Precipitation Harvesting Storage System with Forecast-Based Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water harvesting systems lack sophisticated control logic to optimize both stormwater management and water conservation, and do not utilize network-based weather forecasting to anticipate and manage precipitation-generated runoff effectively, often leading to overflow or bypassing of stored water into downstream systems.
Innovation Solution
A combined water storage and detention system that includes remotely controllable pumps, sensing devices, precipitation forecast devices, and a controller to manage water levels and forecasted precipitation, allowing for the optimal storage and use of stormwater by adjusting valve operations based on predicted water volumes and system capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional water harvesting systems are used to store precipitation-generated runoff, then water conservation benefits are achieved, but stormwater management is compromised due to overflow and bypassing into downstream water bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by forecasting precipitation events before they occur and proactively managing storage capacity. The controller receives precipitation forecasts and anticipates incoming runoff volumes, allowing the system to prepare by adjusting valve positions and pump operations in advance to prevent overflow, rather than reacting after overflow occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor actual water levels in real-time and compare them against forecasted levels. The controller adjusts pump and valve operations based on this feedback to maintain optimal storage levels, balancing water conservation with prevention of downstream overflow.
2Quantity of substance
If water storage capacity is maximized to improve water conservation, then more water is available for use, but the system cannot accommodate forecasted precipitation events without overflowing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational parameters based on forecasted precipitation events. When significant rainfall is predicted, the system proactively reduces storage capacity by activating pumps to transfer water to downstream facilities or activating drain valves, thereby creating available capacity to accommodate the incoming precipitation without overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary water transfer operations before forecasted precipitation events to create storage capacity. By anticipating upcoming rainfall based on forecasts, the system proactively moves water out of storage in advance, ensuring capacity is available when the precipitation occurs.
3Ease of operation
If simple control logic is used to reduce system complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but the system cannot optimize both stormwater management and water conservation simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions through a single integrated controller that processes precipitation forecasts, monitors sensor data, calculates forecasted water levels, determines optimal operational responses, and controls multiple pumps and valves. This multi-functional approach achieves sophisticated optimization without requiring separate specialized control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that integrates precipitation forecast data with real-time sensor measurements and translates them into coordinated control actions for multiple pumps and valves. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling complex optimization behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
In a water storage system with water conduits, water pumps, drain valves, discharge valves, for storing a first volume of water, a method of maximizing water availability monitors a second volume of water within the system. Data regarding forecasted precipitation predicted to occur at some point in the future, including a predicted duration, intensity and volume are received and an expected time-dependent volume of water to be added to the system during the forecasted precipitation is estimated. If at least one of: a first sum of the predicted volume and the second volume and a second sum of the expected time-dependent volume and the second volume is greater than the first volume then the water pumps, drain valves, and discharge valves are controlled to discharge water until each of the first and second sums is not greater than the first volume.