Frictional drainage layer in a green roof, paver, and/or solar assembly

Abstract

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured to operably manage a flow of storm water that enters a drainage system of a roof and comprises one or more of a retention layer configured to retain storm water, a friction layer configured to delay a peak flow of the storm water into the drainage system, and a detention layer.

Claims

1. An assembly configured to manage a flow of storm water that enters a drainage system of a roof, the assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially horizontally extending layers, those layers comprising: a solar panel support layer, a retention layer, a friction layer, the friction layer comprised of a top sheet and a bottom sheet joined by a plurality of substantially vertically-oriented pliable threads, the bottom sheet and top sheet comprising a woven synthetic polymeric material, wherein when the plurality of substantially horizontally extending layers are saturated, the friction layer is configured with a tightly woven synthetic polymeric material of the top sheet and a dense thread count plurality of substantially vertically-oriented pliable threads to resist a peak outflow of storm water from the assembly into the roof drainage system.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a detention layer, the detention layer having a small vertical flow resistance and a large horizontal flow resistance, and further comprising a vertical polymeric honeycomb structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a graph of water outflow demonstrating the delayed outflow benefit of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(3) FIG. 3 is a depiction of potential embodiments of a frictional layer described herein.

(4) FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and side views of a frictional layer described herein.

(5) FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein provided with pavers or ballast.

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein provided with a solar farm rooftop storm water solution.

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(8) FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(11) FIG. 11 is a depiction of a segment of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(12) FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a side cross section of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(13) FIGS. 13A and 13B are depictions of a segment of an embodiment of a green roof assembly described herein.

(14) FIGS. 14A-C are depictions of a honeycomb layer as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Certain exemplary embodiments can employ a “friction layer” strategy that causes a specific desired continuous delayed flow strategy as a primary part of green roof assembly and/or system. This strategy can rely on a new type of anti-drainage layer that can purposefully resist water flow and/or can provide localized upstream resistance and/or friction in the water flow on a level, fairly level (roof) plane, or sloped roof plane that ranges from 0-45 degrees. Applying such a strategy, certain exemplary embodiments can slow and/or delay the outflow of water, and/or can cause a predetermined, measurable, predictable, and/or temporary storm water outflow slowdown bottleneck within, and potentially through-out, some to all of the under drain, drainage layer, and/or friction layer of the green roof assembly. This delay can be sufficient for the storm water volume to temporarily “back up” and/or fully saturate most to all of the capillary and/or pore space of the green roofs profile during the peak release of the rain. As the friction layer releases water, potentially at a predetermined rate, during a large storm water event, the water can be prevented from escaping from underneath the green roof at the same rate as the rain event that is taking place. The friction layer can create a universal restriction within, along, and/or potentially throughout the plane, which can force the water to build upwards within the profile of the system. This means that the system can now utilize most to all of the pore space in one, some, or, in certain cases, all the layers of the green roof profile. In extreme cases, the water can even reach above the top layer of soil and/or can start filling up the empty space between the foliage of the plants, thereby temporarily storing even more water.

(16) Certain exemplary embodiments can provide approximately 40% to approximately 70% peak flow reduction with substantially improved peak flow delay by replacing the drainage layer with a friction layer.

(17) When a friction layer releases water at a slower predetermined rate, the storm water peak flow volume that will be released can be lower than the rain event. With such a design, the friction layer can:

(18) lower the peak in the hydrograph, such that there is a lower “peak outflow” rate;

(19) widen the peak in the hydrograph, such that there is a lower “peak outflow volume over a certain amount of time;”

(20) delay the peak position over time on the hydrograph such that there is a substantial delay in the “peak flow;” and/or

(21) create a longer tail outflow which causes a prolonged overall event.

(22) FIG. 1 depicts a graph of a water outflow rate over time, wherein the solid line is an exemplary green roof system without a friction layer and the dotted line is the same exemplary green roof system with a friction layer. The Y-axis displays gallons outflow rate per 6 minute interval and the X-axis displays 6 minute intervals.

(23) In certain exemplary embodiments, the friction layer can have a storm water volume processing or facilitation speed determined by velocity restriction that is predetermined, predictable, and/or controlling of the capacity and/or time delays of the green roof system as a whole.

(24) In certain exemplary embodiments, via a friction layer, water can be temporarily kept in place locally all across the complete plane of the deck. A friction layer need not concentrate the water in lower areas of the profile and/or roofing system. If areas of a friction layer clog, get compacted, or get damaged, the water can find alternative routes at substantially the same flow resistance levels. There need be no limiting holes or concentrating areas that can block water and/or allow a “metered” outflow.

