APPARATUS FOR ABSORBING PRECIPITATION WATER AND FOR WATER EVAPORATION

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for absorbing precipitation water from rain events, especially from driving rain events, and for water discharge by evaporation, wherein at least one textile element for absorbing water from rainwater drops and/or for discharging water by evaporation is provided, wherein the textile element is designed as or embodies a three-dimensional textile structure, with a first, water-permeable layer and a second, water-guiding layer, wherein these layers are connected to one another by means of water-guiding connecting threads, wherein the textile element is preferably fluidically connected via a water discharge conduit to a water collecting device and/or via a water supply conduit to a water supply device.

Claims

1-38. (canceled)

39. An apparatus for absorbing precipitation water from rain events, especially from driving rain events, and for water discharge by evaporation, characterized by at least one textile element for absorbing water from rainwater drops and/or for discharging water by evaporation, wherein the textile element is designed as a three-dimensional textile structure, with a first, water-permeable layer and a second, water-guiding layer, wherein these layers are connected to one another by means of water-guiding, connecting threads, wherein the textile element is preferably fluidically connected to a water discharge conduit and/or to a water supply conduit.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a water collecting device is provided which is flow-connected to the textile element and/or to the water discharge conduit.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a water supply device is provided which is flow-connected to the textile element and/or to the water supply conduit.

42. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the apparatus and/or the textile element comprises hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic modifications.

43. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the textile element i.e. the three-dimensional textile structure is preferably formed from synthetic fibre, polymer fibre, glass fibre, metal fibre and/or other appropriate materials, being embodied as monofilaments or multifilaments.

44. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the first layer has a water-attracting and/or hydrophilic lamination, coating, finishing, filament shape optimization and/or that a water-attracting layer is applied to the first layer, wherein this layer and/or the first layer are of finer-pored design than the spacing structure formed by the connecting threads between the first layer and the second layer.

45. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the second layer has a water-guiding and/or hydrophobic lamination, coating, finishing and/or filament shape optimization and/or that a water-guiding layer is applied to the second layer, wherein this layer and/or the second layer are water-tight or perforated.

46. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the apparatus and/or the textile element are planar, curved, folded and/or adaptable in shape.

47. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the first layer and/or the second layer are actuatable by one or more actuators along a direction parallel to the plane of the first layer or the second layer, so that the first layer and the second layer can be displaced relatively to one another.

48. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the apparatus and/or the textile element comprise folding structures which divide the apparatus and/or the textile element into several foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the folding structures have a mechanical substructure and/or are introduced into the textile element by means of additive or subtractive manufacturing methods e.g. printing on textile substrate fabric and/or in that the folding structures are embodied by textile connecting devices.

50. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein actuators are provided, by means of which the foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections can be operated.

51. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein sensors are provided, by means of which climate and/or environmental data are recorded e.g. for a control unit.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein a control unit for operating and/or regulating the actuators is provided, wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that the apparatus and/or the textile element and/or sections thereof are oriented towards precipitation and/or solar radiation.

53. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a holding device is provided to which the components of the apparatus are attached or attachable.

54. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the water collecting device comprises a frame profile and/or a water storage for storing precipitation water.

55. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a filter for filtering precipitation water is provided, wherein the filter is integrated into the textile element and/or arranged in or on the water collecting device and/or in the building.

56. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a pump and/or a water temperature control device are provided, which are each flow connected with the water supply device and/or with the water collecting device.

57. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the water supply device and/or the water collecting device is connected to a heat exchanger.

58. A facade system for separating a building interior (inside) I from an exterior space (outside) O, including an apparatus according to claim 39, whereas the facade system is optionally constructed in one or more layers and/or modularly.

59. The facade system according to claim 58, wherein on the side on which the second textile layer of the textile element of the apparatus is located, the facade system has at least one fluid-flow-through layer and/or an insulation layer and/or an inner layer.

