Device for precipitation absorption and evaporation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for absorbing precipitation from rainfall events, particularly heavy rainfall events, and draining it by evaporation, comprising at least one textile element (12) for absorbing water from raindrops and / or draining water by evaporation, the textile element (12) being designed or embodied as a 3D textile structure (13) with a first, water-permeable layer (14) and a second, water-conducting layer (16), the layers (14, 16) being interconnected by water-conducting connecting yarns (18), the textile element (12) preferably being fluidly connected to a water collection device (24) via a drainage pipe (20) and / or to a water supply device (26, 67) via a water supply pipe (22). A facade system (100) is defined that includes such a device (10) separating the interior (inside) I of a building from the external space (outside) O, said facade system (100) optionally consisting of one or more layers (104, 106, 108, 110) and / or modules, which may or may not comprise at least one fluid-flow layer (104, 108), a thermal insulation layer (106), an internal layer (110), these components of the facade system (100) and / or the holding device and / or the frame profile (34, 34') of the device (10) being preferably attached or attachable to a modular profile system (102, 102').

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for precipitation absorption from rainfall events and drainage by evaporation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such a device as a construction element in, on or outside a building or civil engineering structure, and to the use of at least one such device on or in the facade of a new or existing building. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a (multi-layer) facade system incorporating such a device for separating the interior of a building from the exterior space. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for operating such a device or a (multi-layer) facade system in, on or outside a building, and to a method for controlling and / or regulating a device for absorbing and draining (precipitation) water. The method may optionally include software. [Background technology]

[0002] In and on buildings, precipitation is usually discharged, for example, by hitting the facade or roof of a building that separates the interior from the exterior, and then draining into gutters and into the sewer system, so that discharge is possible, at least under normal weather conditions.

[0003] Given the growing global population and increasing urbanization, as well as the increasing impact of climate on urban structures due to extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat and heavy rainfall, new possibilities, methods and systems are needed to mitigate climate-related risks, especially those of flooding and heat stress.

[0004] Ongoing urbanization and re-densification increase the proportion of enclosed areas, increasing the risk of urban flooding. As urban spaces become more dense, more enclosed areas with drainage effects are connected to the existing sewerage infrastructure. This often exceeds the hydraulic capacity of conventional sewer systems in the event of heavy rainfall events, leading to the risk of flooding with significant property damage and injury to people. The consequences range from selective flooding of road spaces to severe flooding of entire streets and damage to infrastructure and buildings. Resizing the existing sewerage system, even if possible, would require a huge amount of work and costs.

[0005] Furthermore, absorption of solar energy by urban pavements and building surfaces significantly increases temperatures. Global warming could lead to similar temperature increases in the future. Apart from heat stress, this creates the so-called "urban heat island" effect, which poses health risks, especially for older people.

[0006] Both extreme events (floods and heat stress) will be further intensified by climate change. Forecasts predict an increase in heavy rainfall events with intensities far exceeding prescribed rainfall limits, as well as a significant increase in temperatures accompanied by an increase in the number of consistently hot days. Therefore, there is an urgent need for retention areas for decentralized infiltration of stormwater, especially in dense urban areas.

[0007] To reduce the impact on sewerage systems and improve local climates, the so-called "sponge city" concept is being promoted internationally. It involves more decentralized collection, retention, and evaporation of precipitation in local areas or special reservoirs, such as trench and moat systems and green roofs. Based on DIN (German Industrial Standard) 1986-10, local governments can limit maximum stormwater discharge or prescribe on-site retention options to avoid overloading public sewer systems. However, open cavities for decentralized infiltration, such as trench and moat systems, generally require large spaces that are often unavailable in densely populated urban areas and inner-city structures. In this case, building surfaces, such as facades, are particularly important for improving urban stormwater and temperature management.

[0008] From the prior art, conventional methods for rainwater collection through gutters and similarly functioning collection systems in the facade area are also known, which are inefficient with high material requirements and low water yield due to the splashing of rainwater droplets on "hard surfaces".

[0009] "Green facade systems" are also known as cutting-edge technologies, but are also criticized for their high maintenance intensity, requiring constant water and nutrient supply. Precipitation falling on the facade is usually not sufficient to maintain the functionality of green facade systems, and the water storage capacity in vertical applications is significantly lower than in horizontal roof areas. Furthermore, they are susceptible to frost and dew changes and mechanical stress, which often requires replanting, which is difficult to achieve, especially on high-rise buildings, and their use in roof areas and on the facades of low-rise buildings is also being discussed.

[0010] Spacer fabrics, also known as 3D textiles, characterized by two outer layers of preferably knitted fabric, which are interconnected via an intermediate spacer structure of monofilament or multifilament spacer yarns, are well known in the prior art for interior decoration applications only (DE000009016062U1, DE000004239068A1, DE000004317883A1, etc.).

[0011] Textiles with evaporative cooling effects in the clothing field are known from the prior art, for example from inventions such as DE102004002287A1, EP000001555489A2, DE102011014383A1, EP000002380534A1, EP000002560591B1, WO002011131718A1, etc. However, textile-based building components with evaporative cooling functions are not known.

[0012] DE 10 2008 042 069 A1 is the only document that focuses on water collection via a 3D textile structure and discloses a device for obtaining water from fog. This device includes a textile separating element that separates liquid particles contained in aerosols, the separating element being formed as a 3D textile structure. This allows for obtaining small amounts of drinking water from fog, for example in arid regions. The function and use of the above-described invention are clearly distinguishable from the device of the present invention with regard to precipitation absorption and water evaporation.

[0013] However, the state of the art shows that there is no multifunctional and mutually beneficial invention for the collection, e.g., retention, of precipitation, and for drainage, e.g., by evaporative cooling of the surrounding urban area, by textile building elements, which is urgently needed in view of the global climate challenges mentioned above. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] The objective of this invention is to reduce urban heat and flood risks, as well as the risk of damage and human injury caused by these events, especially in urban areas. There is an urgent need for a decentralized rainwater harvesting and evaporation concept that contributes effectively and economically to improving urban stormwater and temperature management, applied to building surfaces and other civil engineering structures. Furthermore, from the perspective of environmental and economic objectives, it is desirable to use precipitation for judicious water consumption within, on, or outside buildings. For example, it is desirable to reduce water and energy consumption for users in or around buildings, and / or for indoor room air conditioning and other building-specific uses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention achieves this object with a device as defined in claim 1.

[0016] The present invention relates to an apparatus for absorbing and evaporatively draining precipitation from rainfall events, particularly from heavy rainfall events with a horizontal velocity component, for example caused by wind.

[0017] The device is characterized by at least one textile element that absorbs water from raindrops (e.g., having a horizontal velocity component) (the textile element functions as a water collector element) and / or drains water (supplied by the public water network) and / or precipitation (absorbed by the device) by evaporation (the textile element functions as an evaporator element). The textile element is designed or embodied as a 3D textile structure with a first, water-permeable layer (outer layer) and a second, water-conducting layer (inner layer). The first and second layers are interconnected by water-conducting connecting yarns. The textile element is preferably fluidly connected to a drainage pipeline and / or a water supply pipeline.

[0018] The proposed device can function as both an absorber and an evaporator device, with the absorber and evaporator being a single, multi-function device (one hybrid integrated system). In the case of rainfall or heavy rain events with a wind-induced horizontal velocity component that deflects raindrops from their vertical fall direction, the precipitation can be absorbed, stored, and / or discharged by evaporation, optionally with a time delay, or used inside, on, or outside the structure. When absorbing, the precipitation is conducted from the first permeable layer along the connecting threads (spacing structures) to the second permeable layer for collection. When evaporating and discharging for external evaporative cooling, the water is conducted from the second permeable layer to the first permeable layer along the connecting threads (spacing structures).

[0019] Absorption, storage and / or drainage of precipitation, particularly by evaporation, with targeted time delay, offers significant economic and ecological benefits within, on or outside buildings, and at district and city level.

[0020] It is possible to reduce the risk of flooding and heat stress in urban areas, because precipitation can be absorbed and then discharged to the environment, for example by evaporation with a time delay, or stored for use for other purposes. By absorbing and storing precipitation, the device acts as a stormwater retention surface. This allows the discharge of heavy rainfall to be delayed, significantly reducing the risk of overloading sewer systems during extreme weather events. By discharging water into the environment by evaporation, the environment can be cooled, reducing the impact of heat loads.

[0021] Reducing water demand within a building can also be achieved. By collecting rainfall and making it available as raw water for use inside or outside a building, such as for flushing toilets, using washing machines, and / or irrigating plants, water consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, if the device is installed in or on a high-rise building, the possibility of collecting raw water on the building's outer surface by the device leads to a reduction in the energy consumption of water pumps. Otherwise, water is supplied by the public water network and pumped to the height of the corresponding floors of the building. Particularly in multi-storey or high-rise buildings (such as skyscrapers), collecting water on the building's facade significantly reduces the material and pumping energy consumption as the building's height increases exponentially. With regard to the advantageous use of rainwater inside, on or outside the building, the device can therefore achieve significant economic savings.

[0023] Finally, the rainwater collected by the device can be purified to produce drinking water and / or used for indoor comfort optimization (temperature and / or humidity regulation, acoustics and sound optimization) and / or active fire protection.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, evaporation refers to the phase transition of water from a liquid condensed state to a vapor condensed state by the release of cooling energy. Absorption is therefore understood as the collection and movement of liquid.

[0025] 3D textile structures, for example spacing structures also known from the prior art as 3D textiles or spacer fabrics, comprise double-sided materials, the surfaces of which are kept at a certain distance by connecting monofilament or multifilament connecting yarns that connect one surface to the other.

