Modular green wall system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module (910), wherein the green wall module (910) comprises: at least one water reservoir (980), at least one plant holding compartment (970) configured to hold plants, and a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member (922), wherein the fluid transport member (922) comprises one or more hollow fibres promoting capillary action.

Description

MODULAR GREEN WALL SYSTEMFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates to a vertically stacked growth system, also known as green wall system comprising a passive irrigation system, and a method for passive irrigation, wherein the passive irrigation system comprises passive a fluid transport member comprising one or more wicking member comprising hollow fibres promoting capillary action.BACKGROUND

[0002] Green walls, also known as living walls or vertical gardens, are vertically oriented structures used to grow plants in a space-efficient manner. These systems are commonly installed in urban environments to add natural beauty, improve air quality, provide insulation, and utilize limited space effectively. Traditional green wall systems often rely on irrigation solutions, such as pumps, circulating water, or drip irrigation methods, to ensure plants receive the necessary nutrients and moisture. Various traditional Greenwall systems are for instance disclosed in US20210007301 A1 , KR20230024101 A1 , FR2967331 A1 , CH709670A1 or EP 3011826A1 ..However, these conventional irrigation systems present several challenges. Pump-based irrigation systems, for instance, require power and regular maintenance, which increases operational costs and limits the sustainability of the green wall. Drip irrigation and circulating water systems also require significant infrastructure and can lead to uneven water distribution or risk water stagnation, which can harm plant health. Moreover, these systems are prone to blockages and breakdowns, which necessitate regular attention to maintain efficient water flow and plant wellbeing.

[0003] In addition, most if not all systems presently in the market comprise at least one active member that facilitates the transport of water in an upward manner. These typically comprise pumps that require energy for lifting water to, and for maintaining at a preset or desired water level. Typically, maintaining at a preset or desired water level results in plant growth that is accustomed to the presence of a certain waterconcentration, and hence plants that are fed by such a system will develop their foliage and / or roots in line with the constant water level. As a result, if the water level fails to be maintained due to e.g. draught, these plants will suffer very quickly since the foliage typically requires a constant water level, and my not be recoverable. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a passive irrigation system for a green wall wherein the water level is maintained constantly at different levels per horizontal layer of plants, whereby plants that grow in this system are accustomed to a fluctuating water supply, similar to plants grown in ground, and are therefore less susceptible to eventual draughts. This is particularly relevant where essentially only use is made of rain water that can be collated at the location of the green wall system. The aim of the present invention is to address one or more of the abovementioned problems.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] This application relates to a vertically stacked growth system for plants, also known as a green wall system using a green wall module comprising a passive capillary watering system. By relying on capillary action, the system delivers the optimal amount of moisture directly to the plant roots without the need for pumps or complex plumbing. This passive capillary approach provides a low-maintenance, easy cleaning, energy-efficient solution that ensures even water distribution throughout the vertical structure. Also, the passive capillary watering system helps maintain moisture levels in the structure during drought conditions.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module, wherein the green wall module comprises at least one water reservoir, at least one plant holding compartment configured to hold plants, and a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member.

[0006] Further, the green wall module comprises an enclosure with walls defined as front wall, backwall, bottom wall, side walls and optionally a top wall, and wherein the water reservoir is integrated within the enclosure, and the plant-holding compartments are located on outer surface of the front wall of the enclosure, and wherein the front wallof the enclosure is configured to separate the plant-holding compartments from the water reservoir.

[0007] Further, the capillary watering system is configured to distribute water to one or more plant holding compartments through the fluid transport member. At least one fluid transport member can be a capillary rope or a capillary wick.

[0008] Advantageously, the capillary rope or a capillary wick is a continuous capillary rope or a continuous capillary wick, extending uninterrupted from a bottom part of the water reservoir to a top part of the green wall module and then back down to the plant holding compartment, ensuring consistent water distribution throughout the module.

[0009] Advantageously, the capillary rope or a capillary wick comprises hollowfibres. Hollow fibres are a type of fibre with a central hollow core running along their length. Unlike solid fibres, which are fully dense, hollow fibres have an internal void, or lumen, that allows fluids or gases to pass through. Because of the hollow structure, hollow fibres have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. The small diameter and porous structure promote capillary action, allowing hollow fibres to absorb and transport fluids, useful in wicking materials and irrigation systems. Generally, in the present invention, at least in part hollowfibres are employed in the capillary wick.