60. The facade system according to claim 58, wherein two fluid-flow-through layers are provided, wherein the first fluid-flow-through layer is arranged on one side of the insulation layer and the second fluid-flow-through layer is arranged on the other side of the insulation layer.

61. The facade system according to claim 58, wherein one of the two or both fluid-flow-through layers are configured and intended as a thermal collector and/or used for temperature control of the building interior wall surfaces, for regulation of the air humidity, for regulation of the acoustic and sound insulation properties and/or for active fire protection measures.

62. The facade system according to claim 58, wherein said further apparatus forming an inner layer of the facade system, wherein the first layer of the textile element of the further apparatus faces the building interior (inside) I.

63. The facade system according to claim 58, wherein the facade system comprises a preferably modular profile system to which the components of the facade system is attached or attachable.

64. A method for operating an apparatus according to claim 39, wherein precipitation water is supplied to a use in, on or outside the building. (New) A method for controlling and/or regulating an apparatus for absorbing and discharging water, in particular an apparatus according to claim 39, the method comprising the following steps: retrieving forecast weather data from a weather service for a defined time period, estimating the consumption of drinking water, raw water and/or grey water in, on or outside a building or civil engineering structure for the defined time period, e.g. by means of consumption analysis, and comparing the estimated consumption of drinking water, raw water and/or grey water with expected precipitation water yields from the forecast weather data.

Description

[0096] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures. Identical or functionally identical elements are designated with same reference signs, but possibly only once. The figures show:

[0097] FIG. 1 an embodiment of an apparatus for absorbing precipitation water and for discharging water by evaporation;

[0098] FIG. 2a,b operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in case of rain to absorb precipitation water (FIG. 2a) and in case of high outdoor temperatures to discharge water by evaporation (FIG. 2b);

[0099] FIG. 3a,b operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 when provided with actuators for actuating the first layer and/or the second layer of the textile element in case of rain to absorb precipitation water (FIG. 3a) and in case of high outdoor temperatures to discharge water by evaporation (FIG. 3b);

[0100] FIG. 4a-c usage of the apparatus according to FIG. 1 as a construction element at a bridge (FIG. 4a), at a vertical wind turbine (FIG. 4b) or at a horizontal wind turbine (FIG. 4c);

[0101] FIG. 5 usage of the apparatus according to FIG. 1 on a conventional facade (e.g. thermal insulation composite system) of an existing building;

[0102] FIG. 6 an embodiment of a multi-layer facade system with the apparatus according to FIG. 1 being integrated therein;

[0103] FIG. 7a,b operation of the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 in case of rain to absorb precipitation water (FIG. 7a) and in case of high outdoor temperatures to discharge water by evaporation (FIG. 7b);

[0104] FIG. 8a,b the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 with temperature control of individual layers for regulation of interior wall surface temperatures in hot weather conditions (FIG. 8a) and in cold weather conditions (FIG. 8b);

[0105] FIG. 9a,b the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 when being used as a thermal collector (FIG. 9a) and/or for influencing the heat flux of the facade to the outside O (FIG. 9b);

[0106] FIG. 10a,b the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 having a further apparatus according to FIG. 1 forming an inner layer of the facade system (FIG. 10a) and the operation of the multi-layer facade system with a further apparatus when discharging water by evaporation for the interior (FIG. 10b); and

[0107] FIG. 11 the multi-layer facade system of FIG. 6 when the apparatus according to FIG. 1 is being provided with folding structures and actuators for operating the folding structures.

[0108] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 for absorbing precipitation water from rain events, especially from driving rain events, and for water discharge by evaporation. The apparatus 10 comprises a textile element 12 for absorbing rainwater drops and/or for discharging water (provided by the public water supply network) and/or precipitation water (absorbed by the apparatus described above) by evaporation. The textile element 12 embodies a three-dimensional textile structure 13, with a first, water-permeable layer 14 (outer layer 14) and a second, water-guiding layer 16 (inner layer 16). The first layer 14 and the second layer 16 are connected to one another by means of water-guiding connecting threads 18. The connecting threads 18 form a spacing structure 19. In the embodiment shown, the textile element 12 is fluidically connected to a water discharge conduit 20 and to a water supply conduit 22.

