Adjustable Green Roof Drainage System for Flood Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current green roof drainage systems fail to meet stringent water retention requirements during prolonged heavy rain events, leading to flooding issues, as they are designed to manage water for only a short duration and then allow complete runoff, exceeding permissible discharge limits.
Innovation Solution
A water drainage system with a closure body and actuating device controlled by weather data, allowing for real-time adjustment of water storage and discharge volumes, enabling flexible water balance management and extended retention times by opening or closing the drain based on precipitation forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional green roof drainage systems are used, then water retention is achieved for short durations, but water discharge exceeds permissible limits during prolonged heavy rain events
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system employs a dynamically adjustable closure body that can modify the drain opening cross-section in real-time based on weather conditions. The actuating device responds to weather data by adjusting the closure body position, enabling the system to adapt discharge capacity dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed discharge rate, thus extending retention duration while controlling discharge volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives weather data as feedback input and automatically adjusts the closure body position accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to anticipate heavy rain events and pre-adjust the drainage capacity, or respond to ongoing precipitation by modifying discharge rates, thereby optimizing both retention duration and discharge volume control.
2Quantity of substance
If the drain is kept open to allow water discharge, then water retention is reduced, but discharge into sewage system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drain opening cross-section by moving the closure body to different positions based on real-time weather data evaluation. During light rain or dry periods, the closure body restricts the opening to maintain water storage volume. During heavy rain events, the opening is increased to manage discharge rates, thus balancing storage and discharge requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure body can assume different positions that correspond to different drain opening cross-sections, effectively changing the discharge parameter. The control device evaluates weather data and selects appropriate opening sizes, transforming the static drainage system into one with variable discharge parameters that match prevailing weather conditions.
3Reliability
If fixed runoff coefficient is used for green roof design, then initial water retention requirements are met, but stringent new regulations for extended retention periods cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides flexible water balance management through dynamic adjustment of the closure body position. Unlike fixed runoff coefficient systems, this invention can adapt discharge rates to match varying regulatory requirements and weather conditions, ensuring compliance with stringent retention period regulations while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device evaluates weather data in advance and proactively adjusts the closure body position before heavy rain events occur. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-position the drainage capacity appropriately, ensuring compliance with discharge regulations during anticipated extreme weather events rather than reacting after overflow occurs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water drainage system (1) for a surface (U) having a drain (A), in particular a roof surface, comprising: a closure element (2) which is arranged within or above the drain (A) and is designed to prevent water from entering the drain (A), an actuating device (3) with which the closure element (2) can be moved to allow water to enter the drain (A), and a control device (4) for controlling the actuating device (3), which is designed to control the actuating device (3) depending on evaluated weather data. The invention further relates to a gravel or green roof comprising the water drainage system and to a method for regulating the water level on a surface.