drain is placed at the bottom of the retention zone.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the assembly further includes a device for controlling the discharge of water contained in the basin towards the water retention area.

[0034] Preferably, the water discharge control device is configured to control the discharge of water contained in the basin to the water retention area based on at least one of the following parameters: a water level in the basin, a water level in the water retention area, the season, data relating to the weather of the coming days, rainfall forecasts, a user activation of a command to fill the water retention area, a setpoint temperature of the basin water.

[0035] Preferably, the water retention zone extends over at least 60% of the height of the embankment zone, preferably at least 80%, preferably 100%.

[0036] Preferably, the basin has a volume Vb and the water retention zone has a Volume ^retention, aVCC Vretention / Vb> 3.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the part of the drain located in the backfill area is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid in a sealed manner with respect to the backfill area.

[0038] According to one example, the part of the drain located in the backfill area is made of a material allowing heat exchange between water contained in the water retention area and the heat transfer fluid.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is water contained in the water retention zone and the drain is configured to allow evacuation of said water contained in the water retention zone to the external environment.

[0040] According to one example, the water retention zone extends over the entire height of the embankment zone.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a part of the backfill area is configured not to accommodate water, the heat transfer fluid is air contained in said part of the backfill area and at least one drain allows evacuation of said air to the external environment.

[0042] According to one embodiment, comprising at least one secondary drain allowing heat exchange with the water contained in the water retention zone.

[0043] Advantageously, the embankment has a specific heat capacity less than or equal to 860 J.kg⁻¹.K⁻¹ and / or a thermal conductivity less than 2 Wm⁻².K⁻¹. This allows the embankment to maintain a temperature close to that of the surrounding ground 5 while cooling or heating the water or air in contact with it. The embankment can thus cool or heat a large quantity of water or air.

[0044] According to one example, the backfill contains crushed material, the crushed material having a particle size greater than 4 cm. According to another example, the backfill contains crushed material, the crushed material having a particle size between 2 and 4 cm (type crushed material 20 / 40, 20 corresponding to the width in millimeters of the smallest aggregates and 40 to the width in millimeters of the largest crushed material).

[0045] According to one example, the crushed material has a particle size of less than 10 cm.

[0046] According to one example, the backfill is based on a material derived from the recycling of asbestos, For example, Cofalit®. Cofalit® is a material made from recycled asbestos and is completely environmentally neutral. By using this material, a waste product, asbestos, is converted into a resource. Cofalit® also has very high thermal inertia, which is advantageous in the context of the invention. Its thermal storage capacity is very significant: one cubic meter of Cofalit® can store 2.8 MJ when its temperature increases by 1°C. Finally, Cofalit® is inexpensive (approximately 8 to 10 euros per ton).

[0047] According to one example, the membrane is based on an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM). However, any permanently inert sealing membrane is conceivable.

[0048] Advantageously, the thermal insulation layer has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.035 Wm*.K'.

[0049] According to one example, the backfill area includes gabions, the backfill being placed in the gabions.

[0050] According to one example, the external environment is a habitat.

[0051] According to one example, the assembly comprises a plurality of drains, at least two of the drains among the plurality of drains preferably being arranged parallel to each other. The assembly preferably comprises at least three drains. Advantageously, all the drains are arranged parallel to each other, for example at different heights of the backfill zone.

[0052] According to one example, the backfill area forms a perimeter around the basin, said perimeter extending over a length Lzr taken in projection in a horizontal plane, and the drain extends, in the backfill area, over a length Ld, taken in projection in the horizontal plane, such that Ld> 0.5 * Lzr, preferably Ld> 0.7 * Lzr, preferably Ld > 0.8 * Lzr and preferably Ld> 0.95 * Lzr.

[0053] According to one example, the heat transfer fluid forms the primary fluid of a heat pump system, a Canadian well or a hydraulic underfloor heating system.

[0054] According to one example, the assembly further includes a heat pump, a Canadian well or a heated floor.

[0055] Assembly 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to [Fig.1].

[0056] Assembly 1 comprises first of all a basin 2. This basin 2 is typically the Swimming pool basin. In the case of a fiberglass pool, the term "basin" most often refers to the shell itself. In the case of a concrete pool, the basin is generally composed of concrete blocks or sprayed concrete that give the pool its shape. The basin may also include or be formed from a fiberglass, resin, or metal shell. Basin 2 can also be an ornamental or recreational pond. For example, it could be a planted pond. Ideally, it should be an ecological pond.

[0057] Basin 2 typically has a plurality of sides, for example four sides in the case of a basin having a rectangular shape in projection into the plane of the terrain 5.

[0058] The basin 2 is located in a cavity 4 of a terrain 5, for example terrain 5 of a garden.