(25) Instead, each of the friction layer's integral flow restrictors can be formed in part from very thin threads, standing as a substantially vertically extending, yet somewhat leaky wall that is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the gravitationally-determined flow path, and thereby can cause fluidic friction and/or flow resistance. The flow restrictors can span between a top sheet and a bottom sheet, which combine to define the friction layer. The flow restrictors can be located at any of numerous locations within the friction layer and/or spread across the complete plane of the deck. Each flow restrictor can be constructed of approximately 50 to approximately 500 threads/square centimeter substantially aligned vertically standing threads, as measured in accordance with DIN EN 14971, April 2006 version. The flow restrictors can be machine made for optimum consistency and accuracy and/or can be reliably reproduced from the perspective of sheet and/or thread material and/or dimensions, thread spacing and/or density, thread angle and/or orientation, etc.

(26) The friction layer can be frost and/or freeze/thaw resistant as it can expand and/or contract without substantial damage because the polyester or yarn of similar materials from which the threads are formed can be strong and/or flexible. The top sheet of the friction layer can have a root resistant tight weaving that can prevent roots from entering the friction layer. The bottom sheet of the friction layer can add structural strength to the standing fibers and/or the overall structure so that the friction layer has sufficient shape memory to bounce back up after pinpoint loading. For example, the friction layer at 10% compression can experience a compression stress of from 400 to 500 pounds/square foot, and/or when pressed down in the middle by a 10 cm×10 cm plunger.

(27) The friction layer can be cut to accommodate nearly any slope, angle, and/or curve that is oriented in the horizontal and/or vertical plane, can be applied in any direction, and/or can be custom cut easily and/or quickly, even around penetrations and/or angular cuts. When installing the soft, damage-resistant friction layer, the roof need not require separate root protection and/or need not require a separate protection sheet to reduce and/or prevent manual and/or mechanical damage.

(28) In certain exemplary embodiments, the green roof system's capacity to handle extra water flow can be increased by simply doubling or tripling the number of friction layers, with one layer laid above another, each layer extending substantially parallel to the other(s).

(29) Using multiple friction layers and/or multiple dimensionally different friction layers, can be helpful in case of a sloped roof, where the downside of the slope has to deal with water from uphill plus the rainfall on the downslope itself. Multiple friction layers with different thread densities and thereby different flowrates, can be stacked to compensate for concentrated areas of water flow (think rectangular areas with a drain in the center).

(30) In certain exemplary embodiments, the friction layer can be made with internally woven vertical walls of capillary strands and/or threads that can pull water from the deck zone upwards into the green roof profile, thereby helping to dry the roof deck. These vertical capillary walls can be even denser than the standard fibers of the friction layer and/or can be directed downhill as walls to help channel and/or expedite flow of the water. Conversely, these “vertical walls” inside the friction layer can be placed in the standard configuration, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the slope, to help to further slow down the water flow.

(31) To reduce and/or avoid clogging over time, a friction layer can be topped and/or covered with a Filter Layer formed from mineral wool,” such as from D135 Urbanscape Product from Knauf, which can have a very high density of fibers per cubic inch. This mineral wool can serve as an extreme filter that can substantially reduce and/or prevent the drainage aspect of the friction layer from becoming clogged.

(32) Certain exemplary green roof systems can utilize any of 4 additional friction tools:

(33) Slope: Any roof that is substantially flat and/or can be flatted can have better water detention capacities through the use of a friction layer. Increased slope can decrease the performance of the friction layer assembly as more water can sheet flow over the friction layer assembly towards the drains. “Peak flow” runoff rates typically are substantially higher on sloped roofs as the vegetation can be less effective in keeping the water in place on the top side and/or there can be more affect from gravitational forces and/or cohesion forces on the bottom side.

(34) Vegetation: Rain water can vertically impact the green roof system at a downward speed of up to 20 mph or greater. Plants can help neutralize the energy that the falling water drop can enter the system with. When a raindrop hits a leaf, the leaf can absorb and/or dissipate a substantial portion the impact and/or the kinetic energy of the drop, and/or the drop can slowly seep downward into the soil, slowly moistening the soil layer. The vegetation can keep the soil underneath more moist than open soil. Moist soil can be better at receiving and/or absorbing water than dry soil. The dense and diverse vegetation can prevent and/or reduce lateral sheet flow, meaning that water can have difficulty finding alternative lateral routes, which can help and/or encourage the water to wait to percolate through the green roof profile.