[0109] The water discharge conduit 20 is flow-connected downstream to the textile element 12. The water supply conduit 22 is flow-connected upstream to the textile element 12.

[0110] A water collecting device 24 is provided which is flow-connected to the textile element 12 and/or to the water discharge conduit 20. The water collecting device 24 can comprise different components for storing, treating (e.g. filtering) and/or transporting water.

[0111] A water supply device 26 is provided which is flow-connected to the textile element 12 and/or to the water supply conduit 22. The water supply device 26 can be flow-connected to the public water supply network or to the water collecting device 24 (not shown).

[0112] The textile element 12 i.e. the three-dimensional textile structure 13 can preferably be formed from synthetic and/or polymer fibre (e.g. polyethylene (PE) fibre, polyester (PES/PET) fibre, polypropylene (PP) fibre, polyamide (PA) fibre, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) fibre, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) fibre or the like), from glass fibre, metal fibre and/or other materials, wherein these materials are embodied as monofilaments or multifilaments, wherein the filaments may be optimized in shape, e.g. spiral shape for better water transport.

[0113] The apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 can comprise hydrophilic (water attracting) and/or hydrophobic (water-guiding, water-repellent) modifications (not shown). The hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic modifications can be embodied as laminations, coatings, finishings, filament shape optimizations (e.g. spiral shaped filament) and/or additive surface structures that are microstructured or macrostructured, as explained above. Modification materials can for example be polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, paraffin wax and/or nanocoatings like titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) or the like or combinations thereof.

[0114] The first layer 14 of the textile element 12 may have a water-attracting and/or hydrophilic lamination, coating, finishing, filament shape optimization and/or a (separate) water-attracting layer that is additively applied to the first layer 14 (not shown). The (separate) layer and/or the first layer 14 can be of finer-pored design than the spacing structure 19 formed by the connecting threads 18 between the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 of the textile element 12. The finer-pored textile may comprise e.g. a multifilament or nonwoven fabric to encapsulate more water, thus leading to more effective and economical evaporative cooling effect (not shown).

[0115] The second layer 16 of the textile element 12 may have a water-guiding (water-repellent) and/or hydrophobic lamination, coating, finishing, filament shape optimization and/or a (separate) water-guiding (water-repellent) and/or hydrophobic layer is additively applied to the second layer 16 (not shown). The (separate) layer and/or the second layer can be water-tight or perforated. The (separate) water-guiding (water-repellent) and/or hydrophobic layer can be embodied by laminating a foil (e.g. polyethylene (PE) foil, polyester (PES/PET) foil, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) foil, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil, polypropylene (PP) foil, polyamide (PA) foil, silicone foil, latex foil, metal foil or similar) and/or a plate (metal plate, glass plate, silicone plate, polymer plate or similar) or the like onto the second layer 16.

[0116] To improve evaporation behaviour, an additional, finer-pored textile layer for encapsulating more water, e.g. a multifilament and/or nonwoven fabric and/or a superabsorber or the like (not shown), can be applied between the second layer 16 of the textile element 12 and the (separate) applied water-guiding (water-repellent) layer (not shown) to the exterior space (outside) O of the apparatus, thus contributing to more homogeneous wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0117] In present embodiment, the apparatus 10 and the textile element 12 are planar in shape. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 can be curved (e.g. anticlastic, synclastic, concave or convex), folded and/or adaptable in shape (see FIGS. 4a,b,c and 11).

[0118] The first layer 14 and/or the second layer 16 can be configured as being actuatable by one or more actuators (not shown) provided along a direction parallel to the plane of first layer 14 or second layer 16, respectively (see FIGS. 3a,b).