[0059] Basin 2 is at least partially buried in cavity 4. By "partially buried" in cavity 4, it is meant that a portion of basin 2 may protrude from the ground level 5. Therefore, basin 2 may not be buried in cavity 4 along its entire height. Preferably, basin 2 is buried in cavity 4 to at least 80% of its average height. The average height of basin 2 is defined as the average, over the ground surface of basin 2 in the plane of the ground level 5, of the local heights of basin 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the basin 2 may not be buried in the cavity 4 on all sides. One or more of its sides may not be bordered by the ground 5 or may only be bordered along part of its height by the ground 5. This is particularly the case in the case of an infinity pool or a partially glazed pool.

[0061] Assembly 1 also includes a backfill zone 3 which is also located at least partially in the cavity 4. Preferably, the backfill zone 3 is entirely buried in the cavity 4.

[0062] The backfill zone 3 is more precisely located at least between a wall 21 of the basin 2 and a wall 41 of the cavity 4. Preferably, the backfill zone 3 extends between several walls of the basin 2 on the one hand and several walls of the cavity 4 on the other. In other words, preferably, the backfill zone 3 borders more than one side of the basin 2. Advantageously, the backfill zone 3 borders the entire perimeter of the basin 2.

[0063] In the case where some sides of the basin are glazed, the backfill zone 3 is preferably positioned so as not to obstruct these glazed sides.

[0064] The embankment zone 3 includes an embankment 30. The embankment 30 is typically a set of aggregates of a mineral material, commonly referred to as "crushed".

[0065] The backfill 30 is advantageously placed in cages or gabions, preferably gabions made of woven wire. As will be seen later, these gabions may come into contact with water. Therefore, gabions made of a rustproof or inert material are preferable. Generally, the backfill 30 can be placed in cages made of woven or molded non-perishable materials.

[0066] These gabions or cages provide the backfill zone 3 with better stability, and in particular allow the backfill 30 to be maintained at the desired volume. Specifically, the gabions prevent the backfill 30 from settling over time and reinforce its vertical stability. They thus ensure that the backfill zone 3 maintains the same height and width over time.

[0067] Due to its weight and mechanical rigidity, the backfill zone 3 ensures the mechanical stability of the pool 2 within the ground 5. More specifically, the backfill 30 ensures the mechanical stability of the walls of the pool 2 and / or the cavity 4 that it borders. Regarding the mechanical stability of the pool 2, this is particularly useful when the wall(s) bordered by the backfill zone 3 correspond to at least a portion of the fiberglass pool shell. As for the stability of the walls of the cavity 4, it is understood that the mechanical stability is effective over at least a portion of the ground 5, this portion extending from the wall(s) of the cavity 4 bordered by the backfill zone 3.

[0068] The backfill area 3 also includes a waterproof membrane 31 at least partially surrounding the backfill 30. Preferably, the waterproof membrane 31 surrounds the backfill 30 along its entire vertical height. Preferably, the waterproof membrane 31 encloses the backfill 30 over at least 60% and preferably over at least 80% of the vertical height of the cavity 4. This waterproof membrane 31 is impermeable to fluids, particularly water, and thus defines a water retention area 32. This water retention area 32 allows for the collection of rainwater, particularly from runoff on the ground 5 and / or from overflow from the basin 2. Indeed, rainwater falling into the basin 2 can complete the filling of the basin 2. and eventually overflow from the latter. The excess water contained in basin 2 can then flow into the water retention zone 32 located in the embankment zone 3 adjacent to basin 2. Advantageously, an overflow management system 22 is provided, configured to convey the excess water from basin 2 to the embankment zone 3, or even directly to the water retention zone 32.

[0069] To allow runoff from the ground 5 or overflow from the basin 2 to flow into the water retention zone 32, the waterproof membrane 31 is not provided to completely cover the upper surface of the backfill zone 3. The waterproof membrane may be provided to have an opening. This opening may be left unobstructed. It may also be provided to be fitted with a filter, for example a filter fabric, such as a geotextile or a non-rotrescible and / or rustproof grid, in order to filter the water flowing into the retention zone.

[0070] The waterproof membrane 31 prevents water from flowing outside the embankment area 3, particularly into the ground 5. By collecting runoff rainwater in this way, a delay is allowed in the flow of water, which helps to unclog public drainage networks and thus limit flooding.

[0071] In addition or alternatively, the water collected in the water retention zone 32 can also have several uses. On the one hand, this water can be used for the needs of a dwelling, for various functions: watering, washing vehicles, flushing toilets, washing floors, washing clothes, etc. On the other hand, because it is stored with the backfill 30 in the cavity 4 of the ground 5, the temperature of this water becomes uniform with that of the backfill 30. The backfill 30 itself has a temperature substantially equal to that of the portion of ground 5 located at the same depth and of the underlying portion of ground 5. Thus, in winter, cold rainwater flowing into the retention area 32 is warmed by the embankment 30 and by the ground 5, and in summer the warm rainwater flowing into the retention area 32 is cooled.The water contained in retention zone 32 can therefore be used as a thermal storage area. Thermal collection systems using the water stored in the retention zone will be detailed further.