(35) Soil: Soil biology and soil density can influence the retention capability of a soil and/or flow rate through the soil. The tighter or denser the soil, the higher the likelihood that water will flow sideways into cracks and crevices vs. otherwise crashing down vertically.

(36) Retention layer: A dense layer, such as formed by the millions of rock fibers of mineral wool, can have such a high adhesion capacity such that water can struggle to pass through this layer in a predictable fashion. This layer can filter out nearly anything that might otherwise clog the friction layer system over time.

(37) Top: A tightly woven top sheet can resist root penetration and/or slow the water down as it tries to enter voids in the friction layer. Most vertical water flow through the top sheet can be due to capillary action vs. gravitational free fall through pores, open holes and other large gaps.

(38) Vertical threads: Lateral flow and/or velocity can be slowed down by the vertical” density of approximately 50-500 threads/square centimeter that can slow the water velocity down to facilitate a peak flow delay and/or a peak flow volume reduction.

(39) Via the application of a friction layer, certain exemplary embodiments can provide local outflow restriction of a green roof profile across complete plane of a green roof assembly, which can create a substantially predictable peak outflow rate reduction and/or a peak flow time delay in the outflow volume.

(40) In certain exemplary embodiments, the friction layer can be composed of 2 layers of a cloth and/or sheeting material that can be machined, woven, weaved and/or some other manufacturing technique. Such material can have a relatively high density of polymeric (e.g., nylon) threads that can be standing vertically and/or angled in between the two sheets, thereby creating an elongated zone that can be substantially filled with threads that have the unique capacity to purposefully slow down the velocity of the water. This thread density (as the thread ends are viewed while looking down through the friction layer from the top sheet) can vary from approximately 50 threads/square centimeter to approximately 500 threads/square centimeter. Increasing the density of the threads can increase the velocity reduction capacity for water of a green roof or bio-retention assembly. The density of the nylon threads and/or the angle of the nylon threads can specifically lower the velocity of the water.

(41) As shown in FIG. 2, a green roof assembly is provided with a friction layer which may be of the type further depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As gravity draws water toward an outflow 202, rain fall 204 passing through vegetation 206 growing in sol or other media 208 atop a retention layer 210 atop a friction layer 212 Such a layer provides the desired density to limit or reduce water velocity thus providing a detention benefit to such a green roof assembly.

(42) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can manage the storm water differently by altering any combination of these characteristics:

(43) Changing the tightness of the woven top sheet can impact the flowrate. For example, the tighter the woven top sheet, the harder it can be for water to flow freely through that top sheet. A tightly woven top sheet can force the water to use capillary action to migrate through the sheet instead of pulled through by gravitational forces. Certain exemplary embodiments can be stitched with approximately 50 to approximately 300 stiches per square centimeter.

(44) Changing the vertical column height of the threads can impact the flowrate. Certain exemplary embodiments can utilize thread heights ranging from approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 70 mm. By adjusting the column height certain exemplary embodiments can either store more or less water and facilitate or restrict the release of more water.

(45) By changing the vertical thread count per square inch between approximately 50 and approximately 500 threads per square centimeter, certain exemplary embodiments can increase or decrease the velocity of water moving laterally through the friction layer.

(46) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can change the angles of the threads, which can impact the outflow velocity of the water. That is, rather than extending only vertically between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, at least a portion of the threads can be angled with respect to vertical. This is shown in FIG. 3.

(47) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can change the diameter of the threads (anywhere from approximately 0.05 to approximately 3 millimeters) either in combination with increased density of vertical threads or with a decreased density of vertical threads.

(48) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can vary the shape of the threads when viewed in a horizontal direction, such as in profile and/or from a side of the green roof assembly. That is, threads can be straight, angled, sickle-shaped, zigzag shaped, saw tooth shaped, and/or any other shape. Such shapes can have a positive or negative impact structurally and/or on the ability of the friction layer to affect the velocity of water flowing within. By changing the thread type, certain exemplary embodiments can affect the velocity of the storm water.

(49) One or more threads of the friction layer can be produced of a polymer, such as thermoplastic material selected from the group polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and/or polyether sulfone and/or an inorganic fiber, such as glass and/or glass graphite form.