[0026] With regard to textile elements and / or 3D textile structures, "textile" does not imply a material technology restriction to a specific material, but refers only to a macroscopically recognizable technical structure.

[0027] Within the scope of the present invention, a facade or facade element is understood to mean the outer shell of a building or an element thereof that defines the boundary of the building, for example the building laterally, i.e. on the (side) walls of the building, and thus separates the interior (inside) of the building from the external space (outside).

[0028] A distinction should be made between solid (facade) building elements that are part of the supporting structure, e.g. concrete, brick and / or timber buildings, and frame structures, e.g. steel structures, as supporting, load-bearing and / or load-transferring elements, and external unsupported curtain walls, e.g. multi-layer textile facade systems.

[0029] The device comprises a functional textile layer with internal watertight and impermeable properties and cavities for the flow of liquid media, with or without combination with an insulating layer for thermal and acoustic damping purposes, with or without at least one fluid-flowing layer, with or without an inner layer forming an internal closure, preferably held in a modular profile system and facing the interior of the building, and is defined as a multi-layer, preferably hydroactive and / or adaptive facade system.

[0030] Within the scope of the present invention, "adaptability" refers to the automatic adjustment of the device (10), facade or multi-layer facade system (100) of a building, civil structure or component thereof, operated for example by integrated sensors, actuators and control units, etc., to obtain a way of operating and / or adjusting the system to various environmental conditions.

[0031] The operation, control, and / or regulation method is described as a systematic procedure, i.e., a logical series of steps, such as performing one or more measurements to reach a desired goal of environmentally friendly and economical water use. The method may include software, such as a program.

[0032] "Hydroactive" in this context means the ability of a surface to absorb moisture or water and / or release it with a time delay.

[0033] The side facing the weather, i.e. the side of the device and / or multi-layer facade system facing the external space (environment), is referred to below as the "outside" ("O").

[0034] The side facing the building, in other words the side of the device and / or multi-layer facade system facing the interior of the building, will be referred to below as "inside" ("I").

[0035] Civil structures to which the device can be applied in particular can be, for example, bridges, towers, wind turbines, etc. Complementary to civil structures, buildings in this context are understood as independently usable roofed architectural installations, distinguishing between single-storey and multi-storey buildings (houses with two or more floors), for example high-rise buildings or skyscrapers with at least one room floor defined above 22 metres above ground level.

[0036] Within the scope of the present invention, water generally includes raw water that can be absorbed, stored or treated, including absorbed and filtered precipitation and unpolluted grey water, and drinking water provided, for example, by a public water network.

[0037] Raw water is untreated water from the environment, which is unsafe for human consumption. Raw water includes precipitation or rainwater, such as water from clouds, fog, or steam that falls to the ground in liquid form due to gravity. Here, heavy rain events are characterized by a horizontal velocity component, which causes wind to deflect raindrops from vertical falling directions. Raw water can only be used for watering plants, cleaning purposes, running washing machines, and / or flushing toilets, as opposed to potable water, such as fresh drinking water for human consumption, or so-called contaminated water from wastewater, toilet flushing, dishwashers, etc. Wastewater must be distinguished from contaminated precipitation and sewage, and non-contaminated greywater, which is free from fecal contamination from baths, showers, washing machines, etc. Non-contaminated greywater can be treated in the same way as raw water and reused as non-potable water.

[0038] Finishing in the context of textile manufacturing, such as UV-resistant or fire-resistant chemical finishes, is a means of upgrading textiles, yarns, and fibers to optimize material properties. Furthermore, coating includes the application of solid or liquid materials, such as nanocoatings, to a substrate fabric, where lamination refers to the bonding or fusing of a multilayer fabric comprising at least one textile with a further layer of textile, plastic or metal film, foam, or other suitable material.

[0039] For the purposes of this invention, 3D printing refers to the act or process of creating a physical object from a 3D digital model, typically by the successive deposition of many thin layers of material. A distinction is made between subtractive and additive manufacturing methods. Examples include textile printing methods such as additive 3D printing by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), which involves the deposition of thermoplastic polymers or metals or other suitable materials on a textile substrate fabric.

[0040] Advantageously, a water collecting device can be provided that is fluidly connected to the textile element and / or the drainage line. The water collecting device can be embodied as a water reservoir, for example a water storage tank and / or a fluid flow layer in the multi-layer facade system. Thus, precipitation that strikes the textile element can be absorbed, collected and / or stored in the water collecting device.

[0041] The water collection or water discharge (water outflow) can comprise reservoirs, basins, gutters etc., which can be integrally formed with the water collection device, for example in the (lower) frame profile, and / or connected to the reservoir of the water collection device. The water collection device can for example be a water storage tank, a fluid flow layer in a multi-layer facade system, and / or other components for collecting, storing and / or treating, for example filtering, the water, and corresponding conduits for water transport.

[0042] A drainage line may be fluidly connected downstream of the textile element. Precipitation absorbed by the device may be discharged via the drainage line and supplied to a water consumer and / or a water collection device, such as a water reservoir. The collected water may be discharged directly or after a certain period of time (storage time).

[0043] The water supply device may be provided in any suitable manner, which is fluidly connected to the textile element and / or the water supply line.

[0044] The water supply or water supply device, (down)water conveyance may comprise channels, pipes, tubes, inlet lines, funnels, etc., which may be integrally formed with the (upper) frame profile and the corresponding conduits for water transport. The water supply device may also be constituted as a precise or linear water injection on the side of the second layer of the textile element facing the interior (inside) I of the building, for example by a water jet, a (perforated) pipe or hose, or a perforated fluid flow layer connected to the textile element.

[0045] A water supply line may be fluidly connected upstream of the textile element, by which water, e.g. water provided by a public water network or absorbed water (precipitation before being absorbed by the device), may be supplied to the textile element and discharged to the environment by evaporation.

[0046] In an advantageous manner, the textile elements, i.e., the 3D textile structures, can be preferably formed from synthetic and / or polymer fibers (e.g., polyethylene (PE) fibers, polyester (PES / PET) fibers, polypropylene (PP) fibers, polyamide (PA) fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) fibers, etc.), glass fibers, metal fibers, and / or other suitable materials, embodied as monofilaments or multifilaments. The filaments may be shape-optimized with specific functionalized filament profiles, e.g., helical shapes, for better water transport. This allows UV-resistant and fire-resistant textile structures with good water resistance to be achieved.

[0047] In an appropriate manner, the device and / or textile element can include hydrophilic (water-attracting) and / or hydrophobic (water-conducting, water-repelling) modifications, which can maximize the functionality of the device. The hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic modifications can be embodied as laminations, coatings, finishes, optimized filament shapes (e.g., helical filaments), and / or additional surface structures with microstructures or macrostructures. The modification materials can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, paraffin wax, and / or nanocoatings, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and / or silicon dioxide (SiO2), or combinations thereof. The hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic modifications can preferably achieve or optimize water-conducting (water-repelling) and / or water-attracting properties to maximize the following properties: water collection and / or evaporation effects, weathering and stain resistance, antibacterial properties against mold, fungi, and bacteria, and self-cleaning properties.

[0048] Advantageously, the first layer of the textile element may have a water-attracting and / or hydrophilic lamination, coating, finish, and / or optimized filament shape (e.g., spiral filaments), and / or a (separate) water-attracting layer may be (additionally) applied to the first layer. The water-attracting lamination, coating, finish, optimized filament shape, and / or applied (separate) water-attracting layer promotes the absorption of precipitation "inward," i.e., into the textile element. The (separate) layer and / or the first layer may have a finer pore design than the spacing structure formed by the connecting yarns between the first and second layers of the textile element. The pore design of the first layer and / or the (separate) layer may achieve a filtering function, thereby preventing dirt, animals, plants, or parts thereof from entering the interior of the device, e.g., the textile element. The pore structure may include, for example, a multifilament or nonwoven fabric to contain more water, thus providing more effective and economical evaporative cooling.

[0049] In an appropriate manner, the second layer of the textile element can have a water-conducting (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic lamination, coating, finish, and / or optimized filament shape (e.g., spiral filaments), and / or a (separate) water-conducting (water-repellent) layer can be (additionally) applied to the second layer. The (separate) layer and / or the second layer can be watertight or perforated. Because the (separate) layer and / or the second layer are watertight, water flow is favorably affected, so that absorbed precipitation does not exit the textile element on the second layer side of the textile element (the absorbed precipitation is retained within the textile element). A perforated configuration facilitates water penetration from the second layer side into the interior of the textile element. Perforations can be advantageous for uniform wetting of the textile element, for example, to achieve evaporative cooling of the exterior (e.g., facades, air spaces close to the facades, and / or urban spaces). In the case of a perforated configuration, the textile element may be fluidly connected to a further water supply device on the side of the second layer facing the interior (inside) I of the building.

[0050] To improve the evaporation behavior, an additional microporous textile layer, such as a multifilament fabric and / or a nonwoven fabric and / or a superabsorbent, can be applied facing the external space (outside) O of the device between the second layer of textile element and the (separate) applied water-conducting (water-repellent) layer to contain more water, which contributes to more uniform wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0051] The (separate) layer may be realized by laminating a foil (e.g., polyethylene (PE) foil, polyester (PES / PET) foil, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) foil, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil, polypropylene (PP) foil, polyamide (PA) foil, silicone foil, latex foil, metal foil, etc.) and / or plating (metal plating, glass plating, silicone plating, polymer plating, etc.) onto the second layer.