[0072] It should be noted that the capacity of basin 2 is typically greater than that of the retention zone 32. Furthermore, in winter, the water 20 contained in basin 2 is typically colder than the portions of ground 5 that warm the water contained in the retention zone 32. Similarly, in summer, the water 20 contained in basin 2 is typically warmer than the portions of ground 5 that cool the water contained in the retention zone 32. The water contained in basin 2 could therefore, undesirably, cool the water contained in the retention zone 32 in winter and warm it in summer. In order to avoid a thermal bridge that would be too damaging to the applications To prevent heat transfer between the water in basin 2 and the water in the retention zone 32, a thermal insulation layer 6 is advantageously provided between the wall(s) of basin 2 adjacent to the backfill zone 3 and the backfill 30. The thermal insulation layer 6 may be a membrane, for example a flexible one, or alternatively, be formed of one or more rigid panels or sheets. This thermal insulation layer 6 forms a thermal barrier between the water in basin 2 and the backfill 3. By "thermal barrier," it is understood that the thermal insulation layer 6 at least reduces heat transfer between the water in basin 2 and the backfill 3. Advantageously, the thermal insulation layer 6 has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.035 W / m².K

[0073] While the presence of such a thermal insulation layer 6 is particularly advantageous for the implementation of the invention, it is nevertheless possible to do without it.

[0074] Advantageously, there is no thermal barrier between the embankment 30 and the ground 5. Indeed, it is often preferable to promote heat exchange between the ground 5 and the embankment 30 so that the embankment 30 benefits from the thermal inertia of the ground 5. The waterproof membrane 31 preferably does not form a thermal barrier. Furthermore, the thermal insulation layer 6, which is advantageously present between the embankment 30 and the basin, is not present between the embankment 30 and the ground 5. In particular, the thermal insulation layer 6 does not extend along the vertical wall between the embankment 30 and the ground 5. Preferably, it also does not extend between the bottom of the cavity 4 and the ground 5, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 2.

[0075] In certain situations, particularly where ground 5 is at temperatures not suitable for storage needs in terms of temperature, thermal inertia or any other factor that may interfere with the operation of assembly 1, it is however possible to thermally insulate the embankment 30 from ground 5. This is referred to as independent thermal storage.

[0076] It should be noted that basin 2 can effectively serve as a thermal buffer for rainwater before it flows into the retention area 32. Indeed, in winter, rainwater is at a very low temperature, for example around 0°C. The water contained in basin 2, on the other hand, is at a higher temperature. More precisely, the water at the bottom of basin 2 has a temperature close to that of the underlying portion of land 5, and the water at the surface has a temperature quite close to the outside temperature, for example around 5°C. The rainwater falling into basin 2 can thus at least reach the temperature prevailing at the surface of the water contained in basin 2. Due to the convection imposed on the water contained in basin 2 to prevent it from stagnating, it can be expected that the water Rainwater even reaches a higher temperature. The water flowing into retention zone 32 from basin 2 is therefore less cold than if it had not passed through basin 2. Consequently, the water in retention zone 32 is heated more rapidly by ground 5, typically to temperatures of around 10°C. This reasoning applies mutatis mutandis to a summer situation, where the rainwater is warm (for example, around 25°C) and undergoes initial cooling as it passes through basin 2 before being collected in retention zone 32 and cooled by ground 5, for example, to temperatures of around 15°C to 20°C.

[0077] Advantageously, assembly 1 includes a system for controlling the discharge of water from basin 2 to the water retention zone 32. This control system includes, for example, temperature sensors: at a minimum, one sensor for determining the temperature at the surface of the water in basin 2, and one sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the water retention zone 32, for example, at the bottom of that zone. The control system advantageously compares these temperatures. Based on this comparison, the control system actuates a component within the overflow management system 22 to allow or prevent the discharge of water from basin 2 to the water retention zone 32.Preferably the control system also operates this element based on at least one, and preferably several, parameters taken from: the season, data relating to the weather of the coming days, rainfall forecasts, the activation by the user of a command to fill the water retention area 32.

[0078] For example, in summer, if the embankment 30 and the ground 5 have effectively cooled the water contained in the water retention zone 32, it may be counterproductive to allow water to flow into the retention zone 32 from the basin 2, since the water in the basin could lead to warming the water in the retention zone 32. Thus, if the control system detects that the surface temperature of the water in the basin 2 is higher than the temperature of the water in the water retention zone 32, this discharge will be prevented. Conversely, if a summer storm has allowed the collection of very cool rainwater at the basin 2, and in particular rainwater colder than the water contained in the retention zone 32, then the control system will allow this discharge. A similar operation of the control system takes place in winter, to only allow the discharge of water when it is warmer than the water contained in the retention zone 32.It should be noted that it is envisaged that, if assembly 1 contains such a control system, it can be activated or not. Thus, if the aim is to prioritize water storage over the optimization of thermal storage, the control system can be deactivated to allow the latter. Water passage without conditions. Thermal storage will certainly be less optimized, but it will still be guaranteed to a satisfactory extent thanks to the properties of the 30 fill.