(50) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can weave, into one or more friction layers, one or more threads and/or zones of threads that have different thread densities, those varied density threads available to act as wicking devices, channel guides, and/or additional vertical walls and/or barriers for the water to find additional velocity restrictions (see below).

(51) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can offer detention capacity for one, multiple, and/or each subsequent storm, so the embodiment can be largely or fully drained within hours of the last storm water flow.

(52) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be calibrated, configured, and/or adjusted in density, thread type, thread height, and/or thread angle, etc., to substantially match the desired and/or required Design Storm. Calibration in this context means that the projected velocity and/or outflow rate of the friction layer cannot, will not, and/or is unlikely to quickly saturate, overflow, and/or cause most of the water to sheet flow to the drains. The calibration can make sure that the flow of all or most of the water of the Design storm will be temporarily detained by the friction layer and/or the green roof assembly, but ultimately all or most of the water will travel through the vertical column/profile, enter the friction layer and flow on to the drain.

(53) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can provide the ability to withstand freeze/thaw cycles while, upon complete thawing, retaining its original shape and retention characteristics. Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer, via the integrity of certain utilized polymers, such as nylon, and/or the integrity of a utilized flexible assembly, can provide the friction layer with freeze/thaw damage resistant and/or freeze/thaw recovery.

(54) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can accommodate a multitude of angles and/or slopes that can otherwise interfere with using layers that are dimensionally fixed (plastic or hard board type materials), or that would need to be cut at angles, or that would need to accommodate slope angles that intersect, and/or present curved surfaces. Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be flexible, handle foot traffic well, function well at different angles without the need to be cut, and/or are not easily damaged.

(55) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be made from nylon, which can be UV resistant, rot resistant, non-organic, and/or capable of lasting for very long periods of time. Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be non-flammable. Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be substantially: distortion-free; durable; UV-resistant; substantially dimensionally stable when stressed by vertical pressure (e.g., retain from approximately 75% to 100% of its original height when subject to operable soil and/or rainwater vertical pressures; washable up to 60° C.; weather-resistant; and/or chemical-resistant.

(56) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be easily cut and/or altered with a scissors and/or utility knife to accommodate roof penetrations. Making a cut in the friction layer material need not drastically alter the behavior of the friction layer around the scar.

(57) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer, due to its design of vertical and/or curved threads and/or alignment of its threads, can bounce back to its original position after maximum compaction was achieved through temporary weight overload.

(58) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can provide, between two sheets (e.g., its lower sheet and its upper sheet), a plurality (and preferably approximately 50 to approximately 500) of crescent-shaped spacer thread portions per square centimeter, which can be formed of a single monofilament and/or can each extend in a substantially vertical plane. To this end, the monofilament can be entangled with the top sheet and/or the bottom sheet. Such entanglement can form a firm connection between the monofilament spacer thread portions and the two sheets.

(59) In certain exemplary embodiments, a plurality of threads can be provided between the lower sheet and the upper sheet, wherein each thread extends: substantially diagonally between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; at a substantially predetermined angle with respect to the lower sheet and/or with respect to the upper sheet; at a common (among the plurality of threads) substantially predetermined angle with respect to the lower sheet and/or with respect to the upper sheet; in a corresponding substantially vertical plane between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; in a corresponding substantially non-vertical plane between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; non-planarly between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; and/or in substantially random direction between the lower sheet and the upper sheet.

(60) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be machine made. Thread diameter, thread density, and/or thread angles of the friction layer can be specified and/or can be produced according to specifications. Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can repeatedly produce substantially the same peak flow delay and/or peak flow volume reduction.

(61) Certain exemplary embodiments of the friction layer can be used with dense mineral wool to help keep the friction layer from clogging. For example, a layer of dense mineral wool can be applied over the friction layer.

(62) To build certain exemplary embodiments of a green roof assembly that utilizes one or more friction layers can involve: the following

(63) Determining the storm water requirements for the specific roof;

(64) Calculating the calibration, location, and/or type of material to meet the relevant storm water requirements;

(65) Cleaning the roof deck;

(66) Applying the friction layer on top of the roof, cutting holes (typically using scissors and/or a utility knife) as needed to accommodate penetrations and/or unusual building shapes;

(67) Setting green roof edging or parameter containment around edges and penetrations of the roof;

(68) Applying, over the friction layer, a layer of mineral wool that is configured to act as a system filter to prevent and/or defer the friction layer from clogging over time;

(69) Applying compacted soil on top of the mineral wool;

(70) Applying and/or planting vegetation in or on top of the soil.