[0010] Advantageously, the at least one capillary rope or capillary wick is at least in part be made of polyether sulphone (PES), preferably of polyether sulphone (PES) fibres or filaments. However, this material, while strongly preferred, is one example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0011] Furthermore, the capillary rope, or a capillary wick may advantageously be configured to transport water to plants positioned at a height of up to 70 cm, or even up to 100 cm from the water level in the water reservoir. The capillary wick / capillary rope may preferably transport water to a height equal to the height of the water reservoir, which can be up to 70 cm, or even up to 100 cm.

[0012] In an embodiment, the fluid transport member comprises a capillary wick or capillary rope essentially made of polyether sulfone (PES) fibres. In an embodiment, the fluid transport member comprises a yarn or rope prepared from polyether sulfone fibres (PES). Preferably, the fluid transport member comprises a yarn or rope prepared from atleast in part hollow polyether sulfone fibres (PES), as this was found to allow for significantly higher wicki ng height as compared to other polymer fibres. Without wishing to be bound by a theory, this superior performance is due to the capillary effect of polyether sulfone fibres (PES fibres), which is substantially greater than that of conventional materials. The microstructure of PES fibres, in particular hollow fibres, allows for enhanced fluid movement along the fibres' surface, creating numerous capillary channels that efficiently transport liquids. As a result, the capillary action in of polyether sulfone fibres (PES)-based ropes (also referred to PES ropes) far surpasses that of ropes made from materials like nylon or polyester.

[0013] Preferably, the lumen of the hollow fibres is empty, i.e. comprises air prior to the incorporation into the wicking member. It was observed that impregnated comparative fibres that carried a dispersion of pigments in a non-polar medium did not provide the desired wicking activity, unless they were subjected to a washing step wherein the medium was removed. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is generally considered that this restored the capillary activity.

[0014] Preferably, the fluid transport member further comprises a capillary spreading means, also referred to as capillary spreading member. This serves for a horizontal spreading of the water, and for growth of plant roots. The capillary spreading means may advantageously comprise of a woven or non-woven fabric, which preferably may comprise of the same fibres as the capillary wicking member. The combination of the capillary spreading means and the capillary wicking member, in particular in fluid connection to each other allows to distribute water such that a homogeneous growth of plants in the green wall module. An example of a horizontal spreading means is disclosed in US 20180370717A1, wherein it acts as a filter between a water reservoir and a plant compartment.

[0015] In an embodiment, the water reservoir may comprise at least one rib having a hollow cross-section and located in the water reservoir horizontally along X-axis, the rib being configured to provide air in proximity to where capillary fluid exchange takes place between the capillary rope or capillary wick and a substrate. The hollow section can take various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, or other geometries.

[0016] Optionally the capillary watering system of the green wall system may further comprise at least one capillary spreading means configured to absorb excess of water. The capillary spreading means can be a non-woven fabric located inside the plant holding compartment.

[0017] The green wall module may further comprise at least one inlet on top wall of the green wall module configured to regulate the maximum water level in the water reservoir(s).

[0018] The plant holding compartments within each green wall module can be vertically aligned (alongwith Z-axis), stacked on top of each other. The plant holding compartments within each green wall module can be positioned in staggered or offset vertical alignment.

[0019] In an embodiment, the height of the green wall module is in the range between 100 mm and 1000 mm.

[0020] In an embodiment, the green wall module further comprises a filter mesh positioned in the inlet.

[0021] The green wall system may comprise a plurality of green wall modules wherein the modules can be stacked vertically on top of each other and / or optionally can be positioned side-by-side.

[0022] The green wall system may be further connected to a rain pipe and a flow distribution unit.

[0023] The continuous capillary rope or capillary wick may extend uninterrupted from the bottom part of the water reservoir to the top part of the green wall module and then back down to the plant holding compartment.