[0079] Furthermore, the user can choose to force the discharge of water from the basin to the retention zone 32, for example when a significant water need is a priority or when it is desired to avoid wasting water when an intervention in the basin requires partially emptying it.

[0080] Exploitation of the phenomenon of temperature stratification of the water contained in the basin

[0081] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], according to an advantageous example, assembly 1 is provided to contain means for conveying water from the bottom of basin 2 (for example, up to 1%, 5%, 10%, or possibly up to 100% of its height) to the retention zone 32. In this way, the natural temperature stratification phenomenon of the water 20 contained in basin 2, described above, is exploited: these means allow water at a temperature relative to the desired temperature to be drawn first from the most suitable zone of the basin for addition to the storage zone. This extraction of water 20 from basin 2 to the retention zone 32 via the bottom of basin 2 can be implemented in parallel with an overflow extraction as described previously, at the surface of the water 20 contained in basin 2.It may also be the only water extraction technique implemented for basin 2. It is also possible to consider that water extraction from basin 2 to retention zone 32 could be done solely by overflow.

[0082] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], the means for conveying water from the bottom of the basin 2 to the retention zone 32 advantageously comprise a valve 27 and a check valve 28. The check valve 28 prevents water contained in the retention zone 32 from flowing back into the basin 2. The valve 27 is advantageously controlled by a second control system 29 that allows adjustment of whether water can flow from the basin 2 to the retention zone 32 and, if so, at what flow rate. This second control system 29 can operate in an automatic mode, i.e., according to predefined instructions and based on various predefined parameters, in a manual mode in which it is controlled by a user, or in a hybrid mode.

[0083] The exploitation of the natural water temperature stratification phenomenon can be taken even further. In particular, according to an advantageous embodiment, assembly 1 is provided to contain several sets of means for conveying water from basin 2 to retention zone 2, these different sets of means being located at different height levels of basin 2. This yields the Various water extraction points are provided, each allowing the withdrawal of water from basin 2, which is at a different temperature. Advantageously, sensors are provided to determine the water temperature at each of these extraction points. This allows the selection, manually or automatically, of which extraction point(s) will be used to withdraw water from basin 2. In this embodiment, each set of extraction means is provided to include a valve, preferably a second control system, and possibly a different pump(s) to allow the selective withdrawal of water from one level or another within basin 2. A general control system, communicating with the second control systems, can manage in real time which extraction point(s) the water is conveyed from basin 2 to the retention zone 32.It is understood that the general control system, like each of the secondary control systems, can operate in automatic, manual, or hybrid mode.

[0084] The multiple points of water extraction from basin 2 to the retention zone allow for better control of the temperature of the water stored in the retention zone 32 and can also enable thermal optimization of basin 2 itself. For example, it is possible to select, automatically or manually, the extraction points from which water is actually extracted from basin 2 in order to maintain the water 20 in basin 2 at a set temperature.

[0085] It therefore appears that the water retention zone 32 allows for efficient thermal storage that can be used to heat or cool an external environment 8, as will be described in more detail.

[0086] Furthermore, the embankment zone 3, when not entirely filled with water, contains air which is also heated or cooled, depending on the season, by the ground 5. A space within the embankment zone 3 that is not filled with water can therefore be reserved for use as a thermal storage area. To limit the water level to a certain height in the embankment zone 3, several options are possible. For example, it is possible to include a water level detection mechanism that removes excess water beyond a predetermined threshold. In another example, the water level in the embankment zone 3 is regulated by means of a gravity drainage system, including, for example, an overflow device.

[0087] It is possible to use only one or both types of storage simultaneously, namely thermal storage in water and thermal storage in air.

[0088] With a view to promoting heat exchange between the water and / or air contained in the embankment zone 3 and the ground 5, it is advantageously provided that the waterproof membrane 31 has a thermal conductivity that facilitates these exchanges.

[0089] The means of thermal extraction from the water or air contained in the zone of embankment 3 towards an external environment 8 will now be described in more detail with reference to figures 2A to 2C.

[0090] Example of closed-loop thermal extraction with a heat pump

[0091] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2A], the assembly 1 comprises at least one drain 33 located at least partially in water contained within the retention zone 32 and allowing the circulation of a heat transfer fluid in a manner sealed against the backfill zone 3. In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is, for example, one of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). In this embodiment, the drain 33 does not have any openings allowing fluidic communication with the retention zone. The drain 33 serves only thermal drainage.

[0092] The drain 33 is configured to allow heat transfer between the water contained in the retention zone 32 and the heat transfer fluid, which allows the heat transfer fluid to be heated in winter and cooled in summer.

