Rainwater harvesting is an age-old technique that has gained renewed significance in recent years due to growing concerns about water scarcity and environmental sustainability. It involves collecting, storing, and utilizing rainwater for various purposes. This practice is particularly crucial in regions with limited or unreliable water resources.
The process of rainwater harvesting begins with the collection of rainwater from rooftops, open areas, or other surfaces. The collected water is then directed towards a storage system ranging from simple containers to underground tanks or reservoirs. Before usage, it is advisable to filter and purify the harvested water to ensure its quality.
There are numerous benefits associated with rainwater harvesting. Firstly, it provides an additional water source, reducing the strain on existing water supplies and alleviating water scarcity concerns. Secondly, rainwater harvesting helps to mitigate the burden on storm water drainage systems, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. It also promotes self-sufficiency and resilience, as individuals and communities rely less on centralized water distribution systems. Rainwater can be utilized for various purposes, such as irrigation, household chores, livestock watering, and even after proper treatment, for drinking. Utilizing rainwater for non-potable purposes helps conserve precious freshwater resources, which can be reserved for essential needs.
Advantages of rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting offers several advantages that contribute to sustainable water management and environmental conservation:
- Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting helps to conserve water by collecting and utilizing rainwater, reducing the dependency on traditional water sources. It provides an additional water supply, particularly useful in regions facing water scarcity or unreliable availability.
- Self-sufficiency: By implementing rainwater harvesting systems, individuals and communities become less reliant on centralized water distribution systems. This promotes self-sufficiency and reduces the vulnerability to water shortages or disruptions in water supply.
- Cost savings: Harvesting rainwater can lead to significant cost savings, especially in areas where water prices are high. Utilizing harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or laundry reduces the consumption of treated water, resulting in reduced water bills.
- Reduced strain on infrastructure: Rainwater harvesting alleviates the burden on stormwater drainage systems by capturing rainwater that would otherwise contribute to runoff. This reduces the risk of flooding, soil erosion, and overloading of sewage treatment plants, thereby reducing infrastructure maintenance costs.
- Environmental benefits: By harvesting rainwater, there is a reduced need for groundwater extraction and surface water diversion, which can harm ecosystems. Rainwater harvesting helps preserve natural water sources, maintains water balance in local ecosystems, and minimizes aquatic habitat impacts.
- Improved water quality: Rainwater is generally pure and free from chemicals, contaminants, and salts commonly found in other water sources. Harvested rainwater can be treated and used for various purposes, including drinking, after proper filtration and purification.
- Educational and community benefits: Rainwater harvesting initiatives can raise awareness about water conservation and sustainable practices. They can foster community engagement, promote environmental stewardship, and provide educational opportunities for individuals, schools, and organizations.
In summary, rainwater harvesting offers advantages such as water conservation, self-sufficiency, cost savings, reduced strain on infrastructure, environmental benefits, improved water quality, and educational/community benefits. Implementing rainwater harvesting systems supports sustainable water management, reduces the demand for traditional water sources, and contributes to long-term water security and environmental sustainability.
Innovative patents related to rainwater harvesting
- Title: Method of preserving and harvesting rain water in trench lined with pvc sheet to prevent flood and soil erosion
Patent Application Number – 1345/MUM/2004
Publication Number: WO/2009/138995
Publication Date: 19.11.2009
International Application No.: PCT/IN2008/000485
International Filing Date: 04.08.2008
Inventor: VIJAY KUMAR KEDIA
The invention relates to the ” Method of preserving and harvesting rain water in trench lined with pvc sheet to prevent flood and soil erosion,” More specifically, the invention relates to a solution for rainwater loss caused by evaporation and runoff from topsoil. Patent Number 229617 describes a method of preserving and harvesting rainwater using a PVC sheet to construct bandharas, small earthen dams used to impound water. The invention involves using a PVC sheet to line the inside of the bandhara to prevent water seepage and increase its storage capacity. The sheet is fixed to the walls and bottom of the bandhara using ropes and bamboo poles. The invention also involves using a PVC pipe as an outlet for the harvested water. The harvested water can be used for various purposes such as irrigation, drinking, and household use. This invention provides an effective and affordable method of rainwater harvesting, which can help conserve water resources and provide access to safe drinking water in areas with limited water supply.