[0024] In a further aspect, there is provided a method for passive irrigation of a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module, wherein the green wall module comprises at least one water reservoir, at least one plant holding compartment configured to hold plants, and a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member, the method comprising : filling at least one water reservoir of the green wall module with water, transporting water from the water reservoir to at least one plant holding compartment using a capillary watering system comprising at least onefluid transport member, passively drawing water from the water reservoir to the plant holding compartment via the fluid transport member through capillary action; and distributing the water to at least one substrate and to plants in at least one plant holding compartment(s) to maintain optimal moisture levels for plant growth. Further, at least one fluid transport member is capillary wick or a capillary rope, prefearbly a combination thereof, which may advantageously comprise hollow fibres or filaments, more preferably fibres or filaments comprising polyether sulphone (PES), preferably at least in part hollow polyether sulphone (PES) fibres or filaments.

[0025] In a further aspect, there is provided a use of polyether sulphone (PES) capillary rope or capillary wickfor capillary watering of a green wall system.TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

[0026] In the context of passive irrigation, the term "to wick" refers to the process by which a fluid transport member (such as a rope, string, or absorbent material) draws water through capillary action.

[0027] The term “substate” refers to growing medium or soil for plants.

[0028] The term “capillary action” refers to the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, such as gravity.

[0029] The term “capillary” refers to the movement of waterthrough small channels or tubes by capillary action, which is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces.

[0030] In the context of capillary irrigation, the term "passive" refers to the absence of external energy sources, such as pumps or electric devices, to move water.

[0031] The term "wick" refers to a material or structure that draws liquid from a reservoir through capillary action.

[0032] The term "capillary rope" refers to a type of wick specifically designed to transport water through capillary action in irrigation systems. Capillary ropes in the present invention are used to draw water from a reservoir and distribute it to plants. The rope's structure facilitates water movement along its length.

[0033] The term “capillary spreading means” refers to a woven or non-woven sheetlike material that transports water horizontally through capillary action.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of implementing the green wall system in building structures.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, a green wall system is provided, comprising at least one green module (910). FIG. 2 further illustrates multiple versions of the same green wall module (910), each showing different components inserted into the module, highlighting various configurations or component options forthe system.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic drawing. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the green wall module 910 as part of the green wall system having a top wall 985. The green wall module comprises a water reservoir 980 at the back of the module, plant holder compartments 970, each plant holder compartment with capillary spreading means 960 and a substrate 950.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 4 also illustrates a side view of the green wall module 910 as part of the green wall system having a top wall 985.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 5 also illustrates a modular green wall system 2000 comprising multiple green wall modules 2006.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention also pertains to a green wall system. A green wall system is a vertical structure, either freestanding or attached to a wall, that features live plantsgrowing on it. The green wall system may comprise an integrated framework, such as structural support, green wall modules or panels, drainage, irrigation, water distribution system, The green wall system of the invention comprises a passive irrigation system, specifically the passive irrigation system may be forvertical greening applications. In such systems, water is distributed efficiently to plants arranged vertically (along the vertical Z-axis). The passive irrigation system operates without the need for pumps or external energy sources, instead relying on natural processes such as capillary action or gravity to deliver water from a reservoir to the plants, providing an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly system. Capillary action is the movement of a liquid through narrow spaces or porous materials without the assistance of external forces like gravity. In relation to capillary ropes / wicks, capillary action refers to the process by which a liquid, such as water or oil, moves through the small, narrow fibres of the rope / wick due to the forces of adhesion and cohesion.

[0041] Specifically, the present passive irrigation system of the green wall system is a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member or also referred to as capillary transport means. The capillary watering system can provide a specific water volume to plant ratio, retaining rainwater for use during dry periods. The fluid transport member refers to a physical component that facilitates the movement or transport of fluids through specific structures, such as porous materials, capillary fibres, or membranes. The fluid transport means can be directly connected to the water reservoir, feeding water continuously to the plants via capillary action. The fluid transport means can be placed directly in the water reservoir as a standalone wick / rope or within a conduit to guide water flow more efficiently to the plants. The fluid transport member is configured to transport water to plants positioned at a height of up to 70 cm -100 cm from water level in the water reservoir.

[0042] Further, the green wall system comprises at least a green wall module. The green wall module is a vertical, self-contained structure, designed for plant cultivation.

