Homogeneous vertical irrigation
The method of distributing a first flow into multiple second flows with tailored flow rates and gravity-guided distribution addresses uneven irrigation in vertical structures, ensuring uniform water distribution based on humidity measurements.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Achieving homogeneous irrigation of vegetated vertical structures is challenging due to uneven water distribution, with plants at the top receiving excess water or those at the base receiving insufficient water, regardless of the irrigation method used.
A method involving the conveyance of a first flow of liquid to a first altitude, distribution into multiple second flows with lower flow rates, and gravity-guided distribution to distinct lower altitudes, with flow rates and altitudes tailored to achieve uniform irrigation based on humidity measurements.
Ensures uniform water distribution across the vertical structure, overcoming pressure imbalances and achieving improved irrigation homogeneity, even with natural porosity variations.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Homogeneous vertical irrigation technical field
[0001] The present presentation falls within the field of irrigation.
[0002] More specifically, the present exposition relates to the homogeneous irrigation of vegetated vertical structures. STATE OF THE ART
[0003] In order for a vertical structure to be vegetated in a homogeneous manner over its entire height, it is necessary that the plants which decorate it all receive a homogeneous supply of water.
[0004] Homogeneous vertical irrigation is, however, difficult to achieve.
[0005] Indeed, a water inlet can be provided at the top of the vertical structure. But, In this case, the plants located closest to the top are irrigated in excess compared to the other plants, since the former capture the water first, to the detriment of the latter.
[0006] Alternatively, water can be pressurized and piped from the base of the vertical structure to successive intermediate altitudes. In this case, however, the plants located closest to the base of the vertical structure are irrigated more than the other plants. Indeed, due to the pressure balance, the water from the base of the vertical structure will preferentially be released at the plants located at the lowest altitudes, to the detriment of the plants located at the highest altitudes.
[0007] Whatever irrigation method is thus envisaged, the water is therefore supplied to the plants in a vertically inhomogeneous manner. GENERAL STATEMENT
[0008] The present exposition aims to achieve homogeneous irrigation of a vegetated vertical structure.
[0009] In this regard, according to one aspect of the present exposition, a method for irrigating a vegetated vertical structure is proposed, comprising: a conveyance of a first flow of a liquid to a first altitude of the vegetated vertical structure, in which the first flow has a first flow rate; a distribution of the first flow into a plurality of second flows of the liquid, in which each of the plurality of second flows has a second flow rate strictly lower than the first flow rate, in which the distribution is implemented at the first altitude; a gravity flow guidance of each of the plurality of second flows from the first altitude to a second altitude of the vegetated vertical structure, so as to irrigate the vegetated vertical structure at the second altitude, wherein the second altitude is strictly lower than the first altitude, and wherein the second altitude of one of the plurality of second flows is distinct from the second altitude of another of the plurality of second flows.
[0010] The second flow rate of one of the plurality of second flows can be identical to the second flow rate of another of the plurality of second flows.
[0011] The second flow of one of the plurality of second flows can be distinct from the second flow of another of the plurality of second flows.
[0012] The second flow rate of one of the plurality of second flows can be strictly greater than the second flow rate of the other of the plurality of second flows, and the second altitude of one of the plurality of second flows can be strictly greater than the second altitude of the other of the plurality of second flows.
[0013] The conveyance can be implemented from a measurement of a humidity at a third altitude of the vertical vegetated structure, so that the first flow depends on the measurement of the humidity, in which the third altitude is strictly lower than the first altitude.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present exposition, a method of mounting an irrigation system on a vegetated vertical structure is proposed, the method comprising: fixing a first pipe of the irrigation system to the vegetated vertical structure, such that a first end of the first pipe is positioned at a first altitude of the vegetated vertical structure, in which the first pipe is configured to carry a first flow of a liquid to the first end, in which the first flow has a first flow rate; an attachment of an irrigation system distributor at the first elevation of the vegetated vertical structure such that the distributor is fluidically connected to the first end of the first pipe, wherein the distributor is configured to divide the first flow into a plurality of second flows of the liquid, wherein each of the plurality of second flows has a second flow rate strictly lower than the first flow rate; and a fixation of a plurality of second pipes to the vertical vegetated structure, such that a first end of each of the plurality of second pipes is positioned at the first altitude of the vertical vegetated structure and fluidically connected to the distributor, and that a second end of each of the plurality of second pipes, opposite the first end, is positioned at a second altitude of the vertical vegetated structure, in which the second altitude is strictly lower than the first altitude, in which the second altitude of the second end of one of the plurality of second pipes is distinct from the second altitude of the second end of another of the plurality of second pipes, in which each of the plurality of second pipes is configured to guide a gravity flow of each of the plurality of second flows from the first end to the second end.