[0052] In an advantageous manner, the device and / or textile element can be flat, curved (e.g. anticlastic, synclastic, concave or convex), folded and / or adaptive in shape. Thus, the device can be optimized for a particular application. Adaptive in shape means adaptable to optimize water absorption and / or evaporation to maximize the performance of the device.

[0053] In a suitable manner, the first layer and / or the second layer may be configured to be actuatable by one or more actuators arranged along a direction parallel to the plane of the first or second layer, thereby displacing the first and second layers relative to one another. By selectively actuating the first and / or second layers, the orientation or angle of the connecting yarns may be changed to improve the water absorption and discharge behavior and / or the drainage and evaporation behavior of the device.

[0054] Advantageously, the device and / or the textile element may comprise a folding structure, which divides the device and / or the textile element into several foldable, folded (e.g., relative to each other), pivotable and / or rotatable sections, such that the surface of the device, e.g., of the textile element, can be maximized to increase functionality.

[0055] In a suitable manner, the folded structure can have a mechanical substructure, e.g., steel, wood, aluminum, and / or polymer, or a combination thereof, that provides reinforcement to the folded structure. Optionally, the folded structure can be introduced into the textile element by additive and / or subtractive manufacturing methods, e.g., (3D) printing on the textile substrate fabric, and / or textile connection means, e.g., sewing and / or heat fixing, or a combination thereof.

[0056] Advantageously, actuators can be provided by which the foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections can be actuated. In this way, the folded structure can be adjusted to the impact angle of precipitation drops and / or the angle of solar incidence, respectively, by reorienting and / or re-rotating the individual sections. The reorientation and / or re-rotation of the sections of the device and / or textile element can be operated manually or automatically in an adaptive manner by integrating sensors, actuators and a control unit.

[0057] The actuators can be embodied, for example, as linear and / or rotary actuators, e.g., electronic and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic actuators. Thus, the water intake and / or drainage and / or evaporation of the device can be selectively and specifically regulated and improved. Such measures help to ensure that as much (precipitation) water as possible is absorbed and / or drained and evaporated in and on the device, e.g., in and on textile elements.

[0058] Sensors may be provided in a suitable manner, by means of which, in particular, climatic and / or environmental data may be recorded, such as ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation data, wind data (e.g. wind speed and / or wind direction) and / or rain data (e.g. precipitation amount, impact angle of precipitation drops, particle size and / or fall velocity of precipitation drops), so that the ambient conditions of the device (climatic and / or environmental data) can be monitored, recorded and / or transmitted to a control unit providing automatic adjustment and / or adaptation of the device and / or textile element.

[0059] In an advantageous manner, a control unit can be provided, preferably receiving software such as a program for operating and / or adjusting the actuators, and the control unit is configured to adjust the device and / or the textile element and / or sections thereof with respect to climatic and / or environmental conditions (e.g., the impact angle of precipitation droplets to optimize absorption behavior and / or the angle of solar incidence to optimize evaporation behavior). This helps to maximize the performance of the device. The control unit can be configured to interact with one or more sensors for collecting environmental and / or climatic data (e.g., as described above) and with actuators for actuating the first and / or second layers of the textile element and / or actuators for operating foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections of the device and / or textile element. This allows the actuators to be operated and / or adjusted by the control unit based on the environmental and / or climatic data collected by the sensors. The operation of the device and / or textile element can be monitored by one or more further sensors.

[0060] A holding device can be provided to which the components of the device are attached or attachable in a suitable manner. The devices disclosed herein can therefore be applied to buildings or other civil structures by means of such a holding device, a so-called fastening for attaching one component to another, for example for attaching the device to a building or civil structure. Furthermore, the components of the device are positioned relative to one another. The holding device can be precisely embodied linearly as a frame profile or in any other suitable way, for example the frame profile can be attached to the holding device by means of a mounting bracket.

[0061] As described, the water collecting device may comprise a frame profile and / or a reservoir, e.g., a storage tank for storing rainwater. The textile element may be held by the frame profile linearly and / or precisely, e.g., by hemmed connections and / or by other suitable fastenings. The frame profile may be integrated, connected and / or attached to the holding device. The reservoir may be fluidly connected to the frame profile and may be integrated into the building or facade as a functional reservoir within the multi-layer facade system.

[0062] In an appropriate manner, a filter for filtering precipitation can be provided, which is integrated into the textile element and / or placed in or on the water collecting device, for example in or on a frame profile or in the building, so that the water can be filtered before being stored or made available to the consumer.

[0063] Advantageously, a pump for heating and cooling water and / or a water temperature control device can be provided, which are fluidly connected to the water supply and / or the water collection device. Using the pump, the water can be supplied to a water collection device, such as a water storage tank or a fluid flow layer of a multi-layer facade system, and / or can be further transported, for example, into, on or outside the building. Furthermore, the pump may be used to pump water to the water supply device. The water temperature control device allows the water to be conditioned, i.e. heated or cooled, as required.

[0064] In an appropriate manner, the water supply and / or collecting device may be connected to a heat exchanger, which allows heat to be extracted from or added to the water supply and / or collecting device as needed. One part of the heat exchanger may be connected to the water collecting device (downstream of the textile element) and another part of the heat exchanger may be connected to the water supply device (upstream of the textile element), said parts of the heat exchanger being interconnected for interaction with further building components, such as fluid flow layers in a multi-layer facade system and / or further technical building installations in, on or outside the building or civil structure, thereby allowing heat exchange between the parts of the heat exchanger.

[0065] The present invention also achieves the above object by using a device according to one or more of the above aspects as a construction element in, on or outside a building or civil engineering structure.

[0066] With regard to the advantages achieved by the above, reference is made to the respective description of the device to avoid repetition, and the features described in relation to the device can be used for further constructions.

[0067] The civil structure may be, for example, but not limited to, a bridge, a horizontal or vertical wind turbine, or other civil structure.

[0068] The present invention also achieves the above object by using at least one device according to one or more of the above aspects on or in the facade of a new and / or existing building as an add-on element on a conventional existing facade.

[0069] With regard to the advantages achieved by the above, reference is made to the respective description of the device to avoid repetition, and the features described in relation to the device can be used for further constructions.

[0070] Not only can new buildings be equipped with the device, but also existing buildings with traditional facades with frame and solid construction (concrete, brick and / or wooden facades, composite insulation systems, etc.) Retrofitting can make these buildings more environmentally friendly, for example by saving water, reducing the building's internal energy consumption (for example for building internal conditioning and water pump energy) and / or offering the potential for energy-efficient urban cooling, while also reducing the impact on public infrastructure.

[0071] A conventional thermal insulation composite system may, for example, have the following structure (from outside to inside): exterior plaster, insulation, masonry, interior plaster. In this case, the device is installed on the outside O of the exterior plaster and can be statically fixed to the load-bearing masonry by means of a retaining device.

[0072] The present invention also achieves this object by a facade system comprising a device according to one or more of the above aspects, separating the interior (inside) I of a building from the exterior (outside) O. The facade system optionally comprises one or more layers and / or modules, thus providing a hydroactive facade.

[0073] With regard to the advantages achieved thereby, reference is made to the respective description of the device to avoid repetition. The features described in connection with the device and / or the features described below can be used in further configurations of the multi-layer facade system.

[0074] Advantageously, on the side of the textile element (device) where the second textile layer is located, the facade system may comprise at least one fluid-permeable layer for heat and / or sound attenuation purposes, and / or a thermal insulation layer for heat and / or sound attenuation, and / or an inner layer. Examples include (acoustic) textiles and / or PVC-coated polyester membranes or PTFE-coated glass textiles. Functional layers (e.g., fluid-permeable layers) can be used to regulate the environment inside the building (temperature control on the interior walls of the building and / or indoor air humidity), and / or to regulate sound insulation properties, and / or for active fire protection. In addition, the fluid-permeable layer can act as a reservoir for precipitation.

[0075] In a suitable way, two fluid flow layers can be provided, with the first fluid flow layer located on one side of the insulation layer and the second fluid flow layer located on the other side of the insulation layer. With two fluid flow layers, more water can be stored. Also, solar heat energy can be absorbed or released on both sides of the insulation layer. This contributes to the flexible and energy-efficient application of the facade system.

[0076] In an advantageous manner, one or both of the fluid flow layers can be configured and utilized as a thermal collector and / or utilized for temperature control of the interior walls of a building, and / or for regulating indoor air humidity, and / or for adjusting sound insulation properties, and / or for active fire protection. When used as a thermal collector, solar radiation is absorbed and converted into heat. When used as a heating unit, one or both of the fluid flow layers can release thermal energy to the corresponding side of the insulation layer depending on the prevailing ambient conditions and conditioning needs. Furthermore, heat flux and / or indoor comfort in terms of temperature, humidity, and / or acoustics can be affected. Therefore, selective flow of precipitation and / or water from the public water network through these layers can be initiated.

[0077] In an appropriate manner, a further device according to one or more of the above aspects can be provided, said further device forming an inner layer. A first layer of textile elements of the further device faces the interior (inside) of the building I. As a result, a further functional layer for regulating the interior temperature and air humidity is provided, with the further textile elements acting as evaporators on the inside I. With the first layer facing the interior of the building, this further device is arranged "transversely inverted" compared to the first device.

