Stormwater Diversion System for Tree Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban areas face challenges such as rapid stormwater runoff leading to erosion and reduced groundwater base flows, combined with the 'heat island' effect, which negatively impacts tree health due to inadequate water supply, as trees planted in hard surfaces struggle to access rainfall diverted into stormwater infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A water diversion system that collects stormwater from hard surfaces and directs it underground for passive irrigation of plants and trees, using a receptacle with a filter and distribution system to ensure water reaches the soil profile, reducing the need for active irrigation and mitigating stormwater runoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If stormwater is diverted into stormwater infrastructure, then stormwater runoff is reduced and waterways are protected, but trees planted in hard surfaces struggle to obtain adequate water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The stormwater drainage system is segmented into multiple functional zones: a receptacle for collecting stormwater, a filter for removing particulates, and a distribution system with emitters for delivering water to the soil profile. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously manage stormwater runoff and provide targeted irrigation to trees without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary stormwater management system installed between the hard surface pavement and the stormwater infrastructure. This intermediary layer includes the receptacle, filter, and distribution system that mediates between the stormwater runoff and the tree root zone, enabling water to be diverted from the stormwater infrastructure while still reaching the trees through controlled emission into the soil profile.
2Quantity of substance
If WSUD tree pits are installed to irrigate trees, then tree water supply is improved, but cost increases due to engineered materials, drainage connection and pavement re-configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The stormwater management system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it collects and manages stormwater runoff, filters particulates, and provides irrigation water to trees. By making the system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate WSUD tree pit installations, reducing overall costs while achieving both stormwater management and tree irrigation objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stormwater runoff itself as the irrigation source, eliminating the need for separate water delivery infrastructure. The filter and distribution system are designed to work autonomously using gravity-driven flow from the receptacle through the filter to the emitters, reducing the need for additional pumping or complex installation mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If water is dumped on the surface at the base of the tree, then water is provided to the tree, but water simply sits on the surface or runs off into the stormwater infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system includes emitters positioned to deliver water directly into the soil profile at the tree root zone before the water can pool on the surface or run off. This preliminary action of injecting water underground ensures reliable infiltration and prevents the water from simply sitting on the surface or entering the stormwater infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides a cost-effective solution for irrigation, reduces stormwater runoff, enhances water quality, and promotes deeper root growth, thereby reducing pavement uplift and improving environmental conditions by replenishing groundwater and reducing the heat island effect.
Implementation Method 1
a filter for removing solid particulates from the stormwater entering the distribution means
Implementation Method 2
distribution means connected to the outlet of the receptacle for communicating stormwater from the receptacle to a soil profile below the level of the pavement
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system for diverting water to improve ground water supplies. The system involves collecting stormwater from hard surfaces, such as roads and pavements, and diverts the stormwater to the landscape underground, including below the road and pavement, where the water may be used for passive irrigation. More specifically, the invention relates to a water diversion system for utilizing stormwater runoff to passively irrigate plants. The system comprises a receptacle for receiving and containing a volume of stormwater runoff, and having an outlet for enabling contained stormwater to flow out of the receptacle. The system further comprises distribution means connected to the outlet of the receptacle for communicating stormwater from the receptacle to a soil profile below the level of the pavement for access by a plant, thereby irrigating the plant. The system also comprises a filter for removing solid particulates from the stormwater entering the distribution means.