[0015] The assembly method may further include: a fluid connection from a second end of the first pipe, opposite the first end of the first pipe, to a feed device configured to supply the first flow; and a fixing of a humidity sensor to the vertical vegetated structure at a third altitude; in which the feeding device is configured to adjust the first flow rate according to a humidity measurement taken by the humidity sensor.
[0016] The vertical vegetated structure may include a support and a wall, in which the wall delimits an enclosure, and in which the support and a growing substrate are positioned within the enclosure; in which the first conduit and the plurality of second conduits are fixed to the support.
[0017] The mounting method may further include the attachment of equipment to the support, in which the equipment is telecommunications equipment, road signaling equipment and / or lighting equipment.
[0018] The equipment can be fixed at a fourth altitude strictly higher than the first altitude. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the irrigation of a vertical vegetated structure.
[0020] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates elements of a system for irrigating a vertical vegetated structure.
[0021] Fig. 3 is an exploded schematic view of elements of a vertical structure to be vegetated and of a system for irrigating this structure.
[0022] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps in an irrigation process according to the present exposition.
[0023] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps in an assembly process according to the present exposition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Vegetated vertical structure
[0025] A vertical structure 1 has a vertical axis V along which it extends. The vertical axis V coincides with a gravitational field line surrounding the vertical structure 1, once the vertical structure 1 is fixed to the ground or to any element resting on the ground.
[0026] The vertical structure 1 may have a preferred extension direction coinciding with the vertical axis V. In this case, the vertical structure 1 may take the form of a column. Alternatively, the vertical structure 1 may have a preferred extension plane to which the vertical axis V belongs. In this case, the vertical structure 1 may take the form of a wall. Or, the vertical structure 1 may take a more complex three-dimensional form.
[0027] The vertical structure 1 is configured to be vegetated, that is, it is configured to accommodate a plant growing substrate 10 and to allow the growth of plants planted in the substrate 10. The substrate 10 can be of any kind as long as it is suitable for the growth of the plants planted in it. Typically, the substrate 10 can be soil, sand, gravel, etc. Furthermore, the plants can be flowers, cereals, fruits, algae, mosses, etc., or fungi. Vegetation can advantageously cover all or part of the external surface of the vertical structure 1, for example, to provide aesthetic decoration or thermal insulation. This is not, however, a limitation, since the vertical structure 1 can also serve as a support for soilless agricultural production.
[0028] In one embodiment, the vertical vegetated structure 1 takes the form of a vegetated column 1, for example, intended to enhance an urban environment. The vegetated column 1 comprises a central support 11 forming a framework. The central support 11 may include a base 111, a longitudinal body 112 extending along the vertical axis V from the base 111, and a top 113 forming the longitudinal end of the vegetated column 1 opposite its base 111. The base 111, the longitudinal body 112, and the top 113 may be a single unit or constitute separate parts assembled together. The base 111 is intended to be fixed to the ground. The longitudinal body 112 is intended to support all the elements of the vegetated column 1 that are distributed along the vertical axis V.The head 113 can be designed to support equipment, such as telecommunications equipment, road signage equipment, and / or lighting equipment. The vegetated column 1 further includes a wall 12 surrounding the central support 11 so as to define an enclosure within which the central support 11 extends at least partially. The wall 12 can be tubular in shape, centered on the central support 11. The enclosure is designed to receive the growing medium 10. This is why the wall 12... can be pierced with a plurality of 120 holes through which plants planted in the substrate 10 can develop.