[0078] Advantageously, the facade system may comprise a preferably modular profile system to which components of the multi-layer facade system and / or the retaining device of the device as described above are attached or attachable. The facade system can thus be modularly upgraded by adding layers and adapted to the application as well as to specific local conditions and building requirements. For example, in cold climates, an additional insulating layer can be added by extending the profile system with another profile module. Preferably, the frame profiles and the retaining device of the device are mutually compatible. Thus, the frame profiles can be integrated, connected, and / or attached to the retaining device. The profile system may be made of aluminum, steel, polymer, wood, etc., or a combination thereof (aluminum, steel, polymer, wood, or composite profile system).

[0079] The present invention also achieves the above object by a method for operating a device according to one or more of the above aspects and / or a multi-layer facade system according to one or more of the above aspects, wherein precipitation (absorbed by the device) is supplied for use inside, on or outside the building, and / or water (provided by the public water network) and / or precipitation (absorbed by the device) is supplied to a device, for example a textile element, and is discharged by evaporation.

[0080] With regard to the advantages achieved thereby, reference is made to the respective description of the device to avoid repetition. The features described in connection with the device, the multi-layer facade system and / or the features described below can be used in further configurations of the device and / or the multi-layer facade system.

[0081] In an appropriate manner, water (provided by the public water network) and / or precipitation (absorbed by the device) can be drained through the textile element, in particular by evaporation. Thus, evaporative cooling of the facade, the air space close to the facade, and / or the urban space can be achieved, for example in case of heat stress caused by the absorption of solar radiation on the facade and / or other enclosed urban surfaces.

[0082] In an advantageous manner, the precipitation absorbed by the device can be supplied in raw water form to consumers inside, on or outside the building and / or can be treated to drinking water, thus achieving a reduction in the demand for drinking water (provided, for example, by the public water network) as well as a reduction in the demand for water pumping energy (i.e., no need to pump water from the public water network to users on any floor of a high-rise building).

[0083] In an appropriate way, precipitation can be used for internal conditioning of a building, thus improving the interior and user comfort by controlling the temperature of the walls (heating and / or cooling), adjusting the indoor air humidity, etc., as well as by adjusting the sound insulation properties or quality of the facade system.

[0084] In an advantageous manner, precipitation can be provided for factory-specific fire protection measures, so that active fire protection measures can be implemented inside, on or outside the building.

[0085] In an appropriate manner, especially in the case of excessive precipitation, the precipitation can be discharged into the public water supply network and / or pumped to nearby buildings and / or civil structures, thus supplying additional buildings and / or civil structures with precipitation (raw water) and / or treated drinking water.

[0086] The present invention also achieves the above object by a method, e.g. software, for controlling and / or regulating a device for absorbing and draining (rainfall) water, in particular a device according to one or more of the above aspects and / or a multi-layer facade system according to one or more of the above aspects, said method comprising the following steps: - Retrieve forecast weather data from a weather service (e.g., via the Internet) for a defined period (past, present, or future) - estimating the consumption of drinking water, raw water, and / or grey water in, on or outside the building or civil structure for a defined period, for example by analyzing the consumption of water in, on or outside the building or civil structure (for example by using a flow meter); and -Compare estimated consumption of drinking water, and / or raw water, and / or grey water with predicted precipitation from forecast weather data.

[0087] With regard to the advantages achieved thereby, reference is made to the respective description of the device to avoid repetition. The features described in connection with the device, the multi-layer facade system and / or the features described below can be used in further configurations of the device and / or the multi-layer facade system.

[0088] In an advantageous manner, the amount of water required for evaporative cooling of the facade, the air space close to the facade and / or the urban space can be determined, for example in the case of high temperatures, which makes it possible to determine how much water is required for this purpose and how much water can be provided for other purposes or for consumers.

[0089] In an appropriate manner, the consumption of drinking water, raw water, and / or grey water required by a consumer inside, on or outside a building or civil structure can be determined. Raw water can thus be provided to the consumer, for example, for watering plants, running washing machines and / or flushing toilets. Watering plants includes private watering as well as watering public green spaces, for example by attaching devices to public buildings and / or public civil structures.

[0090] In an advantageous manner, the amount of water required for interior conditioning of a building or civil engineering structure can be determined. The requirement determination therefore also refers to the consumption related to indoor comfort. The interior conditioning can be achieved by adjusting the surface temperature of the interior walls and / or the indoor air humidity, and / or by controlling the acoustics in the room.

[0091] Appropriate methods can be used to determine the amount of water required for the specific fire protection application in the plant. Active fire protection measures are therefore also taken into account in determining the requirements.

[0092] In an advantageous manner, the excess water absorbed by the device can be delivered to nearby buildings and / or civil structures and / or the excess water can be supplied to the public water supply network. Thus, if the determination of one or more of the requirements (water requirements for evaporative cooling, water requirements for consumers, water requirements for internal conditioning and / or water requirements for plant-specific fire protection) indicates that excess water is available, the excess water can be supplied to the public water supply network and / or other buildings or civil structures and / or other consumers. This contributes to the intelligent, economic and ecological water supply in urban areas.

[0093] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures, in which identical or functionally identical elements are designated with the same reference symbols, possibly only once. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0094] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device for absorbing precipitation and draining it by evaporation. [Figure 2a] 2 illustrates the operation of the device of FIG. 1 in absorbing precipitation in the event of rain. [Figure 2b] 2 illustrates the operation of the device of FIG. 1 for draining water by evaporation when the outdoor temperature is high. [Figure 3a] 2A-2C show the operation of the device of FIG. 1 with an actuator for actuating the first and / or second layer of the textile element, showing the absorption of precipitation in the case of rain. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the device of FIG. 1 with an actuator for actuating the first and / or second layer of the textile element, showing water drainage by evaporation when outdoor temperatures are high. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 shows the use of the device according to FIG. 1 as a construction element in a bridge. [Figure 4b] 2 shows the use of the device according to FIG. 1 as a construction element in a vertical wind turbine. [Figure 4c] 2 shows the use of the device according to FIG. 1 as a construction element in a horizontal wind turbine. [Figure 5] 2 shows the use of the device according to FIG. 1 in a conventional facade (for example a thermal composite system) of an existing building. [Figure 6] 2 shows an embodiment of a multi-layer facade system incorporating the device according to FIG. 1. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 to absorb precipitation in the event of rain. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 to drain water by evaporation when outdoor temperatures are high. [Figure 8a] FIG. 7 illustrates the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 with temperature control of the individual layers to regulate the interior wall surface temperature during hot weather conditions. [Figure 8b] FIG. 7 shows the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 with temperature control of the individual layers to regulate the interior wall surface temperature in cold conditions. [Figure 9a] FIG. 7 shows the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 when used as a thermal collector. [Figure 9b] FIG. 7 illustrates the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 when used to influence heat flux to the outside O of the facade. [Figure 10a] 7 shows the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 with a further device according to FIG. 1 forming an inner layer of the facade system. [Figure 10b]FIG. 10 shows the operation of a multi-layer facade system with a further device when draining water by evaporation for the interior. [Figure 11] 7 shows the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 when the device according to FIG. 1 is provided with a folding structure and an actuator for operating the folding structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0095] FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for absorbing precipitation from rainfall events, particularly heavy rainfall events, and draining it by evaporation. The device 10 includes a textile element 12 for absorbing raindrops and / or draining water (provided by a public water network) and / or precipitation (absorbed by the device) by evaporation. The textile element 12 embodies a 3D textile structure 13 having a first, water-permeable layer 14 (outer layer 14) and a second, water-conducting layer 16 (inner layer 16). The first layer 14 and the second layer 16 are interconnected by water-conductive connecting yarns 18. The connecting yarns 18 form spacing structures 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the textile element 12 is fluidly connected to a drainage pipeline 20 and a water supply pipeline 22.

[0096] A drain line 20 is fluidly connected to the downstream side of the textile element 12. A water supply line 22 is fluidly connected to the upstream side of the textile element 12.

[0097] A water collection device 24 is provided that is fluidly connected to the textile element 12 and / or the drainage line 20. The water collection device 24 may include different components for storing, treating (e.g., filtering) and / or transporting water.

[0098] A water supply 26 is provided which is fluidly connected to the textile element 12 and / or the water supply line 22. The water supply 26 may be fluidly connected to a public water network or a water collection device 24 (not shown).

[0099] The textile elements 12, i.e. the 3D textile structure 13, may preferably be formed from synthetic and / or polymeric fibers (e.g. polyethylene (PE) fibers, polyester (PES / PET) fibers, polypropylene (PP) fibers, polyamide (PA) fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) fibers, etc.), glass fibers, metal fibers, and / or other materials, which may be embodied as monofilaments or multifilaments, and the filaments may be optimized in shape, e.g. in a helical shape, for better water transport.

[0100] The device 10 and / or the textile element 12 may include hydrophilic (water-attracting) and / or hydrophobic (water-conducting, water-repellent) modifications (not shown). The hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic modifications may be embodied as laminations, coatings, finishes, optimized filament shapes (e.g., helical filaments), and / or additional surface structures with microstructures or macrostructures, as explained above. The modification materials may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, paraffin wax, and / or nanocoatings, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and / or silicon dioxide (SiO2), or combinations thereof.

[0101] The first layer 14 of the textile element 12 may have a water-attracting and / or hydrophilic lamination, coating, finish, filament shape optimization, and / or a (separate) water-attracting layer (not shown) additionally applied to the first layer 14. The (separate) layer and / or the first layer 14 may have a finer pore design than the spacing structure 19 formed by the connector yarns 18 between the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 of the textile element 12. The microporous textile may include, for example, multifilaments or nonwovens to contain more water, thereby providing a more effective and economical evaporative cooling effect (not shown).