[0043] The green wall module features an enclosure which comprises a set of walls (backwall, front wall, side wall, bottom wall, and optionally a top wall) forming an enclosed water reservoir, within its internal structure. The backwall of the enclosure(water reservoir) can be designed to be securely attached to a vertical surface, such as a wall or another structural support. The enclosure features a front wall (outer wall), wherein the front wall has planks attached at an angle, forming compartments of various shapes, such as triangular or other suitable geometries. These angled planks create plant-holding compartments designed to hold the substrate (growing medium or soil for plants), providing individual planting pockets. The side walls and bottom wall complete the enclosure. The enclosure may have a height rangingfrom 100 mm to 1000 mm. For example, the height of the enclosure can be in the range between 200 mm and 900 mm. For example, the height of the enclosure can be in the range between 300 mm and 900 mm, or between 400 mm and 900 mm, or between 500 mm and 900 mm, or between 600 mm and 900 mm. In a further embodiment, the height of the enclosure can be between 400 mm and 800 mm, or between 400 mm and 700 mm, or between 400 mm and 600 mm.

[0044] The front wall of the enclosure supports multiple plant holding compartments, allowing plants to be positioned externally,

[0045] A plurality of green wall modules can be attached in a modular fashion, either stacked on top of each other and / or can be also optionally arranged side by side. The front wall of the enclosure or water reservoir separates the water reservoir from the plantholding compartment. This wall helps to isolate the water source while allowing the capillary system to deliver moisture efficiently to the plants.

[0046] The green wall module may have a height rangingfrom 100 mm to 1000 mm, or from 400 mm to 1000 mm. For example, the height of the green wall module can range between 500 mm and 1000 mm, or between 500 mm and 900 mm, or between 600 mm and 900 mm. Also, the green wall system of the present invention can be a modular system, comprising a plurality of green wall modules. The modules can be positioned side-by-side and / or stacked vertically on top of each other. This stackable configuration of green wall modules can be used for indoor and outdoor green wall systems.

[0047] The green wall module includes a water reservoir, a plant holding compartment designed to support plants, and a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member that may comprise a capillary transport means, in particular ropes, wicks, tubes, fibres that promote vertical water transport, and water spreading means,such as porous membranes, woven or non-woven sheets, sponges, or absorbent mats. The plant-holding compartments can be arranged at varying heights on the front wall of the green wall module. Further, the level of water in the water reservoir of the green wall module can be below the level of the lowest plant holding compartment associated with the enclosure of the green wall module. The lowest plant-holding compartment refers to the compartment positioned at the lowest point in a plurality of vertically arranged plantholding compartments on the front wall of the green wall module of the green wall system. Further, the level of water in the water reservoir of the green wall module can be below the level of the uppermost plant holding compartment. The uppermost plantholding compartment refers to the highest-positioned compartment in a plurality of plantholding compartments arranged vertically on the front wall of the green wall module. The plant-holding compartments are positioned relative to the water level in the water reservoir in such a way that water is transported upwardly (vertically along the Z axis, see Figs.) from the water reservoir to the top of the water reservoir, which can be positioned at a height of up to 70 cm, or even 100 cm, and then moves downward to reach the plantholding compartments.

[0048] The capillary watering system serves as a passive irrigation system and is configured to distribute water to one or more plant holding compartments through the fluid transport member. The capillary water system utilizes at least one capillary transport mechanism, also referred to as a fluid transport member, to move water from the reservoir to the plants, ensuring efficient and consistent irrigation through natural capillary action. The fluid transport member is configured to passively transport water from the water reservoir to the plant holding compartment through capillary action, thereby providing consistent irrigation to the plants held in the plant holding compartment. Further, the fluid transport member may extend from the (water) reservoir to the plant holding compartment, ensuring a continuous and reliable water supply. While the fluid transport member may have a length and width dimension, such as a diameter, that is significantly smaller than that of the (water) reservoir, it should be understood that the diameter of the fluid transport member is not limited to a smaller size. In someembodiments, the fluid transport member may have a larger diameter and can substantially fill the reservoir.

[0049] The fluid transport member may comprise a capillary rope or capillary wick. The capillary rope or wick is typically made from materials that have good absorbent and porous qualities, allowing liquids to move through them via capillary action.