[0093] After passing through the retention zone 32, the heat transfer fluid is discharged from the backfill zone 3 via an outlet 34. This outlet 34 communicates with, or even corresponds to, an inlet 71 of a fluid circuit 7 into which the heat transfer fluid (cooled or heated as appropriate) is injected. The fluid circuit 7 includes a device 72 for transferring heat from the fluid to a secondary heat transfer fluid, or conversely, for transferring heat from the secondary heat transfer fluid to the heat transfer fluid. In this embodiment, this device 72 is typically a heat pump, preferably capable of operating both as a heater and as a cooler (reversible heat pump). After cooling or heating the secondary heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid is returned to the drain 33.It is understood that this circulation between the drain and the device 72 is in fact continuous, that there is constantly heat transfer fluid in the drain 33 and heat transfer fluid in the device 72. The secondary heat transfer fluid is conveyed to an external environment 8. It can be used to supply thermal emitters (radiator, underfloor heating, fan coil unit, etc.) located within the external environment 8.

[0094] The assembly consisting of the drain 33, the means for conveying the heat transfer fluid from the device 72 to the drain 33 and from the drain 33 to the device 72 is commonly referred to as the "primary circuit" 73. The circuit between the device 72 and the external environment is referred to as the "secondary circuit" 74. The arrows shown in [Fig. 2A] illustrate the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid and the secondary heat transfer fluid within the primary circuit 73 of the fluidic circuit 7, the secondary circuit 74 of the fluidic circuit 7, and the drain 33.

[0095] The heat transfer fluid being physically separated from the backfill 30 and the water contained in the embankment zone 3 by the drain 33 and the ground 5 and the external environment 8 by the fluidic circuit (that is to say that its circulation is done in a sealed manner), this embodiment is called "closed loop", the primary circuit and the secondary circuit each constituting a closed loop.

[0096] As in all embodiments of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the assembly contains several drains in order to maximize its energy efficiency. Advantageously, it is provided that at least one drain 33 is placed at the bottom of the water retention zone 32 and at least a second drain 33 is placed approximately halfway up the water retention zone 32. The drains 33 may, in particular, be installed in layers within the backfill zone 3. In order to prevent the drains 33 from being deformed and damaged by the weight of the backfill 30, it is advantageously provided that they have significant intrinsic mechanical strength or that they are placed in protective sleeves.

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of assembly 1 according to the invention, particularly in the case of the embodiment described herein. This figure notably shows how the drain(s) 33 can extend, in projection onto the horizontal plane XY, within the backfill zone 3. In the illustrated example, the backfill zone 3 defines a perimeter around the basin 2 extending in the horizontal plane XY over a length Lzr. It should be noted that the perimeter may be closed, as in Figure 3, or not. The drain 33 extends over a length Ld. In order to maximize the exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the backfill zone 3, it is advantageous to provide that the length Ld is at least greater than or equal to 50% of Lzr.

[0098] This embodiment using a heat pump allows efficient heat exchange between the retention zone 32 and the external environment 8. The coefficient of performance of this embodiment is estimated to be between 5 and 6.

[0099] Example of closed-loop thermal extraction without a heat pump

[0100] According to another embodiment not shown, the fluidic circuit 7 does not include a heat pump but a simple pump, and the drain 33 and the fluidic circuit 7 together form a single closed loop. The heat transfer fluid passing through the drain 33 and the fluidic circuit 7 can be pure water, salt water, glycol water, or one of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). In this embodiment, the drains allow heat exchange between the fluid in the retention zone 32 and the fluid inside the drain(s) 33. However, these drains 33 do not allow fluid to pass through their walls. For example, they are formed from a conduit with sealed walls, i.e., walls without openings.

[0101] The heat transfer fluid heated or cooled by the backfill 3 is, in this mode of operation The heat is then conveyed directly to an underfloor heating or cooling system, which acts as a heat emitter in winter and a cooling emitter in summer. The pump and the underfloor heating or cooling system thus work together to transfer heat between the fill area 3 and a dwelling 8.

[0102] Example of thermal extraction by "Canadian well"

[0103] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2B], thermal extraction from the backfill zone is achieved by drawing in air circulating within the backfill zone 3, according to the principle of a Canadian well. In this embodiment, the drain 33 is a conduit or pipe having one or more openings on its wall, thus allowing air to enter the conduit. These openings could, for example, be obtained by radial perforations. The drain 33 therefore allows, in this embodiment, both fluidic and thermal drainage.

[0104] In this embodiment, the drain 33 communicates with a fluidic circuit 7 comprising a controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) allowing the air found in the backfill zone 3 to be captured via the drain 33. The CMV allows the captured air to be conveyed to the external environment 8, typically a dwelling.

[0105] Advantageously, the fluidic circuit 7 is thermally insulated from the terrain 5 through which it passes in order to limit the heat exchange between the air circulating in the circuit 7 and the terrain 5. Indeed, the areas of the terrain 5 closest to the surface could in winter be at a lower temperature (in summer higher) than the temperature reached in the embankment area, and cool (in summer warm) the air being conveyed to the external environment 8, which would be counterproductive.

[0106] This VMC is typically located within the dwelling 8 or at least is not buried in the ground 5 in order to facilitate its maintenance.