[0102] The second layer 16 of the textile element 12 may have a water-conductive (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic lamination, coating, finish, filament shape optimization, and / or a (separate) water-conductive (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic layer (not shown) may be additionally applied to the second layer 16. The (separate) layer and / or the second layer may be watertight or perforated. The (separate) water-conductive (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic layer may be realized by laminating a foil (e.g., polyethylene (PE) foil, polyester (PES / PET) foil, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) foil, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil, polypropylene (PP) foil, polyamide (PA) foil, silicone foil, latex foil, metal foil, etc.) and / or a plating (metal plating, glass plating, silicone plating, polymer plating, etc.) onto the second layer 16.

[0103] To improve the evaporation behavior, an additional microporous textile layer for containing more water, such as a multifilament and / or nonwoven and / or superabsorbent (not shown), can be applied between the second layer 16 of the textile element 12 and a (separate) water-conducting (water-repellent) layer (not shown) applied to the external space (outside) O of the device, which contributes to more uniform wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0104] In this embodiment, the device 10 and the textile element 12 have a planar shape. In other embodiments, the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 are curved (e.g., saddle-shaped, coplanar, concave, or convex), folded, and / or malleable in shape (see Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 11).

[0105] The first layer 14 and / or the second layer 16 may be configured to be operable by one or more actuators (not shown) arranged along a direction parallel to the plane of the first layer 14 or the second layer 16, respectively (see Figures 3a and 3b).

[0106] The device 10 and / or the textile element 12 can include folding structures 28, 28′, 28″ that divide the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 into several foldable, folded, pivotable, and / or rotatable sections 30, 30′, 30″ (see FIG. 11 ). The folding structures 28, 28′, 28″ can have a mechanical substructure, e.g., steel, wood, aluminum, and / or polymer, etc., or combinations thereof, and / or the folding structures can be introduced into the textile element 12 by additive and / or subtractive manufacturing methods, e.g., textile (3D) printing, and / or the folding structures 28, 28′, 28″ can be realized by textile connection means, e.g., stitching and / or heat setting, etc., or combinations thereof (not shown).

[0107] Actuators 32, 32', 32'' (eg, linear and / or rotary actuators) may be provided by which the foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections 30, 30', 30'' may be manipulated.

[0108] As explained above, sensors may be provided (not shown) that can record climate and / or environmental data.

[0109] A control unit (not shown) can be provided for operating and / or adjusting the actuators 32, 32', 32" and configured to adjust the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 and / or its sections 30, 30', 30" with respect to climatic and / or environmental conditions (e.g., precipitation drop impact angle and / or solar incidence angle). The control unit can be configured to interact with one or more sensors for collecting environmental and / or climatic data, actuators for actuating the first layer and / or second layer of the textile element, and / or actuators for operating foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections of the device and / or textile element.

[0110] A holding device (not shown) may be provided to which the components of the device 10 are attached or to which they can be attached, thereby positioning the components of the device 10 relative to one another and allowing the device 10 to be attached to a building or civil structure.

[0111] The water collecting device 24 may comprise a frame profile 34 from which water collection or water discharge (water outflow) 35 takes place and / or the water collecting device 24 may comprise a water reservoir 33 which may be embodied as a water storage tank or as a fluid-flow layer in a multi-layer facade system (see Figures 1 and 6). The textile element 12 may be held by the frame profile 34 linearly, for example by means of a serged connection 37, and / or precisely and / or by other suitable fastenings (not shown). The frame profile 34 may be incorporated into, connected to and / or attached to a holding device (not shown). Furthermore, the water reservoir 33 may be in fluid connection with the frame profile 34.

[0112] A filter 36 for filtering precipitation is provided, the filter 36 being integrated into the textile element 12 and / or being arranged in or on the water collecting device 24, for example in or on a frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24, and / or being arranged in the building.

[0113] A pump 38 and / or a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 is provided, which in this embodiment are fluidly connected to the water collection device 24 via the drain line 20 and / or the water supply device 26 via the water supply line 22, respectively.

[0114] The water supply device 26 comprises a frame profile 34', in which the water supply 39 takes place. The textile element 12 can be held by the frame profile 34' linearly, for example by means of a serged connection 37', and / or precisely and / or by other suitable fastenings (not shown). The frame profile 34' can be incorporated, connected and / or attached to the holding device. Furthermore, a water reservoir 33 and / or a public water network can be fluidly connected to the frame profile 34'.

[0115] The water supply system 26 and / or the water collection system 24 may be connected to the heat exchanger 42,120.

[0116] Advantageously, in addition to or as an alternative to the water supply device 26, a further water supply device 67, for example comprising one or more linear or precision injectors, can be provided in order to wet the textile element 12 uniformly.

[0117] Figures 2a and 2b show the operation of the device 10 according to Figure 1. The side of the textile element 12 of the device 10 facing the first, water-permeable layer 14 (outer layer 14) is the exterior (outside) O, and the side of the textile element 12 of the device 10 facing the second, water-conducting layer 16 (inner layer 16) is the interior (inside) I.

[0118] 2a shows the device 10 while absorbing precipitation during a rainfall or heavy rainfall event. In this situation, the device 10 functions as an absorber and collector. The precipitation is absorbed (collected) by the device 10, for example by the textile element 12, and can optionally be stored. During absorption, the precipitation enters the textile element 12 on the side of the first layer 14 (see arrow 44). The precipitation is conducted from the first, water-permeable layer 14 along the connecting yarns 18 to the second, water-conducting layer 16.

[0119] Since the second layer 16 is water-conductive (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic, the absorbed precipitation does not penetrate, or penetrates only in a negligible manner, into or beyond the second layer 16 or into the interior of the multi-layer facade system. Under the influence of gravity, the absorbed water flows downwards in the textile element 12 and along the second layer 16 to a water collection or water discharge (water outflow) 35, for example to a reservoir, basin, gutter, etc. These can be integrated into the frame profile 34 of the water collection device 24. From there, the absorbed and collected water can be supplied, for example, to a water storage tank, a water consumer, and / or a public water distribution network.

[0120] FIG. 2b shows the device 10 during drainage by evaporation during a thermal event. In this situation, the device 10 acts as an evaporator device. Water can be evaporated by the device 10, for example, by the textile element 12 for evaporative cooling of an exterior, such as a building facade (e.g., a multi-layer facade system 100 or a conventional facade 82 of an existing building 80), and / or an air volume close to the facade, and / or an urban space, and / or for evaporative cooling of the interior of the building (see FIGS. 10a and 10b). For evaporation, water enters the textile element 12 from a water supply 39, for example, through a frame profile 34′ of a water supply device 26 arranged upstream of the textile element 12. From there, under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves downward within the textile element 12 along the second, water-conducting (water-repellent) and / or hydrophobic layer 16 and through the connecting yarns 18 to the first, water-permeable layer 14. During this process, water in and on the device 10, e.g. water in and on the textile elements 12, evaporates (see arrows 46) due to solar radiation and heat that spreads to the outside O of the device 10. The evaporation process releases corresponding cooling energy, reducing the impact of the heat load on the outside O of the device 10 and / or the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0121] For uniform wetting of the evaporation surface, alternatively or in addition to the water supply device 26, an (additional) water supply device 67 can be provided to supply water to the textile element 12 in a precise or linear manner, preferably at several locations and / or at different heights. The water supply device 67 may comprise one or more injectors, e.g. water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses (not shown), arranged side by side along the height and / or width of the device 10, e.g. of the textile element 12. Preferably, the water supply device 67 may be fluidly connected to the water supply device 26, e.g. the frame profile 34′, and / or the water supply line 22, and / or the water collecting device 24, e.g. the frame profile 34 and / or the drain line 20.

[0122] The water supplied to the textile element 12 via the water supply device 26 and / or via the water supply device 67 may be water previously absorbed (collected) and stored by the device 10 and / or water supplied by the public water network.

[0123] 3a and 3b illustrate the operation of the device 10 when equipped with actuators (not shown) for actuating the first layer 14 and / or the second layer 16 of the textile element 12. FIG.

[0124] As mentioned above, the first layer 14 and / or the second layer 16 may be configured to be operable by one or more actuators (not shown) disposed along a direction parallel to the plane of the first layer 14 or the second layer 16, respectively, thereby displacing the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 relative to one another. In this way, the orientation, e.g., the angle of inclination, of the connecting yarns 18 may be changed.

[0125] 3a shows a situation in which the first layer 14 is actuated to be displaced against the direction of gravity (upwards) and / or the second layer 16 is actuated to be displaced along the direction of gravity (downwards; see arrow 43), whereby the connecting yarns 18 are aligned so as to slope downwards from the first layer 14 to the second layer 16. In this way, the water absorption behavior is improved (see arrow 44), since absorbed water moves faster from the first layer 14 to the second layer 16 and therefore moves faster downwards within the textile element 12 to water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35, for example to a reservoir, basin, gutter or the like which may be integrated in the (lower) frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24.

[0126] 3b shows the situation where the first layer 14 is actuated to be displaced along the direction of gravity (downwards) and / or the second layer 16 is actuated to be displaced in the direction of gravity (upwards; see arrow 45), whereby the connecting yarns 18 are aligned so as to be inclined upwards from the first layer 14 towards the second layer 16. In this way, the water supplied to the textile element 12 by the water supply 39 of the water supply device 26 and / or by the water supply device 67 moves downwards faster and thus also into the first, permeable layer 14, improving the drainage behavior (see arrow 46).

[0127] Figures 4a to 4c show the use of the device 10 according to figure 1 as a construction element in different buildings or civil engineering structures.