[0029] In another embodiment, the vertical structure 1 is a functional piece of equipment, such as a telecommunications antenna or a streetlamp, which is planted with vegetation. Where appropriate, the functional piece of equipment forms a central support which is then fitted with a wall surrounding the functional piece of equipment so as to delimit an enclosure within which the functional element extends at least partially. Here again, the enclosure is intended to receive the growing medium, and this is why the wall can be pierced with a plurality of openings through which the plants planted in the medium can grow.
[0030] Irrigation method
[0031] In order to ensure homogeneous irrigation E of the substrate 10 along the vertical axis V, a first flow Fl of a liquid, typically water, is conveyed El to a first elevation Al of the vegetated vertical structure 1. The first elevation Al may or may not correspond to the top of the vegetated vertical structure 1, that is, to its end opposite its point of attachment, along the vertical axis V. The first elevation Al is, however, generally chosen to be higher than the elevation of the highest plant in the vegetated vertical structure 1. The first flow Fl may or may not be conveyed from an elevation higher than the first elevation Al. The first flow Fl is, however, generally conveyed from an elevation strictly lower than the first elevation Al and must, therefore, be pressurized accordingly. The first flow Fl has a first flow rate.Advantageously, the first flow rate depends - that is to say, is determined from - a measurement of a humidity at an altitude A3 of the vertical vegetated structure 1 which is strictly lower than the first altitude AL. Preferably, this humidity is measured within the substrate 10, but this is not limiting, as it can be measured in the air in the vicinity of the substrate 10.
[0032] The first flow Fl is then distributed E2, at the first altitude Al, into a plurality of second flows F2, F2', F2” of the liquid. Each of the second flows F2, F2', F2’’ has a second flow rate, strictly lower than the first flow rate. Two of the second flows F2, F2', F2” may have the same second flow rate, or even all of the second flows F2, F2', F2” may have the same second flow rate. Alternatively, two of the second flows F2, F2', F2” may have distinct second flow rates, or even all of the second flow rates may be distinct from each other. Advantageously, the distribution E2 is implemented based on the moisture measurement at altitude A3 of the vegetated vertical structure 1, which is strictly lower than the first altitude Al, so that one, if not all, of the second flow rates depends on the moisture measurement.
[0033] Each of the second flows F2, F2', F2” is then guided E3 by gravity from the first altitude Al to a second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2’” of the vertical vegetated structure 1, the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2’” being strictly lower than the first altitude Al. In other words, a fluid element from one of the second flows F2, F2', F2” falls from the first altitude Al to one of the second altitudes A2, A2', A2”, A2’”, in a guided manner. Thus, the fluid element is at atmospheric pressure from the first altitude Al to the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2’”’. In this way, the vertical vegetated structure 1 is irrigated at the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2’”’. This irrigation can be implemented by pouring the second flow F2, F2', F2” into the substrate 10, at the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2'”.Alternatively, irrigation can be implemented by projecting drops from the second flow F2, F2', F2” onto the substrate 10 and / or the plants planted therein, at the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2”'. In any case, the second altitudes A2, A2', A2”, A2’” are distinct from each other.
[0034] The distribution of the first flow Fl at the first altitude Al and the gravitational flow of the second flows F2, F2', F2” from the first altitude Al to the second altitudes A2, A2', A2”, A2'”, ensures that the second flow rates remain the same from the first altitude Al to the second altitudes A2, A2', A2”, A2'”. In other words, it is thus possible to overcome the phenomenon of pressure equilibrium at distinct altitudes whereby the liquid would tend to distribute itself in an unbalanced manner depending on the altitude to which it is conveyed.