(71) Across the world, there are many installations of amenity space where people congregate on a building rooftop for relaxation, entertainment, and/or aesthetic purposes. There are many roofs where the edges of the roof are considered “wind uplift areas,” where currently pavers or large gravel is used as ballast to keep the wind from damaging that area of the building and/or to keep the wind from blowing off overburden that is placed on top of the roof.

(72) A green roof can be considered overburden. A green roof might need to remain a certain distance from the corners of the roof, which can be the most wind uplift sensitive areas of the roof, and/or the edges of the roof, which can be the second most wind uplift prone areas of the roof. Pavers can be spaced distances of approximately 2 feet to approximately 8 feet from the edges, and/or the edges and/or the corners can account for a large area of the roof. Large 24″×24″ flat pavers can be placed in the wind uplift areas of a building. These pavers can be placed on pedestals. Alternatively, pavers can be laid directly on top of the roof and/or on top of an insulation layer that is laid on top of the roof.

(73) One concern about these wind uplift areas is that they might not substantially retain and/or detain storm water in a rain event. Quite the contrary, they can be hard surfaces that can facilitate water movement above and/or underneath, which can allow, encourage, and/or force the water to flow to the drain in an expedited fashion.

(74) Placing these pavers on top of a friction layer assembly, such as described herein, can allow these areas of the roof to be useful storm water management tools that can help solve storm water problems. In certain exemplary embodiments, a Paver Storm water assembly can temporarily retain and/or detain storm water and thereby cause an intentional peak outflow reduction and/or peak outflow delay.

(75) The Paver Storm water assembly, such as depicted in FIG. 5, can combine some or all of the following: ballast 502; water distribution layers or drainage layers 504; retention layers 506; and friction layers 508; over any area of the roof, such as over one or more wind uplift areas. A Paver Storm water assembly can be assembled within a confined outer wall edging (e.g., L-bracket) 510 or other parameter containment that can have perforations at its base configured for excess water to flow out. Optionally, the edging may be non-perforated and terminate (in the downward direction) between the friction layer and detention layer, or between friction layers.

(76) In certain exemplary embodiments, the Paver Storm water assembly can include and/or rely on a load, such as a layer of ballast, which can pass the inbound rainwater into the Paver Storm water assembly. This ballast can be: a layer of pavers residing on or at the top of this assembly and/or on raised pedestals; a layer of large rock; a layer of perforated grid like frames; and/or anything that is sufficiently heavy to prevent windup lift and/or allow water to go through. In some embodiments, pavers in the size of 24 inches by 24 inches at various thicknesses can be used in this assembly. Gaps in between the pavers or other perforations can allow the storm water to fall through.

(77) The storm water can pass into a void underneath the ballast and within the Paver Storm water assembly. Within the void, lateral flow can be influenced by a friction layer, which can allow the water to disperse substantially evenly and/or potentially throughout the full width of the Paver Storm water assembly (the friction layer might be replaced with a distribution layer and/or a green roof drainage layer).

(78) A layer of mineral wool or some other type of retention device, with retention capacity of approximately 30% to approximately 95%, can retain water that falls deeper into the Paver Storm water assembly.

(79) As this retention capacity is exceeded by the volume of storm water that the system receives, excess water can continue to fall downwards into the friction layer which can be a single friction layer or an assembly of friction layers. Water temporarily detained in this friction layer can leave the system at the edges through perforated edging or other parameter containment that can be placed around the Paver Storm water assembly.

(80) Within hours most of the water can leave all the layers except the retention layers. The distribution layers, Friction and/or detention layers, and/or retention layers can easily dehydrate between rain events, as air can flow relatively freely within the system. The evaporation of water from this assembly can be such that it can cool the area underneath the ballast for an extended period of time, as the water that evaporates can cool the overhead ballast and/or the roof deck.

(81) Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the Paver Storm water assembly can direct concentrated water flow from the ballast, distribute it throughout the lateral plane, and/or retain and/or detain the storm water to solve storm water volume problems because it intentionally can cause a storm water peak outflow reduction and/or a peak outflow delay.

(82) In certain exemplary embodiments, a Paver Storm water assembly can be constructed by: Determining storm water requirements for the specific roof; Calculating the calibration, location, and/or types of materials that can meet storm water requirements; Cleaning the roof deck; Applying the friction layer on top of the roof deck, cutting holes (typically using scissors and/or a utility knife) as needed to accommodate penetrations and/or unusual building shapes; Setting edging or other parameter containment around the perimeter of the designated area and/or around penetrations of the roof; Applying, above the friction layer, a layer of mineral wool that can act as a system filter to reduce and/or prevent clogging of the friction layer; Applying any other desired soft layers; and/or Capping the Assembly with pavers and/or other ballast.