[0119] The apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 can comprise folding structures 28, 28, 28 that divide the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 into several foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections 30, 30, 30 (see FIG. 11). The folding structures 28, 28, 28 can have a mechanical substructure e.g. of steel, wood, aluminium and/or polymer or the like or combinations thereof and/or the folding structures can be introduced into the textile element 12 by means of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing methods e.g. textile (3D) printing and/or the folding structures 28, 28, 28 can be embodied by textile connecting devices e.g. sewing and/or thermal fixation or the like or combinations thereof (not shown).

[0120] Actuators 32, 32, 32 (e.g. linear and/or rotational actuators) can be provided, by means of which the foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections 30, 30, 30 can be operated.

[0121] Sensors can be provided (not shown), by means of which climate and/or environmental data can be recorded, as explained above.

[0122] A control unit (not shown) for operating and/or regulating the actuators 32, 32, 32 can be provided, wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 and/or sections 30, 30, 30 thereof are adjusted in regard to climate and/or environmental conditions (e.g. to the angle of impact of precipitation water drops and/or to the solar incidence angle). The control unit can be configured to interact with one or several sensors collecting environmental and/or climate data and with actuators that actuate the first layer and/or the second layer of the textile element and/or with actuators that operate the foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections of the apparatus and/or of the textile element.

[0123] A holding device can be provided to which the components of the apparatus 10 are attached (not shown) or attachable. Thus, the components of the apparatus 10 are arranged relatively to each other and the apparatus 10 can be attached to a building or a civil engineering structure.

[0124] The water collecting device 24 can comprise a frame profile 34 in which water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35 takes place and/or the water collecting device 24 can comprise a water storage 33, which can be embodied as a water storage tank or as a fluid-flow-through layer in a multi-layer facade system (see FIGS. 1 and 6). The textile element 12 can be held linearly by the frame profile 34, e.g. by welt edge (piping) connections 37 and/or punctually and/or by other appropriate fixations (not shown). The frame profile 34 can be integrated, connected and/or attached to the holding device (not shown). Furthermore, the water storage 33 may be flow-connected with the frame profile 34.

[0125] A filter 36 for filtering precipitation water is provided, wherein the filter 36 is integrated into the textile element 12 and/or arranged in or on the water collecting device 24, e.g. in or on the frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24 and/or in the building.

[0126] A pump 38 and/or a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 are provided, which are each flow-connected with the water collecting device 24 via the water discharge conduit 20 and/or with the water supply device 26 via the water supply conduit 22 in the present embodiment.

[0127] The water supply device 26 comprises a frame profile 34, in which water supply 39 takes place. The textile element 12 can be held linearly by the frame profile 34, e.g. by welt edge (piping) connections 37 and/or punctually and/or by other appropriate fixations (not shown). The frame profile 34 can be integrated, connected and/or attached to the holding device. Furthermore, the water storage 33 and/or the public water supply network may be flow-connected with the frame profile 34.

[0128] The water supply device 26 and/or the water collecting device 24 can be connected to a heat exchanger 42, 120.

[0129] In an advantageous way, in addition or alternatively to water supply device 26 a further water supply device 67 e.g. comprising one or several linear or punctual injectors can be provided for a homogenous water wetting of the textile element 12.

[0130] FIGS. 2a and 2b show the operation of the apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1. On the side facing the first, water-permeable layer 14 (outer layer 14) of the textile element 12 of apparatus 10 is the exterior (outside) O and on the side facing the second, water-guiding layer 16 (inner layer 16) of the textile element 12 of apparatus 10 is the interior (inside) I.

[0131] FIG. 2a shows the apparatus 10 during rain or driving rain events when absorbing precipitation water. In this situation, the apparatus 10 acts as an absorber and collector device. Precipitation water can be absorbed (collected) by the apparatus 10 e.g. by the textile element 12 and optionally stored. When absorbing, precipitation water enters the textile element 12 on the side of the first layer 14 (see arrows 44). The precipitation water is led from the first, water-permeable layer 14 along the connecting threads 18 to the second, water-guiding layer 16.