[0128] 4a shows the application of the device 10 to a civil structure in the form of a bridge 50. The device 10 and / or textile element 12 are planar in shape (planar water collection and / or evaporation surfaces). In this application, the device 10 and / or textile element 12 may also be curved (e.g., saddle-shaped, convex, concave, or convex), folded, and / or adaptive in shape (not shown).

[0129] 4b shows the application of the device 10 to a civil engineering structure in the form of a wind turbine 60. The device 10 and / or the textile element 12 are coplanarly (doubly) curved (coplanarly curved water collection and / or evaporation surfaces). In this application, the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 may be (doubly) saddle-shaped (saddle-shaped curved water collection and / or evaporation surfaces) (not shown).

[0130] 4c shows the application of the device 10 to a civil engineering structure in the form of a wind turbine 70. The device 10 and / or the textile element 12 are (simple) convexly curved surfaces (convexly curved water collection and / or evaporation surfaces). In the present application, the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 can also be (simple) curved concave surfaces (concavely curved water collection and / or evaporation surfaces) (not shown).

[0131] FIG. 5 shows the use of the device 10 according to FIG. 1 on a conventional facade 82 of an existing building 80 (eg on an insulating composite system).

[0132] An existing structure 80 is installed by attaching the device 10 to supporting components of the structure's facade, such as masonry in the case of a solid structure 88, or steel in the case of a frame structure (not shown). A conventional facade 82 (e.g., a thermally insulated composite system) may have the following components (from outside to inside): exterior plaster 84 of the structure's facade, insulation 86, supporting components, such as masonry in the case of a solid structure 88, and interior plaster 90.

[0133] The device 10 is attached to a conventional facade 82 (e.g., a composite insulation system) of an existing building 80 by means of a retaining device 92. The retaining device 92 includes a mounting bracket 94. The mounting bracket 94 is connected at one end to the frame profile 34, 34' of the device 10 and at the other end to the facade 82, in other words to a supporting component of the building's facade, such as a masonry structure in the case of a solid structure 88 or a steel structure in the case of a frame structure (not shown), for example by screws.

[0134] By retrofitting an existing building 80 with the device 10, the building becomes more environmentally friendly through lower energy consumption and water savings, for example, by simultaneously providing urban climate benefits.

[0135] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a multi-layer facade system 100 separating the interior (inside) I of a building from the exterior space (outside) O. The facade system 100 comprises a device 10 integrated into the side of the multi-layer facade system 100 facing the exterior (outside) O. The device 10 corresponds to the device 10 of Figure 1, and reference is made to the specifications of Figure 1 to avoid repetition.

[0136] The facade system 100 represents a hydroactive facade, which allows absorbing water from rainfall events with the devices 10 and storing and / or using the water absorbed by the devices 10 and / or water supplied by the public water network, for example for internal conditioning in several layers of the facade system 100, and / or discharging the water by the devices 10 for evaporative cooling.

[0137] The facade system 100 may consist of one or more layers and / or modules. The facade system 100 preferably includes a modular profile system 102, 102' to which the components of the multi-layer facade system 100, and / or the retaining device 92, and / or the frame profiles 34, 34' of the device 10 can be attached. The frame profiles 34, 34' of the device 10 and / or the retaining device 92 and the profile system 102, 102' are mutually compatible. In this embodiment, the frame profiles 34, 34' of the device 10 are attached to the profile system 102, 102' of the facade system 100. The profile system 102, 102' may be embodied as an aluminum, steel, polymer, or wood profile system, or a combination thereof.

[0138] The modular profile system 102, 102' holds the several layers of the facade system 100. In this embodiment, the multi-layer facade system 100 comprises (from outside to inside) a first fluid-flow layer 104, a thermal insulation layer 106, a second fluid-flow layer 108 and an inner layer 110, e.g., an (acoustic) textile and / or an inner membrane, on the side of the device 10 on which the second layer 16 of the textile element 12 is located. These layers are separated from each other by an air space (air layer) 112, e.g., between the textile element 12 and the first fluid-flow layer 104 of the device 10.

[0139] The thermal and acoustic properties of the facade system 100 and the comfort inside the building are optimized via the insulation layer 106, the fluid-flow layers 104, 108 and the inner layer 110. The fluid-flow layers 104, 108 can serve as reservoirs for precipitation storage and / or for interior climate and acoustic conditioning and / or for active fire protection. The fluid-flow layers 104, 108 are fluidly connected to the device 10, e.g., the textile element 12, in particular the water collection device 24 and / or the water supply device 26, e.g., via the profile systems 102, 102′, via the frame profiles 34, 34′, via the drainage pipes 20, via the water supply pipes 22 and / or via fluid connections 114, 116.

[0140] 7a and 7b show the operation of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG.

[0141] 7a shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when the device 10 is absorbing precipitation during a rainfall or heavy rainfall event. During absorption, precipitation enters the textile element 12 of the device 10 on the side of the first, permeable layer 14 (see arrow 44). Under the influence of gravity, the absorbed precipitation moves from the first, permeable layer 14 downwards via the connecting threads 18 to the second, water-conducting layer 16, to the water collection or water discharge (water outflow) 35, for example to a reservoir, basin, gutter, etc., which can be integrated into the (lower) frame profile 34 of the water collection device 24.

[0142] Via the fluid connection 114, the absorbed precipitation is conducted, for example by a pump 38, from the (lower) frame profile 34 to the fluid flow layers 104, 108, where it is stored and / or used for interior comfort, from where the accumulated water can later be drained. The fluid connection 114 can further be connected to a filter 36 for filtering the precipitation, and / or to a further water reservoir 33, for example a water storage tank and / or a pump 38 and / or a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 and / or a heat exchanger 42, 120.

[0143] 7b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 during drainage by evaporation during a thermal event. Fluid connections 116 allow water stored in the fluid-flow layers 104, 108 and / or in a further water reservoir 33, e.g., a water storage tank (e.g., water absorbed by the device 10), and / or water supplied by the public water network to be channeled to a water supply 39, e.g., a gutter, pipe, tube, inlet line, funnel, etc. These may be integrated into the (upper) frame profile 34' of the water supply device 26, which is arranged upstream of the textile element 12. From there, under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves downwards within the textile element 12 along the second, water-conducting layer 16 and via the connecting threads 18 to the first, water-permeable layer 14. During this process, due to solar radiation and heat prevailing outside O of the facade system 100, water evaporates within and on the device 10, e.g., within and on the textile element 12 (see arrow 46). The phase transition of water from the liquid to the vapor state releases cooling energy, which reduces the impact of the heat load on the outside O.

[0144] Alternatively or in addition to the water supply 39 of the water supply device 26, an (additional) water supply device 67 can be provided to optimize the evaporation behavior by creating a uniformly wetted evaporation surface. This allows water to be supplied to the textile element 12 in a precise or linear manner, preferably in several locations and / or at different heights. The water supply device 67 may comprise one or more injectors, e.g., water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses, arranged in a row along the height and / or width of the device 10, e.g., of the textile element 12 (not shown). In another embodiment, the water supply device 67 may be configured as a planar perforated water supply device. In a perforated configuration, the fluid-flow layer 104 may be perforated and connected to the device 10, e.g., to the textile element 12, via a second, water-conducting layer 16, so that water is supplied uniformly from the fluid-flow layer 104 to the textile element 12 by adjusting the pressure in the fluid-flow layer 104. Preferably, the water supply device 67 may be fluidly connected to the water supply device 26 via the profile system 102′, the frame profile 34′, the water supply line 22, and / or the fluid connection 116. The water supply device 67 may also be fluidly connected to the water collecting device 24 via the profile system 102, the frame profile 34, the water drain line 20, and / or the fluid connection 114.

[0145] Water that migrates through the textile element 12 to the water collection or water discharge (water outflow) 35 and / or the (lower) frame profile 34 can be sent back to the fluid flow layers 104, 108 and / or the water supply device 26 and / or the water supply device 67 via the fluid connection 114.

[0146] 8a and 8b show another use of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG.

[0147] In the representation of the following figures, light grey indicates cool low temperatures and dark grey means warm high temperatures.

[0148] FIG. 8a shows a multi-layer facade system 100 with temperature control of individual fluid flow layers for adjusting the interior wall surface temperature in hot weather conditions, e.g., in summer. In this embodiment, cold water flows through the second fluid flow layer 108, which is located on the side of the thermal insulation layer 106 facing the interior (inside) I. For this purpose, water absorbed by the device 10 and / or stored in a water reservoir 33, e.g., a water tank and / or in the first fluid flow layer 104, and / or water supplied by the public water network can be cooled by a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 connected to the fluid connections 114 and / or 116 and supplied to the second fluid flow layer 108, e.g., by a pump 38. As the water moves along the second fluid flow layer 108, the interior I can be cooled (see arrow 51). This contributes to a comfortable indoor environment and energy savings in hot weather conditions, e.g., in summer. The cooled water is supplied, for example by pump 38, from fluid connection 114 through profile system 102 to second fluid flow layer 108 and moves upward to profile system 102', or alternatively, the cooled water is supplied from fluid connection 116 through (upper) profile system 102' to second fluid flow layer 108 and moves downward to profile system 102.