(83) Across the world, building owners are discovering the roof of a building to be valuable space to harvest energy from the sun via Solar Energy Farm systems. Such systems can be positioned on a frame structure that can angle solar panels towards the sun to optimally capture incident sunrays. These frames or structures can be attached to the building with anchors and/or bolts that penetrate the roof membrane, or the structure the solar panels are built on can be free floating on the roof and weighed down by pavers, metal beams, and/or other devices to ballast the solar panel structures sufficiently to prevent the wind from displacing them.

(84) A solar energy farm can address an energy problem and can be seen as an environmentally sound solution that can be on equal footing with alternatives such as a green roof. But solar energy farms do not necessarily help solve or mitigate the storm water problem. Quite the contrary, a solar energy farm can complicate the problems as a raindrop that hits the solar panel can maintain a portion of its downward velocity as it slides off the slanted glass type surfaces onto the roof. The roof space under and around the solar panels can be vegetated with a green roof. However, the two technologies might be deemed a poor match, and managers and/or owners of solar energy farm might want to keep green roof maintenance people far away from their substantial capital investment in their solar energy farm.

(85) Via certain exemplary embodiments, the friction layer can change that. Similar to a green roof, in order to utilize the solar energy farm roof as a useful storm water tool that can help solve their storm water problems, a solar farm storm water assembly can temporarily retain and/or detain the storm water volume and/or cause an intentional peak outflow reduction and/or peak outflow delay.

(86) A solar farm storm water assembly, such as depicted in FIG. 6, can combine some or all of the following: ballast 602; water distribution layers or drainage layers 604; retention layers 606; and friction layers 608; all assembled within a confined outer wall edging (e.g., an L-bracket) 610 or other parameter containment that can have perforations at its base configured for excess water to flow out.

(87) In certain exemplary embodiments, the solar farm storm water assembly can include and/or rely on a layer of ballast, which can reduce the inbound velocity of water that sheet flows off of the solar panels and into the solar farm storm water assembly. Such a velocity reduction can help to reduce and/or prevent erosion, such as erosion of plants and/or soil utilized by the solar farm storm water assembly. This ballast can be: a layer of pavers residing on or at the top of this assembly and/or on raised pedestals; a layer of large rock; a layer of perforated grid-like frames; and/or anything that is sufficiently heavy and allows water to go through. In some embodiments, pavers in the size of 24 inches by 24 inches at various thicknesses can be used in this assembly. Gaps in between the pavers or other perforations can allow the storm water to fall through.

(88) The storm water can pass into a void underneath the ballast and within the solar farm storm water assembly. Within the void, lateral flow can be now influenced by a friction layer, which can allow the water to disperse substantially evenly and/or potentially throughout the full width of the solar farm storm water assembly (the friction layer might be replaced with a distribution layer and/or a green roof drainage layer).

(89) A layer of mineral wool or some other type of retention device, with retention capacity of approximately 30 to approximately 95%, can retain water that falls deeper into the solar farm storm water assembly.

(90) As this retention capacity is exceeded by the volume of storm water that the system receives, excess water can continue to fall downwards into the friction layer which can be a single friction layer or an assembly of friction layers. Water temporarily detained in this friction layer can leave the system at the edges through perforated edging or other parameter containment that can be placed around the solar roof storm water assembly.

(91) Within hours most of the water can leave all the layers except the retention layers. The distribution layers, Friction and/or detention layers, and/or retention layers can easily dehydrate between rain events, as air can flow freely within the system. The evaporation of water from this assembly can be such that it can cool the area underneath the ballast, the area beneath the solar panels, and/or the overhead solar roof system. This can be of benefit because some solar panels can be more efficient when operated in lower temperatures vs. high temperatures.

(92) Regardless of whether the solar energy farm is attached to and/or assembled on the roof, or if it is free floating with ballast, the application of the solar farm storm water assembly can function substantially the same. In certain exemplary embodiments, the components of the assembly can be installed around the posts of the solar energy farm. Layers of the solar farm storm water assembly can be cut easily around obstacles. The weight of the solar farm storm water assembly can act as required ballast for the solar energy farm, which can save the building owner from having to create penetrations into the roof membrane to secure the solar energy farm to the building. This can save installation costs, and/or lower the risk for leaks substantially.