[0132] Since the second layer 16 is water-guiding (water-repellent) and/or hydrophobic, absorbed precipitation water does not or only in a negligible way infiltrate into or beyond the second layer 16 or into the interior of a multi-layer facade system. Under the influence of gravity, absorbed water flows downwards in the textile element 12, along the second layer 16 to water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35 e.g. to a reservoir, basin, gutter, or the like that may be integrated in the (lower) frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24. From there, absorbed and collected water can be fed to a water storage, a water consumer and/or to the public water supply network, for example.

[0133] FIG. 2b shows the apparatus 10 during heat events when discharging water by evaporation. In this situation, the apparatus 10 acts as an evaporator device. Water can be evaporated by the apparatus 10 e.g. by the textile element 12 for evaporative cooling of the exterior e.g. of the building facade (multi-layer facade system 100 or conventional facade 82 of an existing building 80) and/or of the air volume close to the facade and/or of the urban space and/or for evaporative cooling of a building's interior (see FIG. 10a,b). For evaporating, water enters the textile element 12 from the water supply 39 e.g. from the frame profile 34 of the water supply device 26 arranged upstream of the textile element 12. Under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves along the second, water-guiding (water-repellent) and/or hydrophobic layer 16 downwards in the textile element 12, moving to the first, water-permeable layer 14 via the connecting threads 18. During this process, the water in and on the apparatus 10 e.g. in and on the textile element 12 evaporates due to solar radiation and heat prevailing on the outside O of the apparatus 10 (see arrows 46). The evaporation process causes corresponding cooling energy to be released which reduces the effect of heat loads on the outside O of the apparatus 10 and/or of the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0134] For homogeneous water wetting of the evaporator surface, alternatively or in addition to water supply device 26 an (additional) water supply device 67 can be provided to supply the textile element 12 punctually or linearly preferably at several places and/or at different heights with water. The water supply device 67 may comprise one or several injectors e.g. water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses arranged side by side along the height and/or the width of the apparatus 10 e.g. of the textile element 12 (not shown). Preferably the water supply device 67 can be flow-connected with the water supply device 26 e.g. the frame profile 34 and/or with the water supply conduit 22 and/or with the water collecting device 24 e.g. the frame profile 34 and/or with the water discharge conduit 20.

[0135] The water supplied to the textile element 12 via water supply device 26 and/or via water supply device 67 may be water that has previously been absorbed (collected) and stored by the apparatus 10 and/or water that has been provided by public water supply network.

[0136] FIGS. 3a and 3b show the operation of the apparatus 10 when provided with actuators (not shown) for actuating the first layer 14 and/or the second layer 16 of the textile element 12.

[0137] As mentioned above, the first layer 14 and/or the second layer 16 can be configured as being actuatable by one or more actuators (not shown) provided along a direction parallel to the plane of first layer 14 or second layer 16, respectively. Thus, the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 can be displaced relatively to one another. In this manner, the orientation e.g. the inclination angle of the connecting threads 18 can be changed.

[0138] FIG. 3a shows a situation, in which the first layer 14 is actuated to be displaced against the direction of gravity (upwards) and/or in which the second layer 16 is actuated to be displaced along the direction of gravity (downwards; see arrows 43). This aligns the connecting threads 18 so that they are inclined downwards from the first layer 14 to the second layer 16. In this way, water absorption behaviour is improved (see arrows 44), as absorbed water moves faster from the first layer 14 to the second layer 16 and thus moves faster downwards in the textile element 12 to water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35 e.g. to a reservoir, basin, gutter, or the like that may be integrated into the (lower) frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24.

[0139] FIG. 3b shows a situation, in which the first layer 14 is actuated to be displaced along the direction of gravity (downwards) and/or in which the second layer 16 is actuated to be displaced against the direction of gravity (upwards; see arrows 45). This aligns the connecting threads 18 so that they are inclined upwards from the first layer 14 to the second layer 16. In this way, water discharging behaviour is improved (see arrows 46), as water provided to the textile element 12 by the water supply 39 of water supply device 26 and/or of water supply device 67 moves downwards faster and thus moves also faster to the first, water-permeable layer 14.