[0050] Non-limiting examples of suitable compositions for the fluid transport member include ropes or yarns made from fibres comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyether sulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, and combinations thereof. These fibres / yearns can be either woven, twisted or braided tightly together to create a rope-like structure. This structure provides small, narrow channels between the fibres through which the liquid can travel by capillary action. The weave or braid pattern is designed to maximize the surface area and porosity, allowing efficient water transport.

[0051] In an embodiment, the fluid transport member comprises a capillary wick or capillary rope made of polyether sulfone (PES) fibres. In an embodiment, the fluid transport member comprises a yarn or rope prepared from polyether sulfone fibres (PES). Preferably, the fluid transport member comprises a yarn or rope prepared from polyether sulfone fibres (PES), as this was found to allow for significantly higher wicking height as compared to other polymer fibres. Without wishing to be bound by a theory, this superior performance is due to the capillary effect of polyether sulfone fibres (PES fibres), which is substantially greater than that of conventional materials. The microstructure of PES fibres allows for enhanced fluid movement along the fibres' surface, creating numerous capillary channels that efficiently transport liquids. As a result, the capillary action in of polyether sulfone fibres (PES)-based ropes (also referred to PES ropes) far surpasses that of ropes made from materials like nylon or polyester.

[0052] This fluid transport member can consist of capillary ropes or capillary wicks made from polymeric materials or fibres.

[0053] The green wall system may comprise a plurality of fluid transport members in the form of capillary ropes or capillary wicks.

[0054] Example of suitable materials for fluid transport member are capillary ropes and capillary wicks made of polyester, nylon, cotton, acrylic, polypropylene, polyether sulphone and rayon. Additionally, other fibres such as cellulose-based materials, bamboo fibres, and microfiber blends are also effective for their superior water absorption and wicking properties. The fibres may advantageously be prepared from a thermoplastic resin, in particular chosen from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylate, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyamide (PA or Nylon), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyketone (PK), polyester, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PSU), thermoplastic fluoropolymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (PECTFE) or polyethylene tetrafluoroethylene (PETFE), or a mixture thereof. Any number of yarns and / or different kinds of yarns may be employed, e.g. different materials, different number of fibres per yarn, provided that they show a wicking effect.

[0055] Inventors have unexpectedly discovered that using polyether sulphone (PES) fibre, yarns or wicks / ropes comprising such yarns or wicks significantly enhances capillary action in comparison to other capillary yarns, ropes or wicks made of other materials such as nylon or polyester. The capillary wick / capillary rope is continuous meaning it may have a continuous length, meaning it extends uninterrupted from the water reservoir to the top of the green wall module and then down to the plant-holding compartment. This improvement allows water to be efficiently transported from the reservoir to plants positioned at heights of up to 60 cm, or even at heights of up to 70 cm above the water level in the reservoir.

[0056] In an embodiment, the fluid transport means comprises the capillary rope(s) or capillary wick(s) is made of polyether sulphone (PES) fibres and / or filaments, more preferably hollow PES fibres. Polyether sulphone (PES) fibre is a type of high-performance synthetic fibre made from polyether sulphone polymers and can be solid fibres or hollow fibres. Hollow fibres are a type of fibre with a central hollow core running along theirlength. Unlike solid fibres, which are fully dense, hollowfibres have an internal void, or lumen, that allows fluids or gases to pass through. Because of the hollow structure, PES fibres have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. The small diameter and porous structure promote capillary action, allowing hollow PES fibres to absorb and transport fluids, useful in wicking materials and irrigation systems. Generally, in the present invention, both solid and hollow PES fibres can be used.

[0057] The length of the capillary wick or capillary rope can be designed to be approximately twice the height of the green wall module.