[0149] FIG. 8b shows a multi-layer facade system 100 with temperature control of the individual fluid flow layers for adjusting the interior wall surface temperature in cold conditions, e.g., in winter. In this embodiment, heated water flows through the second fluid flow layer 108, which is located on the side of the insulation layer 106 facing the interior (inside) I. For this purpose, water absorbed by the device 10 and / or stored in a water reservoir 33, e.g., a water tank and / or in the first fluid flow layer 104, and / or water supplied by the public water network can be heated by a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 connected to the fluid connections 114 and / or 116 and supplied to the second fluid flow layer 108, e.g., by a pump 38. As the water moves along the second fluid flow layer 108, thermal energy is transferred to the interior I (see arrow 53). This contributes to a comfortable indoor environment and energy savings in cold weather conditions, e.g., in winter. The heated water is supplied, for example by pump 38, from fluid connection 114 through profile system 102 to second fluid flow layer 108 and travels upward to profile system 102', or alternatively, the heated water is supplied from fluid connection 116 through (upper) profile system 102' to second fluid flow layer 108 and travels downward to profile system 102.

[0150] 9a and 9b show another use of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG.

[0151] 9a shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when used as a heat collector. Via the fluid connection 116, water is guided through the (upper) profile system 102′ to the first fluid-flow layer 104 and / or via the water supply device 26, e.g., via the (upper) frame profile 34′ and / or via the water supply device 67, to the device 10, e.g., the textile element 12. From there, the water moves down the first fluid-flow layer 104 to the (lower) profile system 102 and / or down the device 10, e.g., the second textile element 12, via the connecting threads 18 along the second water-conducting (water-repellent) layer 16 to the first, water-permeable layer 14 and / or to the (lower) frame profile 34. By this process, the water is heated by the energy of solar radiation (see arrow 47). Heat can be extracted from the heated water by the heat exchangers 42, 120 and / or by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 connected to the fluid connection 114, thereby cooling the water. The cooled water is supplied, for example by the pump 38, via the (lower) profile system 102 to the second fluid-flow layer 108, from where it travels upwards, through the fluid connection 116, via the (upper) profile system 102′ back to the first fluid-flow layer 104 and / or via the water supply 26, for example to the (upper) frame profile 34′ and / or via the water supply 67 to the device 10, for example to the textile element 12. This allows the fluid-flow layer 104 on the outer side O of the insulation layer 106 to absorb and dissipate heat energy from solar radiation. The fluid-flow layer 108 on the inner side I of the insulation layer 106 is supplied with cold water, reducing its internal temperature (see arrow 49). This contributes to energy savings for interior conditioning and a comfortable indoor environment in hot weather conditions.

[0152] Note that the flow direction of the fluid flow layers 104, 108 may be reversed (not shown). In this case, water is directed via fluid connection 114 through the (lower) profile system 102 to the first fluid flow layer 104. From there, the water is pumped up the first fluid flow layer 104 to the (upper) profile system 102′. In this process, the water is heated by the energy of solar radiation (see arrow 47). Heat can be extracted from the heated water by heat exchangers 42, 120 and / or by a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 connected to the fluid connection 116, thereby cooling the water. The cooled water is supplied to the second fluid flow layer 108 via the (upper) profile system 102′, from where it travels downward, through the fluid connection 114, and again through the (lower) profile system 102 to the first fluid flow layer 104. This allows the fluid flow layer 104 on the outer side O of the insulating layer 106 to absorb and dissipate heat energy from solar radiation. Chilled water is supplied to the fluid flow layer 108 on the inner side I of the insulating layer 106, lowering the internal temperature (see arrow 49). This contributes to energy savings for internal conditioning and a comfortable indoor environment in hot weather conditions.

[0153] 9b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when used for temperature control of the fluid flow layers 104, 108 to influence the heat flux to the outside O of the facade. Water is heated by the heat exchangers 42, 120 and / or by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 connected to the fluid connection 114 and / or the fluid connection 116. The heated water is supplied, for example by the pump 38, from the fluid connection 114 via the profile system 102 and / or from the fluid connection 116 via the profile system 102' to the second fluid flow layer 108, from where it travels upward and / or downward, transferring thermal energy to the interior I (see arrow 51). In both cases, at the top of the profile system 102', the heated water reaches the first fluid flow layer 104 through the fluid connection 116, from where it travels, for example by gravity, to the bottom of the profile system 102. Alternatively, heated water can be supplied through the fluid connection 114 via the (lower) profile system 102 to the first fluid flow layer 104, from where it can also be moved upwards, for example by the pump 38, to the (upper) profile system 102'. As the thermal energy contained in the water in the first fluid flow layer 104 is transferred to the environment, the water cools due to the cold air prevailing on the outside O. Temperature control of the fluid flow layers 104, 108 allows to reduce the heat flux through the multi-layer facade system 100. This contributes to energy savings for interior conditioning and a comfortable indoor environment in cold climate conditions.

[0154] Figures 10a and 10b show a possible modification of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to Figure 6. The facade system 100 largely corresponds to the configuration described in Figure 6, so reference is made to the description therein to avoid repetition.

[0155] In contrast, the multi-layer facade system 100 comprises a further device 10' corresponding to the device 10 according to Fig. 1. The further device 10' forms an inner layer 110' of the facade system 100, with the first (water-permeable) layer 14' of the textile element 12' of the further device 10' facing the interior (inside) I. This results in the further device 10' having a laterally inverted orientation compared to the first device 10.

[0156] The frame profiles 34" and 34''' of the further device 10' are connected to the modular profile system 102, 102' of the facade system 100. The textile element 12' defined as or embodying the 3D textile structure 13' of the further device 10' is fluidly connected at the fluid connection 116', for example via the (upper) frame profile 34'''. Furthermore, the textile element 12' of the further device 10' is fluidly connected with the fluid connection 114', for example via the (lower) frame profile 34" of the further device 10'.

[0157] 10b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 during drainage by evaporation, for example in hot weather conditions. Via the fluid connections 116, 116', water is supplied to the profile system 102' and / or to the frame profiles 34', 34" of the water supply devices 26, 26' arranged upstream of the textile elements 12, 12' and / or directly to the textile elements 12, 12' via the water supply devices 67, 67'. The water supplied to the textile elements 12, 12' can be water previously absorbed by the device 10 and / or water supplied to the multi-layer facade system 100 by the public water network.

[0158] For evaporation, water enters the textile elements 12, 12' through the frame profiles 34', 34'''. Under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves downwards within the textile elements 12, 12' along the second, water-conducting (water-repellent) layer 16, 16' and via the connecting threads 18, 18' to the first layer 14, 14'. During this process, water in and on the device 10, 10', e.g., water in and on the textile elements 12, 12', evaporates due to solar radiation and heat prevailing on the outside O of the device 10 (see arrow 55) and / or due to heat on the inside I of the device 10' inside the building (see arrow 56). The evaporation process in the device 10 and / or further device 10' releases corresponding cooling energy, reducing the effects of the thermal load on the outside O and / or inside I of the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0159] In configurations with a first, water-permeable layer 14', the water discharged by the further device 10' facing the interior (inside) I can further be used to humidify the room air. Otherwise, in configurations with a first, water-impermeable layer 14' and / or a water-impermeable layer (additionally) applied to the first layer 14' (not shown), the evaporated water can be retained inside the device 10', e.g., inside the textile element 12', and discharged to avoid and / or reduce humidification of the interior I. In this embodiment, the flow of water and air inside the device 10' generates cooling energy, lowering the surface temperature of the layer 14' facing the interior I without releasing humidity into the interior.

[0160] In an appropriate manner, to improve the evaporation behavior, an additional microporous textile layer for containing more water, such as a multifilament and / or nonwoven and / or superabsorbent material (not shown), can be applied between the second layer 16, 16' of the textile elements 12, 12' and the optionally applied (separate) water-conducting (water-repellent) layer, which contributes to more uniform wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0161] Optionally, in configurations of the device 10′ having a first, water-permeable layer 14′ facing the interior, an additional microporous textile layer for containing more water, such as a multifilament and / or nonwoven and / or superabsorbent (not shown), can be applied between the first layer 14′ of the textile element 12′ and an optionally applied (separate) water-impermeable layer (not shown), which contributes to more uniform wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0162] In an advantageous manner, the device 10 and the device 10' can be operated simultaneously, i.e. together with each other, or independently, i.e. separately from each other. When only the device 10' is operated for interior cooling and / or room air humidification, water is supplied only via the fluid connection 116' to the water supply device 26', e.g. to the frame profile 34''', and / or to the water supply device 67' of the textile element 12'. For an equivalent activation of only the device 10, reference is made to the description of Fig. 7b to avoid repetition.

[0163] Instead of or in addition to the water supply devices 26, 26′, (additional) water supply devices 67, 67′ can be provided, for example via the frame profiles 34′, 34′″. This allows water to be supplied to the textile elements 12, 12′ in a precise or linear manner, preferably in several locations and / or at different heights. The water supply devices 67, 67′ may comprise one or more injectors, for example water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses, arranged side by side along the height and / or width of the device 10, 10′, for example of the textile elements 12, 12′. In another embodiment, the water supply device 67, 67′ may be configured as a planar perforated water supply device, and in the perforated configuration, for example the fluid flow layers 104 and / or 108 may be perforated and connected to the device 10, 10′, for example to the textile elements 12, 12′, via a second, water-conducting layer 16, 16′, so that water is uniformly supplied from the fluid flow layers 104 and / or 108 to the textile elements 12, 12′ by adjusting the pressure within the fluid flow layers 104 and / or 108. Preferably, the water supply devices 67, 67' may be fluidly connected to the water supply devices 26, 26', e.g., to the frame profiles 34', 34" via the profile system 102', via the water supply lines 22, 22' and / or via the fluid connections 116, 116'. The water supply devices 67, 67' may also be fluidly connected to the water collecting devices 24, 24', e.g., to the frame profiles 34, 34" via the profile system 102, via the drainage lines 20, 20' and / or via the fluid connections 114, 114'. Water evaporation may be optimized by uniform wetting of the evaporation surface in terms of water distribution and water volume by the water supply devices 67, 67'.