[0140] FIGS. 4a to 4c show the usage of the apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1 as a construction element to different buildings or civil engineering structures.

[0141] FIG. 4a shows an application of the apparatus 10 to a civil engineering structure in the form of a bridge 50. The apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 are planar in shape (planar collector and/or evaporator surface). In this application, the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 as well can be curved (e.g. anticlastic, synclastic, concave or convex), folded and/or adaptable in shape (not shown).

[0142] FIG. 4b shows an application of the apparatus 10 to a civil engineering structure in the form of a wind turbine 60. The apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 are synclastically (double) curved in shape (synclastically curved collector and/or evaporator surface). In this application, the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 can be (double) curved anticlastically (anticlastically curved collector and/or evaporator surface) as well (not shown).

[0143] FIG. 4c shows an application of the apparatus 10 to a civil engineering structure in the form of a wind turbine 70. The apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 are convex (simply) curved in shape (convex curved collector and/or evaporator surface). In this application, the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 can be (simply) curved concave (concave curved collector and/or evaporator surface) as well (not shown).

[0144] FIG. 5 shows the usage of the apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1 on a conventional facade 82 (e.g. on a thermal insulation composite system) of an existing building 80.

[0145] The existing building 80 is equipped with the apparatus 10 by mounting the apparatus to the supporting components of the building facade e.g. to the masonry in the case of solid constructions 88 or to the steel structure in the case of frame constructions (not shown). A conventional facade 82 (e.g. thermal insulation composite system) may have the following components (from outside to inside): External plaster 84, thermal insulation 86, supporting components of the building facade e.g. masonry in the case of solid constructions 88 and internal plaster 90.

[0146] The apparatus 10 is mounted to a conventional facade 82 (e.g. to a thermal insulation composite system) of an existing building 80 by a holding device 92. The holding device 92 comprises mounting brackets 94 that are connected to the frame profile 34, 34 of the apparatus 10 on one end and to the facade 82, in other words to the supporting components of the building facade e.g. masonry in the case of solid constructions 88 or to the steel structure in the case of frame constructions (not shown), on the other end, for example by screws.

[0147] By retrofitting an existing building 80 with the apparatus the building becomes more ecological, e.g. through lower energy consumption and water savings by offering urban climate advantages at the same time.

[0148] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a multi-layer facade system 100 for separating a building interior (inside) I from an exterior space (outside) O. The facade system 100 comprises an apparatus 10 that is integrated on the side facing the exterior (outside) O of the multi-layer facade system 100. The apparatus 10 corresponds to the apparatus 10 in FIG. 1, reference being made to the specifications in FIG. 1 to avoid repetition.

[0149] The facade system 100 represents a hydroactive facade, that allows to absorb water from rain events by the apparatus 10, to store and/or to use water absorbed by the apparatus 10 and/or water supplied by the public water supply network e.g. for interior conditioning in several layers of the facade system 100 and/or to discharge water for evaporative cooling by the apparatus 10.

[0150] The facade system 100 can be constructed in one or more layers and/or modularly. The facade system 100 comprises a preferably modular profile system 102, 102 to which the components of the multi-layer facade system 100 and/or the holding device 92 and/or the frame profile 34, 34 of the apparatus 10 can be attached. The frame profile 34, 34 of the apparatus 10 and/or the holding device 92 and the profile system 102, 102 are compatible with each other. In this embodiment, the frame profile 34, 34 of apparatus 10 is attached to the profile system 102, 102of the facade system 100. The profile system 102, 102 can be embodied as an aluminium, steel, polymer or wood profile system or the like or combinations thereof.