(93) Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the solar farm storm water assembly can receive concentrated water flow from the solar panels, distribute it throughout the lateral plane, and/or retain and/or detain the storm water to solve storm water volume problems because it intentionally can cause a storm water peak outflow reduction and/or a peak outflow delay.

(94) In certain exemplary embodiments, a solar farm storm water assembly can be constructed by: Determining storm water requirements for the specific roof; Calculating the calibration, location, and/or types of materials that can meet storm water requirements; Cleaning the roof deck; Applying the friction layer on top of the roof deck, cutting holes (typically using scissors and/or a utility knife) as needed to accommodate penetrations and/or unusual building shapes; Setting edging or other parameter containment around the perimeter of the designated area and/or around penetrations of the roof; Applying, above the friction layer, a layer of mineral wool that can act as a system filter to reduce and/or prevent clogging of the friction layer; Applying any other desired soft layers; and/or Capping the assembly with pavers and/or other ballast.

(95) FIGS. 7-11 depict a green roof assemblies of embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a traditional green roof may provide vegetation 700 growing in soil 702 on top of a drainage layer 704 which provides water outflow. This assembly may be installed on top of an existing or provided waterproof membrane 706 covering a roof structure 708. Referring to FIG. 9, such an assembly may additionally be provided with a layer of mineral wool 810 which may be a suitable thickness, for example, of four inches. Referring to FIG. 10, such an assembly may additionally be provided with a detention layer 912 as described in embodiments herein. As assembled, and shown in FIG. 11, a vegetation layer 1101 resides on a soil layer 1104 atop a layer of mineral wool 1106 and detention layer 1108. Optionally, a woven cloth layer may be provided between each recited layer. In certain embodiments layers such as the soil layer may be omitted.

(96) A Green Roof Assembly with a drainage layer may also be combined with an additional layer comprising a vertical honeycomb structure. In maritime climates (e.g., Prince Edward Island, Vancouver, Portland, Northern Europe) with consistent rainfall, green roof profiles may not need or do not have as much or not any soil (and thus lacking in macropores) a green roof may be assembled by placing the vegetation straight onto the needled mineral wool. Micropores in the needled mineral wool may thus be capillarily wet for an extended duration, with little or no macropores space to spare. Additionally, a system with substantial amounts of soil may exceed structural weight carrying capacity for a building.

(97) In order to provide a green roof assembly on roofs with weight bearing capacity constraints, or with thin soilless green roofs systems, a system may be provided with a 0.5-5 cm Honeycomb type structure on top of the detention layer to create a cavity underneath the green roof profile that can detain water and hold water in place while it waits for the detention layer to empty out. The honeycomb type vertical cylinders prevent lateral movement within that layer, and the water has to sit and wait until the space/water underneath has been vacated. Such a honeycomb layer is shown in FIGS. 12-13 and FIGS. 14A-C. A green roof assembly may be provided wherein, from top to bottom, a vegetation layer 1202 resides on top of approximately two inches of soil 1204, above approximately two inches of mineral wool 1206, above the honeycomb layer 1208, above a detention layer 1210 as described herein, on top of a layer of roofing material 1212. Optionally, a woven cloth layer may be provided between each recited layer. Such a green roof system may be integrated with edging bordering a gravel-based vegetation free zone, may be integrated with edging bordering a gravel-based vegetation free zone together with a height difference and a roof drain provided in the gravel layer, and may be integrated with edging bordering a paver system where pavers are provided on elevated pedestals above a honeycomb retention system as disclosed herein. In such a system, vegetation may serve to reduce the kinetic energy of falling rain, and further to provide retention for evaporation such as on the surfaces of leaves. Vegetation may also prevent excess lateral water flow thus preventing or reducing sheet flow. The soil may serve to offer a home to soil biology, roots, nutrients, water retention and detention (such as through soil macropores). A retention layer provided in such a system can absorb, hold, and easily release buffered water to the soil or plant roots. A retention layer is the soil separator that can filter water that flows downward, minimizing fine particles that may clog the detention layers or honeycomb. A honeycomb layer can create a volume of water underneath the profile that keeps the water from flowing sideways. The honeycomb creates a very effective void for temporary water storage, preventing lateral flow. FIGS. 14A-14C depict respective views of such a honeycomb layer. The interface of the honeycomb and disclosed detention layer provides an advantageous flexible communication to receive the honeycomb and partially seal the bottom of the honeycomb into the detention layer. This compensates for uneven roofs minimizing water that flows laterally underneath in case the detention layer would be full. Such a system may be adapted to steeper roofs by providing escape channels and periodic drainage layers.