[0035] Improved irrigation homogeneity is thus achieved, particularly when all the second flows F2, F2', F2” have the same second flow rate. In fact, this ensures that the plants at each second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2’”, receive the same quantity of liquid. However, the best possible irrigation homogeneity is not necessarily achieved when the same quantity of liquid is supplied at all the second altitudes A2, A2', A2”, A2’”. Indeed, when the liquid is poured into the substrate 10, due to its natural porosity, some of the liquid is likely to percolate from higher to lower altitudes, so that the irrigation is slightly excessive at the lower altitudes. To compensate for this gravity gradient in liquid distribution, it may be advantageous to implement a counter-gradient irrigation.In this regard, the distribution E3 of the first flow Fl can be implemented so that a second flow F2, F2', F2" whose second altitude A2, A2', A2", A2'" is greater than the second altitude A2, A2', A2", A2'" of another second flow F2, F2', F2", has a second flow rate also greater than the second flow rate of the other second flow F2, F2', F2".
[0036] Assembly method
[0037] Various irrigation systems 2 can be used to implement the irrigation process E. An example of a suitable irrigation system 2 includes a first pipe 21 configured to carry E1 the first flow Fl, a plurality of second pipes 22, each configured to guide E3 the gravity flow of one of the second flows F2, F2', F2”, and a distributor 23 configured to distribute E2 the first flow Fl into the plurality of second flows F2, F2', F2”. The pipes 21, 22 can take any suitable shape, typically being tubular, rigid or not, of variable length, and comprised of any suitable material. Similarly, the distributor 23 can be of any suitable structure, as long as it is configured to be fluidically connected to the first pipe 21 on the one hand, and to the plurality of second pipes 22 on the other.
[0038] To equip F the vertical vegetated structure 1 with the irrigation system 2, the first pipe 21 is fixed Fl, in a removable or non-removable manner, to the vertical vegetated structure 1, so that a first end 211 of the first pipe 21 is positioned at the first altitude Al of the vertical vegetated structure 1.
[0039] A second end 222 of the first pipe 21, opposite the first end, is connected to a supply device 3 configured to provide the first flow Fl of liquid, for example under a certain pressure. The supply device 3 may typically include a supply valve providing the interface between the irrigation system 2 and the municipal network. Alternatively, the supply device 3 may include a pump. In any case, the first pipe 21 is configured to carry the first flow Fl from its second end 212 to its first end 211.
[0040] The distributor 23 is also fixed F2, removably or not, to the vertical vegetated structure 1, at the first altitude Al, so as to be connected in a fluidic way to the first end 211 of the first pipe 21.
[0041] The plurality of second pipes 22 is further fixed F3 to the vertical vegetated structure 1 such that a first end 221 of each of the second pipes 22 is positioned at the first altitude Al and fluidically connected to the distributor 23, that a second end 222 of each of the second pipes 22, opposite to the first end, is positioned at a second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2'” of the vertical vegetated structure 1 which is strictly lower than the first altitude Al, and that the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2'” of the second end 222 of one of the second pipes 22 is distinct from the second altitude A2, A2', A2”, A2”' of the second end 222 of another of the second pipes 22. Each of the second pipes 22 is thus configured to guide the gravity flow of one of the second flows F2, F2', F2” from its first end 221 to its second end 222.
[0042] When the vertical vegetated structure 1 is a vegetated column 1, the first conduit 21 and the plurality of second conduits 22 can be attached to the central support 11. Furthermore, in addition to the conduits 21 and 22, equipment such as telecommunications equipment, road signaling equipment, and / or lighting equipment can be attached to the central support 11, typically on its top 113. If necessary, for space reasons, the equipment can be attached at a fourth height strictly higher than the first height AL
[0043] When the vertical structure 1 to be planted is a functional element, the first pipe 21 and the plurality of second pipes 22 can be fixed to the functional element.
[0044] A humidity sensor 4 can be fixed to the vertical vegetated structure 1, at a third altitude A3, strictly lower than the first altitude AL. If necessary, the supply device 3 can be configured to adjust the first flow rate of the first stream Fl according to a humidity measurement made by the humidity sensor 4. Similarly, the distributor 23 can be configured to adjust the distribution E2 of the first stream Fl into the plurality of second streams F2, F2', F2" according to the humidity measurement made by the humidity sensor 4, typically by modifying one, if not all, of the second flow rates.