[0151] The modular profile system 102, 102 holds several layers of the facade system 100. In this embodiment, the multi-layer facade system 100 comprises on the side on which the second layer 16 of the textile element 12 of the apparatus 10 is located, (from outside to inside) a first fluid-flow-through layer 104, an insulation layer 106, a second fluid-flow-through layer 108 and an inner layer 110, e.g. an (acoustic) textile and/or an inner membrane. These layers are separated from each other by air spaces (air layers), for example by air space (air layer) 112 between the textile element 12 of apparatus 10 and the first fluid-flow-through layer 104.

[0152] Via insulation layer 106, fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 and inner layer 110 the thermal and acoustic properties of the facade system 100 as well as building interior comfort are optimized. Fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 can serve as a reservoir for storage of precipitation water and/or for climate and acoustic regulation of the interior and/or for active fire protection measures. Fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 are flow-connected with the apparatus 10 e.g. with the textile element 12, particularly with the water collecting device 24 and/or with the water supply device 26 e.g. via the profile system 102, 102, via the frame profile 34, 34, via the water discharge conduit 20, via the water supply conduit 22 and/or via fluid connections 114, 116.

[0153] FIGS. 7a and 7b show the operation of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG. 6.

[0154] FIG. 7a shows the multi-layer facade system 100 during rain or driving rain events when the apparatus 10 is absorbing precipitation water. When absorbing, precipitation water enters the textile element 12 of the apparatus 10 on the side of the first, water-permeable layer 14 (see arrows 44). Under the influence of gravity, absorbed precipitation water moves from the first, water-permeable layer 14 via the connecting threads 18 down to the second, water-guiding layer 16 to water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35 e.g. to a reservoir, basin, gutter, or the like that may be integrated in the (lower) frame profile 34 of the water collecting device 24.

[0155] Via fluid connection 114, the absorbed precipitation water is led, e.g. by a pump 38, from the (lower) frame profile 34 to the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108, where the absorbed precipitation water is stored and/or used for interior comfort purposes. From there, the stored water can be discharged later in time. The fluid connection 114 can be further connected to a filter 36 for filtering precipitation water and/or to a further water storage 33 e.g. to a water storage tank and/or to a pump 38 and/or to a water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 and/or to a heat exchanger 42, 120.

[0156] FIG. 7b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 during heat events when discharging water by evaporation. By means of fluid connection 116, water (e.g. water absorbed by the apparatus 10) stored in the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 and/or in a further water storage 33 e.g. in a water storage tank and/or water supplied by the public water supply network, is led into the water supply 39 e.g. into a gutter, pipe, tube, inflow line, funnel or the like that may be integrated in the (upper) frame profile 34 of the water supply device 26 arranged upstream of the textile element 12. From there, under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves along the second, water-guiding layer 16 downwards in the textile element 12, moving to the first, water-permeable layer 14 via the connecting threads 18. During this process, due to solar radiation and heat prevailing on the outside O of the facade system 100, the water evaporates in and on the apparatus 10 e.g. in and on the textile element 12 (see arrows 46). The phase transition of the water from a liquid to a vapour state releases cooling energy. Thus, the effect of heat loads on the outside O can be reduced.

[0157] Alternatively or in addition to water supply 39 of water supply device 26, in order to optimize evaporation behaviour by creating a homogenously wetted evaporator surface, an (additional) water supply device 67 can be provided. This allows water to be supplied to the textile element 12 punctually or linearly preferably at several places and/or at different heights. The water supply device 67 may comprise one or several injectors e.g. water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses arranged side by side along the height and/or the width of the apparatus 10 e.g. of the textile element 12 (not shown). In another embodiment, the water supply device 67 may be configured as a planar perforated water supply device e.g. the fluid-flow-through layer 104 can be perforated and connected to the apparatus 10 e.g. to the textile element 12 via the second, water-guiding layer 16 in perforated configuration, in such way, that by regulating the pressure inside of the fluid-flow-through layer 104 water is homogenously supplied from the fluid-flow-through layer 104 into the textile element 12. Preferably the water supply device 67 can be flow-connected with the water supply device 26 via the profile system 102, the frame profile 34, the water supply conduit 22 and/or via fluid connection 116. Also, the water supply device 67 can be flow-connected with the water collecting device 24 via the profile system 102, the frame profile 34, the water discharge conduit 20 and/or via fluid connection 114.