[0164] Figure 11 shows a possible modification of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to Figure 6. The facade system 100 largely corresponds to the configuration described in Figure 6, so reference is made to the description therein to avoid repetition.

[0165] In contrast, the present multi-layer facade system 100 comprises a modified version of the device 10 of Figure 1. The textile element 12 comprises folding structures 28, 28', 28" that divide the textile element 12 into several foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections 30, 30', 30", 30'".

[0166] The foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections 30, 30', 30", 30"' may be operated by actuators 32, 32', 32", for example, linear and / or rotary actuators. At one end, the actuators 32, 32', 32" are connected to a mechanical substructure 57, for example of steel, wood, aluminum and / or polymer, etc., or a combination thereof, which is attached to the profile system 102, 102' and / or the frame profile 34, 34' and / or the holding device 92 of the apparatus 10. At the other end, the actuators 32, 32', 32" are connected to the textile element 12, for example to the folding structure 28, 28', 28", so that the sections 30, 30', 30", 30''' can be folded, pivoted and / or rotated when the actuators 32, 32', 32" are operated. An air space (air layer) 69 is arranged between the textile element 12 and the mechanical substructure 57.

[0167] By actuating the folding structure, the collection and / or evaporation surfaces can be maximized and specifically adjusted for each precipitation drop and / or solar incidence angle, thereby improving the absorption-exhaust and drainage-evaporation behavior. Actuation can be performed manually or automatically in an adaptive manner by integrating sensors, actuators and control units.

[0168] As explained above, sensors (not shown) for recording climatic and / or environmental data (e.g. ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind data and / or rain data) and / or a control unit for operating and / or regulating the actuators 32, 32′, 32″ may be provided. The control unit (not shown) may be configured such that the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 and / or its sections 30, 30′, 30″, 30′″ automatically adjust to impinging precipitation and / or towards incident sun. This helps to maximize the performance of the device.

[0169] A control unit (not shown) can be configured to interact with one or more sensors and actuators 32, 32', 32". The operation of the device and / or textile elements 12 and / or sections 30, 30', 30", 30'" can be monitored by one or more further sensors. Methods, e.g. software, are implemented in the control unit for operating the device 10 and / or the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0170] Optionally, the folded structure may also be introduced into the textile element by additive and / or subtractive manufacturing methods, for example by textile (3D) printing and / or textile connection means.

[0171] The folding structure may be introduced into the device 10 and / or the textile element 12 without being activated, simply to maximize the absorption (collection) and / or discharge (evaporation) surface area of ​​the device 10, e.g., of the textile element 12. In this case, the system is passive only. There is no limit to the amount of folding structure, e.g., the size of the sections.

Claims

1. A device (10) for absorbing precipitation from rainfall events, in particular heavy rainfall events, and draining the water by evaporation, comprising at least one textile element (12) for absorbing water from raindrops and draining the water by evaporation, said textile element (12) being designed as a 3D textile structure (13) with a first, water-permeable layer (14) and a second, water-conducting layer (16), the first, water-permeable layer (14) and the second, water-conducting layer (16) being interconnected by water-conducting connecting yarns (18), said textile element (12) being fluidly connected to a drainage pipeline (20) and / or a water supply pipeline (22).

2. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a water collecting device (24) fluidly connected to the textile element (12) and / or the drainage line (20).

3. 3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with a water supply device (26, 67) fluidly connected to the textile element (12) and / or the water supply line (22).

4. 4. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device (10) and / or the textile element (12) comprise hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic modifications.

5. 5. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the textile elements (12), i.e. the 3D textile structure (13), are made from synthetic fibers, polymer fibers, glass fibers, metal fibers and / or other suitable materials and are embodied as monofilaments or multifilaments.

6. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first layer (14) has a water-attractive and / or hydrophilic lamination, coating, finish, filament shape optimization, and / or a water-attractive layer is applied to the first layer (14), and the water-attractive layer and / or the first layer (14) have a finer perforation design than the spacing structure (19) formed by the connecting thread (18) between the first layer (14) and the second layer (16).

7. 7. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second layer (16) has a hydroconductive and / or hydrophobic lamination, coating, finish and / or filament shape optimization, and / or a water-conductive layer is applied to the second layer (16), and the water-conductive layer and / or the second layer (16) are watertight or perforated.

8. 8. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device (10) and / or the textile element (12) are of a planar, curved, folded and / or adaptive shape.

9. 9. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first layer (14) and / or the second layer (16) can be actuated by one or more actuators along a direction parallel to the plane of the first layer (14) or the second layer (16) so as to displace the first layer (14) and the second layer (16) relative to each other.

10. 10. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (10) and / or the textile element (12) comprises a folding structure (28, 28', 28") dividing the device (10) and / or the textile element (12) into several foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections (30, 30', 30", 30'").

11. 11. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the folded structure (28, 28', 28") has a mechanical substructure (57) or is introduced into the textile element (12) by additive and / or subtractive manufacturing methods, and / or the folded structure (28, 28', 28") is realized by a textile connection means.

12. 12. The device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that an actuator (32, 32', 32") is provided by means of which the foldable, folded, pivotable and / or rotatable sections (30, 30', 30", 30'") can be operated.

13. 13. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sensors are provided, by means of which climatic and / or environmental data are recorded.

14. 14. The device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a control unit is provided for operating and / or regulating the actuators (32, 32', 32"), said control unit being configured such that the device (10) and / or the textile element (12) and / or sections (30, 30', 30", 30'") of the textile element (12) are directed towards precipitation and / or solar radiation.

15. 15. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is provided with a holding device to which components of the device (10) are attached or to which they can be attached.

16. 16. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that the water collecting device (24) comprises a frame profile (34, 34') and / or a reservoir (33) for storing precipitation water.

17. 17. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a filter (36) for filtering precipitation is provided, said filter (36) being integrated into said textile element (12) and / or being arranged in or on the water collecting device (24) and / or in a building.

18. 18. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a pump (38) and / or a water temperature control device (40) is provided, the pump (38) and / or the water temperature control device (40) being fluidly connected to the water supply device (26, 67) and / or the water collecting device (24).

19. 19. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that the water supply device (26, 67) and / or the water collecting device (24) are connected to a heat exchanger (42, 120).

20. 20. Use of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 as a construction element in, on or outside a building or civil engineering structure (50, 60, 70).

21. Use of at least one device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 on or in the facade of a new building and / or as an add-on element on a conventional existing facade (82) of an existing building (80).

22. A facade system (100) for separating the interior (inside) I of a building from the exterior space (outside) O, comprising a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, optionally consisting of one or more layers (104, 106, 108, 110) and / or modules.

23. The facade system (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that on the side of the device (10) where the second textile layer (16) of the textile element (12) is located, the facade system (100) has at least one fluid flow layer (104, 108) and / or a thermal insulation layer (106) and / or an inner layer (110).

24. A facade system (100) as described in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that two fluid flow layers (104, 108) are provided, a first fluid flow layer (104) being arranged on one side of the insulation layer (106) and a second fluid flow layer (108) being arranged on the other side of the insulation layer (106).

25. A facade system (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that one or both of the two fluid flow layers (104, 108) is configured and intended as a heat collector and / or is used for temperature control of the interior wall surfaces of a building, for regulating air humidity, for adjusting sound insulation properties and / or for active fire protection.

26. A facade system (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that a further device (10') according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is provided, said further device (10') forming an inner layer of said facade system (100), and a first layer (14') of a textile element (12') of said further device (10') facing the interior (inside) I of the building.

27. The facade system (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the facade system (100) comprises a modular profile system (102, 102') to which components of the facade system (100) and / or holding devices of the device (10) according to claim 15 and / or frame profiles (34, 34') of the device (10) according to claim 16 are attached or can be attached.

28. A method for operating a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or a facade system (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 27 on a building, characterized in that precipitation is supplied for use inside, on or outside the building.

29. 29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that water and / or precipitation is evacuated through the textile element (12), in particular by evaporation.

30. 30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the precipitation is supplied in raw water form to consumers inside, on or outside the building, and / or the precipitation is processed into drinking water.

31. 31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the precipitation is used for internal conditioning of the building in terms of adjusting the temperature and air humidity, adjusting the sound insulation properties and / or for active fire protection.

32. 32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that, in particular in the case of excessive precipitation, the precipitation is discharged into the public water supply network and / or is delivered to nearby buildings and / or civil structures.

33. A method for controlling and / or regulating a device for absorbing and draining water, i.e. a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or a facade system (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 27, comprising the following steps: Retrieve forecast weather data from weather services for a defined period of time, Estimating the consumption of drinking water, raw water, and / or grey water within, on, or outside the building or civil structure for said defined period; comparing the estimated consumption of drinking water, raw water, and / or grey water with expected precipitation from the forecasted weather data.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the amount of water required for evaporative cooling of a facade, a space close to said facade, and / or an urban space is determined.

35. 35. A method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the amount of potable water, raw water and / or grey water required in, on or outside a building or civil engineering structure is determined.

36. 36. The method of any one of claims 33 to 35, further comprising determining the amount of water required for internal conditioning.

37. 37. A method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, characterized in that the amount of water required for a factory specific active fire protection application is determined.

38. 38. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 37, characterized in that the excess water is pumped to a nearby building or civil structure and / or the excess water is supplied to the public water network.

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