[0058] In an embodiment, the length of the capillary rope or capillary wick can be between 150 mm to 3000 mm, orfrom 200 mm to 1600 mm, orfrom 400 mm to 1600 mm, or from 500 mm to 1250 mm.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the green wall module has a water reservoir with a hight between the bottom and top wall in the range of 500 mm to 700 mm, and a PES capillary rope with a length in the range between 1000 mm and 1450 mm.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 9, a green wall system is provided, comprising at least one green module 910. Additionally, Fig. 9 illustrates multiple versions of the same green wall module 910, each showing different components inserted into the module, highlighting various configurations or component options forthe system. Each green module 910 comprises at least one water reservoir (not shown), Further, the green wall module 910 comprises plant holding compartments 970 being vertically aligned (along Z-axis), stacked on top of each other. The plant holding compartment can be positioned in staggered or offset vertical alignment. Furthermore, the plant-holding compartment is designed to hold the substrate 950, also referred to as the growing medium, which is used for supporting and cultivating plants. Furthermore, each plant holding compartment 970 includes at least one cork insert 961 on the outer-facing wall, the wall that is exposed to the external environment. Also, each plant holding compartment 970 comprises optionally at least one capillary spreading means 960. The capillary spreading means is made of non-woven fabric, an absorbent material and is positioned at the back of the plant holding compartment such that the fluid transport members 922 are positioned in front of it. The fluid transport members 922 are polyether sulphone (PES) capillaryropes / capillary wicks and have a specific length designed to ensure efficient water distribution across all plant holders. The capillary wick / capillary rope 922 begins in the water reservoir located at the back of the green wall module. Further, the green wall module may further comprise an air inlet (not shown), wherein filter mesh positioned in the air inlet.

[0061] Further, each green wall module may comprise at least one opening for the capillary rope, or the capillary wick configured to both accommodate the respective rope or wick, and to serve as a drain system for excess of water.

[0062] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 illustrate a side view of the green wall module 910 as part of the green wall system having a top wall 985 and a bottom wall (not shown). Further, the green wall module may comprise at least one inlet on the top wall of the green wall module configured to regulate the maximum water level in the water reservoir(s). The green wall module comprises a water reservoir 980 at the back of the module, plant holder compartments 970, each plant holder compartment with capillary spreading means 960 and a substrate 950. The capillary spreading means 960, positioned behind the capillary wick / capillary rope 922, acts as a screen that may absorb water directly from the capillary wick / capillary rope 922. It may help retain excess water, allowing it to gradually release moisture back to the substrate 950. This ensures the plants remain hydrated over time, even when the capillary wick / rope is not actively delivering water. Additionally, the capillary spreading means 960 may regulate moisture levels by preventing over-saturation and providing a steady, controlled flow of water to the plants, maintaining optimal hydration throughout the green wall system. The water reservoir 980 is a storage compartment designed to hold and maintain a supply of water for irrigation or hydration purposes and is filled with water to a designated level. The water reservoir (s) 980 may receive water from external sources, such as a rainwater pipe.

[0063] The green wall module features a capillary wick / capillary rope 922 that begins in the water reservoir 980 at the back of the green wall module. The capillary wick / capillary rope 922 extends upwards along the Z-axis, reaching the top of the module, specifically the top part of the water reservoir, where it bends downward, creating a kind of U-turn or U-bend. Underneath this U-bend, there can be a roller or other type of guiding mechanismthat helps guide and support the capillary wick / rope. From there, the capillary wick / capillary rope 922 travels vertically in the Z direction, ensuring it reaches all the plant holder compartments aligned along the height (Z-axis) of the green wall module, as shown in Fig 11 .

[0064] Further, capillary wick / capillary rope 922 is continuous or of a continuous length, meaning that it extends uninterrupted from the water reservoir 980, up to the top of the module, and back down to the plant holding compartment 950, ensuring consistent and uniform water distribution throughout the system via capillary action and without breaks or interruptions. (Fig. 11). Further, the capillary ropes / capillary wicks are made of polyether sulphone (PES) fibres of filaments. The capillary rope, or a capillary wick is configured to transport water to plants positioned at a height of up to 70 cm from water level in the water reservoir. In an embodiment, water is transported upwardly along the Z-axis from the water reservoir to the top of the water reservoir which can be positioned at a height of up to 70 cm, and then moves downward to the plant-holding compartments. If the surface of the water is, for example, at a height of 20 cm of the water reservoir, the system is capable of transporting water up to compartments positioned as high as 70 cm. In an embodiment, the surface of the water in the water reservoir can be at height in the range of from 1 cm up to 70 cm, or 100 cm depending on the height of the water reservoir of 5 cm, 10 cm. In an embodiment, the level of the water in the water reservoir can be at height in the range of from 5 cm up to 60 cm, or 5 cm to 55 cm, or 5 cm to 50 cm, or 5 cm to 45 cm, or 5 cm to 40 cm, or 5 cm to 35 cm, or 5 cm to 30 cm, or 5 cm to 30 cm, or 5 cm to 25 cm, or 5 cm to 20 cm, or 5 cm to 10 cm.