Using PVC sheets to construct bandharas has several advantages over traditional methods, such as cement or concrete. PVC sheet is lightweight and easy to transport, which makes it suitable for use in remote areas. It is also easy to install and does not require specialized skills or equipment. The use of PVC sheet also reduces the cost of construction and maintenance compared to traditional methods because of the PVC sheet at the bottom & this percolated water spreads horizontally within the ground, away from the trench in a backward direction, and the water content of the soil significantly increases. Water in the soil travels upward and downward due to capillary action and gravitation, significantly raising the groundwater level. Overall, the patent provides a simple, effective, and affordable method of rainwater harvesting using PVC sheets and pipes. This method can help conserve water resources, improve access to safe drinking water, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
- Title: Rainwater harvesting system
Patent application number: WO2009133405A1
Application filed date: 2009-05-01
Publication Date:2009-11-05
Inventors: Nigel O’driscoll
The rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater from gutters using small and unobtrusive collectors. The collected water is transferred to a storage tank using a standard pumping system that only operates when the amount of water in each collector is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. The system is easy to install and does not require roof modifications or large reservoir installations. It includes sensors and a feed system to transfer the water to the tank, and a standard pumping system to pump the water from the tank to where it is needed. The article also lists several claims related to the system, including the use of rainwater collectors on gutter downpipes, a storage tank located close to the guttering, and a central control computer that receives signals from the sensors in the rainwater collectors and operates the standard pumping system by the received signals. The article concludes that the system is intended to use a more significant number of miniature and unobtrusive collectors that all feed into a larger communal tank that is kept hidden inside the roof of the building rather than having fewer of the larger and somewhat unsightly tanks, which can detract from the overall appearance of a building. The invention is a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater from gutters using small, unobtrusive collectors. The collected water is transferred to a storage tank using a standard pumping system that only operates when the amount of water in each collector is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. The system is easy to install and does not require roof modifications or large reservoir installations. It includes sensors and a feed system to transfer the water to the tank, and a standard pumping system to pump the water from the tank to where it is needed. A central computer can control the system and includes safety features such as sensors to stop water transfer when the tank is complete and a ball cock to supply water from the mains when the tank is low.
- Title: Rain harvesting apparatus
Patent application number: GB2490381A
Application filed date: 2012-01-25
Publication Date: 2012-10-31
Inventors: Denis Sheehy
The rainwater harvesting apparatus and method for installing and operating it in a building. The apparatus includes a chamber for capturing rainwater, a reservoir for storing it, an overflow tank, pumping means, and control means. The pumping means is activated and deactivated based on the water level in the reservoir and pumps rainwater to a remote vessel. The apparatus has sensor means, a heating element, and a filter. A photovoltaic solar panel powers it and includes integrated electronic and smart technology. Installing the rainwater harvesting apparatus involves excising a portion of a rainwater downpipe of a building to provide an excised portion and two spaced apart sections of the pipe, each having an open pipe end. The chamber is then positioned in the space between the spaced apart sections of pipe, and the chamber’s inlet is coupled to one of the pipe ends, while the chamber outlet is coupled to the other of the pipe ends. Conduit means from the pumping means is coupled to the remote vessel, and the apparatus is secured to a surface, such as a building wall. The method of operating the rainwater harvesting apparatus involves determining the level of rainwater in the reservoir and activating and deactivating the pumping means to pump rainwater from the reservoir to the remote vessel according to the level of rainwater in the reservoir. The pumping means is activated when the reservoir is full of rainwater or has sufficient rainwater stored therein. Otherwise, the pumping means is deactivated. Any rainwater that enters the apparatus via the pipe end is allowed to overflow from the reservoir to the overflow tank and returned to the downpipe via outlet. Optionally, the method comprises further determining the level of rainwater in the reservoir and the remote vessel and activating and deactivating the pumping means to pump rainwater from the reservoir to the remote vessel according to the levels of rainwater in the reservoir and the remote vessel. The article concludes by stating that the invention can be modified or added to without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
- Title: Rainwater collection and distribution device
Patent application number: US20140231328A1
Application filed date: 2012-09-28
Publication Date: 2014-08-21
Inventors: Denis Sheehy
The rainwater collection and distribution device can be installed within downpipes. The device includes an elongated collector tank, a connection conduit, a pump, and a delivery conduit connected to a water storage tank. It also includes rainwater filtration, level detection, and overflow conduit. The device can be powered by a photovoltaic panel and controlled by a central controller. It also includes various sensors and a memory to log data. The pump is submersible and fits within the elongated collector tank.