[0107] As in the embodiment described above, the backfill zone 3 has an outlet 34. Air is evacuated through this outlet, which communicates with, or even corresponds to, an inlet 71 of a fluidic circuit 7.

[0108] The arrows shown in [Fig.2B] illustrate the direction of air flow within the fluidic circuit 7 and the drain 33.

[0109] The performance coefficient of this embodiment is estimated to be around 2.

[0110] Example of thermal extraction by water extraction from the retention zone

[0111] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2C], thermal extraction from the embankment area is done by taking water from the retention area 32. This water, cooled or heated by the embankment 3 and ground 5, can typically be used to supply a hydraulic floor heating or cooling circuit of an external environment 8, typically a dwelling 8.

[0112] In this embodiment, the drain 33 is a conduit or pipe having a or Several openings in its wall allow water contained in the retention zone 32 to enter the conduit. These openings could, for example, be obtained by radial perforations. In this embodiment, the drain 33 thus provides both fluid and thermal drainage.

[0113] As illustrated in [Fig. 2C], the drain 33 communicates with an outlet 34 of the backfill area, which itself communicates with, or corresponds to, an inlet 71 of the fluid circuit 7. This fluid circuit 7 includes a pump 75, which draws water from the retention area 32 via the drain 33. The water, heated or cooled by the backfill 3 and the ground 5, is typically conveyed by the pump to an underfloor heating or cooling system 76, which acts as a heat emitter in winter and a cooling emitter in summer. The pump 75 and the underfloor heating or cooling system 76 thus together enable heat transfer between the backfill area 3 and a dwelling 8.

[0114] The arrows shown on [Fig.2C] illustrate the direction of water flow within the fluidic circuit 7 and the drain 33. These two together constitute an open loop, since a fluidic exchange takes place between the drain 33 and the backfill zone 3.

[0115] Advantageously, the fluidic circuit 7 is thermally insulated from the terrain 5 through which it passes in order to limit the heat exchange between the water circulating in the circuit 7 and the terrain 5. Indeed, the areas of the terrain 5 closest to the surface could in winter be at a lower temperature (in summer higher) than the temperature reached in the embankment area, and cool (in summer heat) the water being conveyed to the external environment 8, which would be counterproductive.

[0116] The heat transfer fluid can therefore be, depending on the embodiment chosen: • A heat transfer fluid circulating in the backfill zone 3 and fluidically isolated from the water and air contained in the backfill zone 3, • Air drawn from the backfill zone 3, • Rainwater drawn from retention area 32.

[0117] As previously stated, it is possible to implement one or more of the embodiments of thermal extraction from the backfill zone 3 within the same assembly 1. The assembly 1 may in particular include the elements necessary for the implementation of several of these embodiments and be operated either simultaneously or successively for the implementation of the different types of thermal extraction.

[0118] In all the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an outlet from the water retention zone 32 in order to draw water for any type of use, for example domestic.

[0119] Examples of basin and backfill area sizing

[0120] The following paragraphs aim to present an example of the sizing of basin 2 and the surrounding backfill area 3. It has been shown that these dimensions allow for very satisfactory results in terms of thermal and water storage, while corresponding to standard formats for basins with a specific purpose. These dimensions are naturally given as an example, and other dimensions can perfectly well be used for the design of the basin and the backfill area.

[0121] Basin 2 may have the following dimensions: • A length Lb approximately equal to 8 meters, • A width lb approximately equal to 4 meters, • A height hb approximately equal to 1.68 meters.

[0122] Basin 2 then has a surface area in the horizontal plane XY of 32 m2.

[0123] In a completely conventional manner, basin 2 may have a shell 25 (by example in gravel of type "rice grain") with a thickness of approximately 7 cm.

[0124] The backfill zone 3 can extend around the basin 2, along its entire perimeter, to a width lr of 60 cm. The backfill zone 3 then has the following dimensions: • A length Lzr approximately equal to 8 meters, • A width lzr approximately equal to 4.6 meters,

[0125] The embankment zone 3 then has a volume of 26.6 m3. This is the volume which is at least partially occupied by the embankment 30. The filling rate of the embankment zone 3 by the embankment 30, depending in particular on the grain size of the embankment 30, is typically 50%.

[0126] Furthermore, the volume occupied by the hull 25 at the bottom of the basin 2 is in this example 2.2 m3. The volumetric occupancy within the hull of the gravel forming it can also be estimated at 50%.

[0127] Thus, the total volume available for water storage is 14.4 m3.

[0128] Advantages of water storage enabled by the invention

[0129] As previously stated, the backfill zone 3 allows not only thermal storage but also, simultaneously or alternatively, water storage. The water stored in the backfill zone 3 comes from the surplus water in the basin 2. It may also come from other types of discharges. Indeed, it can be anticipated that the retention zone 32 will be supplied by at least one of the following: water flowing onto the ground, rainwater from a roof, rainwater from a terrace with a waterproof coating, or rainwater from a road or path.