[0065] The water reservoir 980 may comprise at least one rib 990 (Fig. 10) located in the water reservoir 980 horizontally along X-axis as shown in Fig. 10. The rib is configured to provide air in proximity to where capillary fluid exchange takes place between the capillary rope or capillary wick and the substrate 950. The rib 990 can also provide structural reinforcement.

[0066] The rib 990 may have a hollow cross-section, which allows oxygen to flow through and reach the capillary spreading means 960. This feature helps in aerating the capillary spreading means 960, ensuring that the plants not only receive consistent moisture butalso benefit from the oxygen supply, promoting healthier root growth and overall plant development.

[0067] Fig. 12 illustrates a modular green wall system 2000 comprising multiple green wall modules 2006. In this configuration, the green wall modules 2006 are stacked vertically along the Z-axis. Additionally, the modular green wall system can be connected to a rainwater pipe 2010, which directs rainwaterto the water reservoir in each module by using the vertically mountable water distribution system. The plant holding compartments within each green wall module can be vertically aligned (along with Z-axis), stacked on top of each other. In the green wall system, the plant holding compartments within each green wall module can be positioned in staggered or offset vertical alignment.

[0068] The present system may be fastened to the fapade of a building as shown in FIG.1 , e.g. a house, office building, storage facility, factory building, or incorporated into a building, optionally fastened to the foundation of a building, together with other modules as disclosed herein, thus forming an assembly, also it can be used for mobile walls. The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the assembly may vary from a few meters to several tens of meters.

[0069] Exemplary Method of irrigation the green wall system of the present invention: The passive irrigation method for a green wall system involves the efficient and natural transportation of water to plants without the use of pumps or external energy. This method uses capillary action to deliver water from a reservoirto plant-holding compartments, ensuring consistent moisture levels and optimal plant growth.

[0070] The process begins with filling the water reservoir 980. The water reservoir 980, located within the enclosure of the green wall module, stores water or a nutrient solution that will be gradually transported to the plants, and can optionally be replenished by a rainwater collection system or through manual refills.

[0071] Once the water reservoir 980 is filled, the capillary watering system is activated. This capillary watering system uses one or more fluid transport members, such as capillary wicks or capillary ropes, that extend from the water reservoir to the plant compartments. The at least one capillary rope or capillary wick is made of polyethersulphone (PES), preferably of polyether sulphone (PES) fibres or filaments. These fluid transport members may absorb the water through capillary action natural process where water moves through narrow spaces without external forces.

[0072] Capillary action enables the water to travel through the transport member, moving upwards or along the module. The process does not rely on electricity or mechanical pumps, but on the physical properties of the fluid and the transport medium. As water is absorbed, it travels along the wick or rope and reaches the plant holding compartments.

[0073] In the plant holding compartments, the water is either directly delivered to the plant’s roots through contact with the fluid transport member and optionally through an intermediate absorbent layer, such as a capillary fabric or capillary spreading means 960, which is positioned between the fluid transport member and the backwall of the plant holding compartment 970. This layer may act like a sponge, drawing water from the wick and making it available for the plant roots.

[0074] The capillary watering system ensures consistent water distribution to all plants. The passive nature of the irrigation allows plants to receive water based on their needs, as the water is slowly and consistently transported to the plant compartments over time. This capillary watering system prevents overwatering and reduces water waste since water is delivered gradually and is controlled by the natural wicking process.

[0075] Throughout the process, the water reservoir can be maintained at a certain level to ensure the capillary action continues.

[0076] The passive irrigation system is designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. It reduces the need for mechanical intervention, minimizes water loss, and ensures that plants receive the right amount of moisture without risk of waterlogging.