(98) Such a system provides increased, predictable, measurable repeatable detention under a green roof profile by creating a combination of void space (honeycomb) for storm water storage that simultaneously prevents lateral flow, which itself sits on top of a friction layer that creates a restricted outflow. Such a system may also be used for other green infrastructure applications such as biorentention ponds, sand filters, beneath pavers, and any other soil and plant-based storm water management system. Persons having skill in the art will recognize that a honeycomb structure may be substituted with any suitable vertical tube or columnar structure which provides little impedance to vertical flow but substantial resistance to horizontal flow. Persons having skill in the art will also recognize that the dimensions of such a system may be tailored using methods and techniques known in the art and as described herein. For example, a honeycomb layer may be provided in varying heights including, e.g., 5 cm in thickness or greater as material strength will allow.

(99) Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventor(s), for implementing the described subject matter by persons having ordinary skill in the art. Any of numerous possible variations (e.g., modifications, augmentations, embellishments, refinements, and/or enhancements, etc.), details (e.g., species, aspects, nuances, and/or elaborations, etc.), and/or equivalents (e.g., substitutions, replacements, combinations, and/or alternatives, etc.) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent upon reading this document to a person having ordinary skill in the art, relying upon his/her expertise and/or knowledge of the entirety of the art and without exercising undue experimentation. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to implement such variations, details, and/or equivalents as appropriate, and the inventor(s) therefore intends for the described subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the described subject matter includes and covers all variations, details, and equivalents of that described subject matter. Moreover, as permitted by law, every combination of the herein described characteristics, functions, activities, substances, and/or structural elements, and all possible variations, details, and equivalents thereof, is encompassed by the described subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly inoperable or contradicted by context.

(100) The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any described subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language herein should be construed as indicating any described subject matter as essential to the practice of the described subject matter. The words and terms as used herein and in the accompanying claims should be read with the understanding of a person having ordinary skill in the art.

(101) Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this document, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this document and/or any claim of any document claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

(102) there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described characteristic, function, activity, substance, or structural element, for any particular sequence of activities, for any particular combination of substances, or for any particular interrelationship of elements;

(103) no described characteristic, function, activity, substance, or structural element is “essential;” and

(104) within, among, and between any described embodiments:

(105) any two or more described substances can be mixed, combined, reacted, separated, and/or segregated;

(106) any described characteristics, functions, activities, substances, and/or structural elements can be combined, integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

(107) any described activity can be performed manually, semi-automatically, and/or automatically;

(108) any described activity can be repeated, any activity can be combined with any other described activity, performed by multiple entities, and/or performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

(109) any described characteristic, function, activity, substance, and/or structural element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of structural elements can vary.

(110) The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “said,” “the,” and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of any claims presented herein or in any document claiming priority hereto) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

(111) The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

(112) When any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into and clearly implied as being presented within the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, even implicitly, unless otherwise stated, that range necessarily includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc., even if those specific values or specific sub-ranges are not explicitly stated.

(113) When any phrase (i.e., one or more words) described herein or appearing in a claim of an application claiming priority hereto is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on the description and claim scope.

(114) No claim of this document or any document claiming priority hereto is intended to invoke 35 USC 112(f) unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund.

(115) Any information in any material (e.g., a patent document such as a United States patent or United States patent application, or a non-patent reference, such as a book, article, web page, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety to its fullest enabling extent permitted by law yet only to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein. Any specific information in any portion of any material that has been incorporated by reference herein that identifies, criticizes, or compares to any prior art is not incorporated by reference herein.

(116) Applicant intends that each claim presented herein and at any point during the prosecution of this application, and in any application that claims priority hereto, defines a distinct patentable invention and that the scope of that invention must change commensurately if and as the scope of that claim changes during its prosecution. Thus, within this document, and during prosecution of any patent application related hereto, any reference to any claimed subject matter is intended to reference the precise language of the then-pending claimed subject matter at that particular point in time only.

(117) Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this document, and any provided definitions of the phrases used herein, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. The scope of subject matter protected by any claim of any patent that issues based on this document is defined and limited only by the precise language of that claim (and all legal equivalents thereof) and any provided definition of any phrase used in that claim, as informed by the context of this document.