[0130] This water storage can have two objectives, which are not mutually exclusive. The first is simple water retention: the waterproof membrane 31 allows water to be stored, and an outlet is advantageously provided in this membrane. A watertight outlet 31 is used to discharge water into a public network or directly into the ground 5. The dimensions of this outlet are chosen so that the discharge rate is adapted to the characteristics of the ground 5. A second objective is storage for later use. In this case, it is advantageous for assembly 1 to include a settling tank in which the water is filtered or even sterilized before use.

[0131] The watertight membrane 31 advantageously comprises a fluid outlet 36 and a control device for extracting water stored in the retention zone 32. The control device allows for the control of water extraction via the fluid outlet 36 and parameters characterizing this extraction. For example, the control device can prevent any water stored in the retention zone from escaping through the fluid outlet 36. It can also allow such an exit. Advantageously, it allows for control of the flow rate at which water exits through the fluid outlet 36. The control system can be configured to allow or prevent water from exiting through the fluid outlet according to predetermined parameters, and thus operate in an automatic mode.The existence of such an automatic mode does not, however, preclude manual operation, in which the control device is entirely controlled by the user, or hybrid operation.

[0132] A fluidic drain 35 communicating with this outlet 36 can allow the water located in the retention zone 32 to be extracted via the fluidic outlet 36.

[0133] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the fluid outlet 36 can be used to return the collected water to the ground 5. The fluid outlet 36 can also connect to a conduit carrying the water to a public or private network. In both cases, the system is for water storage solely for retention purposes.

[0134] The fluid outlet 36 can also communicate with a conduit carrying the water to a settling tank. This constitutes water storage intended for later use of the stored water. It is understood that the watertight membrane 31 can include two fluid outlets, one for each of these applications, or a single fluid outlet connected to two separate conduits. As illustrated in [Fig. 2D], according to an advantageous embodiment, assembly 1 includes a water distribution device 37. This device 37 can take various forms, depending on the uses chosen for water recovery. For example, it could be a tap, a household appliance, or even an automatic garden sprinkler system.It should be noted that it is conceivable that the same circuit could be used to convey water to the external environment 8 for water consumption needs and for thermal needs of the external environment 8, particularly in the case where water storage is planned within the external environment 8.

[0135] This water distribution equipment 37 is in communication with the outlet fluidic 36, possibly via a settling tank as previously described.

[0136] Advantageously, assembly 1 includes a pump 38 for drawing water from the retention area 32 and conveying it to the water distribution equipment 37.

[0137] Exploitation of the phenomenon of temperature stratification of water and / or air contained in the backfill zone

[0138] The phenomenon of water temperature stratification, described previously with reference to water 20 contained in basin 2, is also observed within the retention zone 32. This phenomenon can also be exploited at this level: it is advantageously anticipated that thermal extraction from the embankment zone 3 to the external environment 8 can take place at several heights of the embankment zone.

[0139] In particular, according to an advantageous embodiment, assembly 1 is provided to contain several fluid outlets located at different heights of the embankment zone 3. These fluid outlets can be fluid outlets allowing the extraction of a heat transfer fluid that has circulated within the embankment 30, of water contained in the retention zone 32, or of air contained in the embankment zone 3, according to any one of the embodiments described above for thermal or hydric extraction from the embankment zone 3.

[0140] This provides several thermal and / or hydraulic extraction points, each of which allows water or air to be drawn from the backfill zone 3, which is at a different temperature. Advantageously, sensors are provided to determine the temperature of the water or air at each of these extraction points. This allows the selection, manually or automatically, of which extraction point(s) the water or air will be drawn from basin 2. In this embodiment, each of the fluid outlets is associated with a different valve, and preferably with a third, different control system and possibly a different pump, in order to selectively draw water or air from one level or another of the backfill zone 30.A general control system, in communication with the third control systems, can manage in real time at which extraction point(s) water or air is conveyed from the retention zone 32 to the external environment 8. It is understood that the general control system, as well as each of the third control systems, can operate in an automatic, manual or hybrid mode.

[0141] The multiple thermal or hydraulic extraction points at the retention zone 32 allow for better control of the temperature of the water and / or air extracted from the retention zone 32. This improves the efficiency of the system. heating or cooling of the external environment 8, or choosing the temperature of the water to be recovered for a specific subsequent use. For example, it is possible to select, automatically or manually, the extraction points through which water or air is actually drawn from the retention zone 32 in order to temper the external environment 8 to a setpoint temperature.

[0142] The following paragraphs aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of the water storage system according to the invention with numerical results.

[0143] In France, in Brittany and in Bouches-du-Rhône, the annual rainfall is respectively 1.2 m / year / m2 and 0.55 m / year / m2. Thus, for a basin of 8x4 meters, 38 m3 and 17.6 m3 of rainwater fall on this basin each year respectively.

[0144] Considering that the backfill area 3 extends over a width lr of 60 cm all around the basin 2 in the horizontal plane XY, its storage capacity is approximately 15 m3, which allows, for a basin of 8x4x1.68 m3, to contain enough to renew more than a quarter of the basin 2.