[0077] In summary, this method allows for the effective and energy-efficient irrigation of green wall systems by leveraging capillary action. It provides a low-maintenance, reliable, and eco-friendly solution to keeping plants hydrated and thriving in vertical garden setups or green wall systems.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A green wall system comprising at least one green wall module,wherein the green wall module comprises:at least one water reservoir,at least one plant holding compartment configured to hold plants, anda capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member, wherein the fluid transport member comprises one or more hollow fibres promoting capillary action.

2. The green wall system accordingto claim 1, wherein the capillary watering system is configured to distribute water to one or more plant holding compartments through the fluid transport member.

3. The green wall system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid transport member extends from the water reservoir.

4. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one fluid transport member comprises a capillary rope or a capillary wick.

5. The green wall system according to claim 4, wherein the capillary rope or a capillary wick comprises a continuous capillary rope or a continuous capillary wick.

6. The green wall system according to claim 5, wherein the continuous capillary rope or capillary wick extends uninterrupted from a bottom part of the water reservoir to a top part of the green wall module comprising the plant holding compartment positioned above the water reservoir, preferably wherein the continuous capillary rope or capillary wick extends back down over a threshold into the plant holding compartment.

7. The green wall system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each green wall module comprises at least one opening for the capillary rope, orthe capillary wick configured to both accommodate the respective rope orwick, and to serve as a drain system for excess of water.

8. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one capillary rope or capillary wick comprises polyether sulphone (PES) fibres or filaments.

9. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the capillary watering system further comprises at least one capillary spreading means configured to absorb excess of water.

10. The green wall system accordingto claim 9, wherein the capillary spreading means is a non-woven fabric located inside the plant holding compartment, preferably, wherein the capillary spreading means and the capillary wicking member are in fluid connection to each other, to distribute water horizontally and vertically to provide for a homogeneous growth of plants in each green wall module.11 . The green wall system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the green wall module comprises an enclosure with walls defined as front wall, backwall, bottom wall, side walls and optionally a top wall, and wherein the water reservoir is integrated within the enclosure, and the plant-holding compartments are located on outer surface of the front wall of the enclosure, and wherein the front wall of the enclosure is configured to separate the plant-holding compartments from the water reservoir.

12. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising at least one rib having a hollow cross-section and located in the water reservoir horizontally along X-axis, the rib being configured to provide air in proximity to where capillary fluid exchange takes place between the capillary rope or capillary wick and a substrate present in a plant holding compartment, the substrate acting as growing medium or soil for plants.

13. The green wall system according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the capillary rope, or a capillary wick, is configured to transport waterto plants positioned at a height of up to 70 cm from water level in the water reservoir.

14. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plant holding compartments within each green wall module are vertically aligned (along Z-axis), stacked on top of each other.

15. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plant holding compartments within each green wall module are positioned in staggered or offset vertical alignment.

16. The green wall system according to claim 15, wherein the green wall system comprises a plurality of green wall modules wherein the modules are stacked vertically on top of each other and / or optionally are positioned side-by-side.

17. The green wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the green wall module further comprises at least one inlet on top wall of the green wall module configured to regulate maximum water level in the water reservoir(s).

18. The green wall system according any one of the preceding claims, wherein height of the green wall module is in the range between 100 mm and 1000 mm.

19. The green wall system according to claim 17, wherein the green wall module further comprises a filter mesh positioned in the inlet.

20. The green wall system accordingto any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the green wall system is further connected to a rain pipe and a flow distribution unit.21 . A method for passive irrigation of a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the method comprising:filling at least one water reservoir of the green wall module with water,transporting water from the water reservoir to at least one plant holding compartment using a capillary watering system comprising at least one fluid transport member, passively drawing water from the water reservoir to the plant holding compartment via the fluid transport member through capillary action; anddistributing the water to at least one substrate, and preferably and to plants present in contact with the substrate in at least one plant holding compartment(s) to maintain optimal moisture levels for plant growth.

22. The method for passive irrigation of a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module accordingto claim 21, wherein the at least one fluid transport member comprises a capillary wick or a capillary rope.

23. The method for passive irrigation of a green wall system comprising at least one green wall module according to claim 22, wherein the at least one capillary rope or capillary wick comprises polyether sulphone (PES) fibres, preferably hollow polyether sulphone (PES) fibres or filaments.

24. Use of polyether sulphone (PES) capillary rope or capillary wick for capillary watering of a green wall system.

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