Claims
Demands
1. Irrigation method (E) of a vegetated vertical structure (1) comprising: a conveyance (E1) of a first flow (F1) of a liquid to a first altitude (A1) of the vegetated vertical structure (1), in which the first flow (F1) has a first flow rate; a distribution (E2) of the first flow (F1) into a plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2") of the liquid, in which each of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2") has a second flow rate strictly lower than the first flow rate, in which the distribution (E2) is implemented at the first altitude (A1);a guidance (E3) of a gravity flow of each of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) from the first altitude (Al) to a second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) of the vegetated vertical structure (1), so as to irrigate the vegetated vertical structure (1) at the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2”'), in which the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2”') is strictly lower than the first altitude (Al), and in which the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) of one of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) is distinct from the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) of another of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2',F2”).;
2. Irrigation method (E) according to claim 1, wherein the second flow rate of one of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) is identical to the second flow rate of another of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”).
3. Irrigation method (E) according to claim 1, wherein the second flow of one of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) is distinct from the second flow of another of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”).
4. Irrigation method (E) according to claim 3, wherein the second flow rate of one of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) is strictly greater than the second flow rate of the other of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”), and the second elevation (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) of one of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) is strictly greater than the second elevation (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) on the other side of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”).
5. Irrigation method (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conveyance (El) is implemented from a moisture measurement at a third altitude (A3) of the vegetated vertical structure (1), such that the first flow depends on the moisture measurement, wherein the third altitude (A3) is strictly lower than the first altitude (Al).
6. Method of mounting (F) an irrigation system (2) on a vegetated vertical structure (1), the method comprising: a fixing (Fl) of a first pipe (21) of the irrigation system (2) to the vegetated vertical structure (1), such that a first end (211) of the first pipe (21) is positioned at a first altitude (Al) of the vegetated vertical structure (1), in which the first pipe (21) is configured to carry a first flow (Fl) of a liquid to the first end (211), in which the first flow (Fl) has a first flow rate;a fixing (F2) of a distributor (23) of the irrigation system (2) at the first altitude (Al) of the vertical vegetated structure (1) such that the distributor (23) is fluidically connected to the first end (211) of the first pipe (21), in which the distributor (23) is configured to distribute the first flow (Fl) into a plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2") of the liquid, in which each of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2") has a second flow rate strictly lower than the first flow rate;and an attachment (F3) of a plurality of second pipes (22) to the vertical vegetated structure (1), such that a first end (221) of each of the plurality of second pipes (22) is positioned at the first altitude (Al) of the vertical vegetated structure (1) and fluidically connected to the distributor (23), and that a second end (222) of each of the plurality of second pipes (22), opposite to the first end (221), is positioned at a second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) of the vertical vegetated structure (1), in which the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2'”) is strictly lower than the first altitude (Al), in which the second altitude (A2, A2', A2”, A2”') of the second end (222) of one of the plurality of second pipes (22) is distinct from the second altitude (A2,; A2', A2”, A2”') of the second end (222) of another of the plurality of second conduits (22), in which each of the plurality of second conduits (22) is configured to guide a gravity flow of each of the plurality of second flows (F2, F2', F2”) from the first end (221) to the second end (222).
7. Assembly method according to claim 6, further comprising: a fluid connection from a second end (212) of the first pipe (21), opposite the first end (211) of the first pipe (21), to a supply device (3) configured to provide the first flow (Fl); and an attachment of a moisture sensor (4) to the vertical vegetated structure (1) at a third altitude (A3); wherein the supply device (3) is configured to adjust the first flow rate according to a moisture measurement made by the moisture sensor (4).
8. Assembly method according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the vertical vegetated structure (1) comprises a support (11) and a wall (12), wherein the wall (12) delimits an enclosure, and wherein the support (11) and a culture substrate are positioned in the enclosure; wherein the first pipe (21) and the plurality of second pipes (22) are fixed to the support (11).
9. Mounting method according to claim 8, further comprising the attachment of equipment to the support (11), wherein the equipment is telecommunications equipment, road signaling equipment and / or lighting equipment.
10. Mounting method according to claim 9, wherein the equipment is fixed at a fourth altitude strictly higher than the first altitude (Al).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Vertically mounted cropping and irrigation system
CN111669967A
GREEN WALL SYSTEM
FR3071129A1