[0145] Thus, by using rainwater to rinse filters of basin 2 and / or to replenish basin 2 after possible evaporation or overflow of water from basin 2 during its use, the latter is totally water neutral for regions with an annual rainfall greater than 380 mm / year / m2, which is the case in the majority of European countries.

[0146] If we consider an embankment area 3 with a width lr of 90 cm instead of 60 cm around basin 2, the water storage capacity increases to 22 m3, which allows, for a basin of 8x4x1.68 m3, to contain enough to renew approximately 40% of basin 2. Thus, by using rainwater to rinse filters of basin 2 and / or to refill basin 2 after possible evaporation or overflow of water from basin 2 during its use, basin 2 becomes neutral in water consumption in regions with an annual rainfall greater than 250 mm / year.

[0147] In addition to water retention and recovery, storing water within the retention area 32 further improves the mechanical stability of the basin 2 and / or the site 5 provided by the backfill area 3. Indeed, the weight of the water adds to the weight and mechanical rigidity of the backfill and, potentially, the gabions. The backfill area 3 thus becomes even more resistant to the forces exerted on it by the wall(s) of the basin 2 and / or the site 5.

[0148] Furthermore, the water stored in the retention zone 32 is a very important advantage for mechanically maintaining the wall(s) of the basin 2 during the emptying of the latter.

[0149] The water stored in the retention area 32 also constitutes a water reserve which can be used in case of fire or water shortage. This is also true for the water contained in basin 2.

[0150] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (1) comprising a basin (2) arranged at least partially in a cavity of a terrain (5) and a backfill zone (3), the backfill zone (3) being located at least between a wall (21) of the basin (2) and a wall (41) of the cavity (4), the backfill zone (3) comprising: • An embankment (30) configured to ensure mechanical maintenance of at least one of the wall (21) of the basin (2) and the wall (41) of the cavity (4), • A waterproof membrane (31) at least partially surrounding the embankment (30) so as to define a water retention zone (32) within the backfill zone (3), the assembly being configured so that at least a first part of the water retention zone (32) collects rainwater flowing onto the terrain (5) and / or coming from the basin (2), • At least one fluidic outlet (36), • A control device configured to selectively control,an extraction of rainwater contained in the water retention zone (32) by the fluid outlet (36).,

2. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim further comprising a settling tank, and in which the fluid outlet (36) communicates with said settling tank.

3. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising water distribution equipment (37) in communication with the fluid outlet (36), the assembly being configured so that the water distribution equipment (37) can be supplied by rainwater extracted by the fluid outlet (36), the water distribution equipment (37) being taken from among a tap, household appliance, automatic garden watering.

4. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim further comprising a pump (38) for extracting water from the retention zone (32) through the fluid outlet (36) and conveying it to the water distribution equipment (37).

5. An assembly (1) according to any preceding claim further comprising a fluid drain (35) configured to convey rainwater from the retention area (32) to the fluid outlet (36).

6. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim in which the fluid drain (35) is placed at the bottom of the retention zone (32).

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the backfill (30) contains crushed stone, the crushed stone having a grain size greater than 4 cm.

8. An assembly (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the membrane (31) is based on an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

9. An assembly (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the backfill area (3) comprises gabions, the backfill being disposed in the gabions.

10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a device for controlling the discharge of water contained in the basin (2) towards the water retention zone (32).

11. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim in which the water discharge control device is configured to control the discharge of water contained in the basin (2) towards the water retention zone (32) as a function of at least one of the following parameters: a water level in the basin (2), a water level in the water retention zone (32), the season, data relating to the weather for the coming days, rainfall forecasts, activation by a user of a command to fill the water retention zone (32), a set temperature of the water in the basin.

12. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the water retention zone extends over at least 60% of the height of the backfill zone (3), preferably at least 80%, preferably 100%.

13. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the basin (2) has a volume Vb and the water retention zone (32) has a volume Vretention, with Vretention / Vb> 3.

14. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured so that the rainwater collected by at least the first part of the water retention zone (32) comes from the basin (2), in part or only, by overflowing from the basin (2) and / or by overflowing by being conveyed from the basin (2).

15. An assembly (1) according to any preceding claim further comprising: • At least one drain (33) configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid therein, a portion of the drain (33) being located in the backfill zone (3) and being configured to allow heat transfer between the backfill zone (3) and the heat transfer fluid, • At least one fluid outlet (34) configured to extract the heat transfer fluid present in the backfill zone (3), the set (1) further comprising: • A thermal insulation layer (6) located between said wall (21) of the basin (2) and the backfill (30) and configured so as to form a thermal barrier for heat exchanges between water contained in the basin (2) and the backfill (30), • A fluid circuit (7) comprising: i. an inlet (71) for a heat transfer fluid present in the backfill zone (3), ii. a device (72) connected to said inlet (71) and configured to transfer to an external medium (8) one of the heat transfer fluid and heat from the heat transfer fluid.

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