The device also includes rainwater filtration, level detection, and overflow conduit. The pump is submersible and fits within the elongated collector tank. The device can be powered by a photovoltaic panel and controlled by a central controller. It also includes various sensors and a memory to log data. The device can be installed on a flat roof of a building, with the elongated collector tank installed within a downpipe that projects downwardly from the roof. The connection conduit, the submersible pump, and a portion of the delivery conduit are located within the elongated collector tank, which conceals most of the device from view and does not impact the facade of the building. The rainwater collection and distribution device collect rainwater that falls onto a surface, such as a roof of a building, and into one of the downpipes of the building. The elongated collector tank collects and retains indefinitely rainwater which passes into the downpipe until the rainwater level reaches a predefined upper detection level/point. Once the rainwater level reaches the upper detection point, the central controller activates the pump, which pumps the rainwater to the water storage tank. The device includes various sensors, such as a rainwater level detection unit, temperature sensor, and water quality measurement sensor. The central controller logs all pump activations and data from the various sensors in the device. The information from the central controller or the various sensors directly may be transmitted to a remote location using a wireless communications transmitter or transceiver. The device may also be connected to a mains water supply connection with a motorized valve connected between the mains water supply and the rainwater collection and distribution device so that mains supply water can be fed through the device if required for cleansing and the like.
- Title: Rain water harvesting by means of linear elevated tanks
Patent application number: EP2511433B1
Application filed date: 2012-04-11
Publication Date: 2019-05-22
Inventors: GLACKIN DESMOND
The rainwater harvesting system collects water from the projection or gutter line of a building. The system includes self-cleaning tanks that can be stacked for storage and transport. The water is maintained at a desired temperature and clean state and can be retrieved effectively. The system includes a silt chamber to prevent debris from entering the tanks and a service pipe to bring the filtered water into use within or outside the property. The building structure or a frame can support the tanks and be located inside or outside the building. The system reduces the need for large volumes of pipework and can be used for industrial applications.
The building structure or a frame can support the tanks and be located inside or outside the building. The system includes a silt chamber to prevent debris from entering the tanks and a service pipe to bring the filtered water into use within or outside the property. The water is maintained at a desired temperature and clean state and can be retrieved effectively. The system installation involves fixing the tanks to the building structure or a frame and connecting the service pipe to the tanks. The tanks can be stacked for storage and transport inside or outside the building. The system includes a silt chamber to prevent debris from entering the tanks and a service pipe to bring the filtered water into use within or outside the property. The tanks are self-cleaning and can be easily maintained by opening a cleaning point at either end of the tanks. The functionality of the system involves collecting rainwater from the projection or gutter line of a building, filtering it through the silt chamber, and storing it in the tanks. The water is maintained at a desired temperature and clean state and can be retrieved effectively through the service pipe. The system reduces the need for large volumes of pipework and can be used for industrial applications. The tanks can also be used to thaw snow and ice to replenish the system and relieve weight accumulation on the roof structure.
- Title: System for solar and rainwater harvesting in open spaces
Patent application number: WO2016092567A1
Publication Number: WO/2016/092567
Publication Date: 16.06.2016
International Application No.: PCT/IN2015/050191
International Filing Date: 07.12.2015
Inventors: VAKIL Priya, CHOKSI Samit
The system includes a canopy to capture rainwater, a storage unit, a connecting means, and filtration means. The canopy is designed to direct water toward the discharge opening, and a collapsible solar module can be attached to harvest solar energy. The system can charge the groundwater level in open spaces.
The device is a system for solar and rainwater harvesting in open spaces. It includes a canopy to capture rainwater, a storage unit, a connecting means, and filtration means. The canopy is designed to direct water toward the discharge opening, and a collapsible solar module can be attached to harvest solar energy. The system can be installed above or below ground, charging the groundwater level in open spaces. he captured water from the canopy can be stored in a storage unit, which can be connected to other centralized storage units for storing the captured water. The connecting means extends from the discharge opening of the canopy to the storage unit to allow the captured water to flow from the canopy to the storage unit. The connecting means is designed to maintain the required flow rate of the captured water from the canopy to the storage unit. The filtration device is removably adapted in the connecting means for filtering the captured water to make it partially ready for potable use. The filtration means includes a filtration screen in the form of cuts adopted at the discharge opening of the canopy and a filtration device removably adapted in the connecting means. The system also includes a solar module for harvesting solar energy, which can be removably or fixedly attached to the support mast. The solar module comprises a solar panel and a solar tracking device for orienting the solar panels based on solar light. The inverter and battery are installed at the base of the system. They are connected to the solar module through internal wiring inside the support mast for harvesting the solar power generated from the solar module. The system is designed to be lightweight and efficient, using materials such as PVC, fabric, and anti-rust metals. Overall, the system is designed to capture rainwater and solar energy in open spaces and can be used to charge the groundwater level or store the captured water for future use and provides a sustainable solution for clean water and clean energy generation in open spaces.
- Title: Rainwater collection and dispensation system
Patent application number: WO2011030180A1
Publication Number: WO/2011/030180
Publication Date: 17.03.2011
International Application No.: PCT/IB2009/053954
International Filing Date: 10.09.2009
Inventors: TAN, Yock Kuan
The automatic rainwater collection and dispensation system for a building includes a main unit, a rainwater reservoir, a water pump control unit, a rainwater storage tank, interconnecting pipes: fittings, and electrical controls. The system collects rainwater from gutters along the bottom edges of roofs of a building after a flush of rainfall. After a delay, it pumps the collected rainwater to a storage tank. The system is fully automatic with electrical controls and indicates the status of the system operations on a main switch panel installed inside a building. The system is designed to pump rainwater from the main unit to the storage tank only when there is sufficient rainwater in the reservoir, and the storage tank is not full. The system also includes a manual bypass to switch on the automatic electrical control valve in case of electricity failure and an indication panel to show the status of system operations.
The rainwater collection and dispensation system are installed by cutting a section of the gutter adjacent to a vertical downpipe to an open drain to accommodate the main unit, which includes a water pump control unit and a rainwater reservoir. Rainwater is collected from the edges of the roof and pumped to a rainwater storage tank after a delay to ensure that the collected rainwater is debris-free. The rainwater storage tank is connected to an existing tap water storage tank, and interconnecting pipes and fittings supply water to the water closets and taps in the building. The system is fully automatic with electrical controls, including a main switch panel that indicates the status of system operations. The system is designed to pump rainwater from the main unit to the storage tank only when there is sufficient rainwater in the reservoir, and the storage tank is not full. The system also includes a manual bypass to switch on the automatic electrical control valve in case of electricity failure. The rainwater storage tank can be formed from several smaller containers with interlocking and interconnecting pipes, allowing existing buildings to install the invention without removing roof trusses or ceilings. The system is designed to save power by collecting only clean rainwater without debris, and the water pump starts to pump only when there is sufficient rainwater in the reservoir. The system is designed to supply water to the water closets and taps in the building, preferably for non-drinking purposes.
- Rainwater harvesting system
Patent Application number: WO2010142950A1
Publication Number: WO/2010/142950
Publication Date: 16.12.2010
International Application No.: PCT/GB2010/001128
International Filing Date: 07.06.2010
Inventors: GEORGE, David
The rainwater harvesting system for supplying water to a toilet or urinal. The system includes a catchment area, a water tank, and a flush valve. Rainwater flows directly from the catchment area into the tank and directly from the tank into the waste bowl when the flush valve is activated. The system also includes a sensor for determining the water level in the tank and controlling the flush valve accordingly. The system can be used for multiple waste bowls, including flushing the waste bowl using rainwater or other reclaimed water sources.
The system is configured to vary how the valve is opened depending on the level of water determined to be inside the tank. The system controls the valve to provide a large conduit when the level of water is determined to be low and a small conduit when the level of the water is determined to be high. A user can activate the system or be set to automatically open the flush valve after having detected the presence of a user in the vicinity of the waste bowl and to activate the flush valve at predetermined time intervals automatically. The rainwater catchment area may supply rainwater directly to two or more tanks, each of which supplies water directly to a waste bowl of a sanitary fitting. This invention also describes different types of sensors that can be used to determine the water level in the tank, including float mechanisms, electrodes, and pressure sensors. The system can be installed in a building with downpipes passing inside the building to allow rainwater to flow directly into a closet-flushing cistern. The building can also have a main water supply to fill the cisterns during arid weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rainwater harvesting is a valuable and sustainable practice that addresses water scarcity concerns, promotes self-sufficiency, and contributes to environmental conservation. It offers numerous benefits such as water conservation, cost savings, reduced strain on infrastructure, improved water quality, and community engagement.
While patenting rainwater harvesting technology is possible, it involves meeting patentability requirements, including novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability. A patent can provide protection, market advantage, and licensing opportunities and incentivize further research and development. However, patenting may only be suitable for some rainwater harvesting technologies, and inventors should carefully consider the costs, time, and potential benefits before pursuing patent protection.
Ultimately, the decision to patent rainwater harvesting technology should be based on individual circumstances, business goals, and the potential advantages it offers. Whether through patents or open-source sharing, the widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies can contribute to a more sustainable and water-secure future, benefiting communities and the environment.
References
- https://www.freepik.com/
- https://ipindia.gov.in/index.htm
- https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/
- https://patents.google.com/
Author: Siddhartha MA, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur
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