[0158] Water, which moves to the water collection or water drainage (water outflow) 35 and/or to the (lower) frame profile 34 through the textile element 12, can be fed back to the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 and/or back to the water supply device 26 and/or to the water supply device 67 via the fluid connection 114.

[0159] FIGS. 8a and 8b show another use of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG. 6.

[0160] In the representation of the enclosed figures below, the light gray color indicates cool, low temperatures whereas the dark gray color symbolizes warm, high temperatures.

[0161] FIG. 8a shows the multi-layer facade system 100 with temperature control of individual fluid-flow-through layers for regulation of interior wall surface temperatures in hot weather conditions, e.g. in summer. In this embodiment, cooled water flows through the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, which is located on the side of the insulation layer 106 facing the interior (inside) I. For this purpose, water that has been absorbed by the apparatus 10 and/or stored in a water storage 33 e.g. in a water storage tank and/or in the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 and/or water supplied by the public water supply network can be cooled by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40, which is connected to fluid connection 114 and/or to fluid connection 116 and can be fed to the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, e.g. by means of a pump 38. When the water moves along the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, the interior I can be cooled (see arrows 51). This contributes to comfortable indoor climate as well as energy savings in hot weather conditions, e.g. in summer. The cooled water is fed, e.g. by a pump 38, from the fluid connection 114 via the profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, where it moves upwards to the profile system 102 or the cooled water is supplied from the fluid connection 116 via the (upper) profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, where it moves downwards to the profile system 102.

[0162] FIG. 8b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 with temperature control of individual fluid-flow-through layers for regulation of interior wall surface temperatures in cold weather conditions, e.g. in winter. In this embodiment, heated water flows through the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, which is located on the side of the insulation layer 106 facing the interior (inside) I. For this purpose, water that has been absorbed by the apparatus 10 and/or stored in a water storage 33 e.g. in a water storage tank and/or in the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 and/or water supplied by the public water supply network can be heated by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40, which is connected to fluid connection 114 and/or to fluid connection 116 and can be fed to the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, e.g. by means of a pump 38. When the water moves along the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, heat energy is transferred to the interior I (see arrows 53). This contributes to comfortable indoor climate as well as energy savings in cold weather conditions, e.g. in winter. The heated water is fed, e.g. by a pump 38, from the fluid connection 114 via the profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, where it moves upwards to the profile system 102 or the heated water is supplied from the fluid connection 116 via the (upper) profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, where it moves downwards to the profile system 102.

[0163] FIGS. 9a and 9b show another use of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG. 6.

[0164] FIG. 9a shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when being used as a thermal collector. Via the fluid connection 116, water is led to the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 via the (upper) profile system 102 and/or to the apparatus 10 e.g. to the textile element 12 via water supply device 26 e.g. via the (upper) frame profile 34 and/or via water supply device 67. From there, the water moves downwards the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 to the (lower) profile system 102 and/or downwards the apparatus 10 e.g. downwards the textile element 12 along the second, water-guiding (water-repellent) layer 16 to the first, water-permeable layer 14 via the connecting threads 18 and/or to the (lower) frame profile 34. By this process the water is warmed by the energy of the solar radiation (see arrows 47). Heat can be extracted from the warmed water by a heat exchanger 42, 120 and/or by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 coupled to the fluid connection 114, so that the water can be cooled down. The cooled water is fed, e.g. by a pump 38, via the (lower) profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, from where it moves upwards and passes through the fluid connection 116 via the (upper) profile system 102 again to the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 and/or via water supply device 26 e.g. the (upper) frame profile 34 and/or via water supply device 67 to the apparatus 10 e.g. to the textile element 12. Thus the fluid-flow-through layer 104 on the outside O of the insulation layer 106 absorbs and dissipates heat energy from solar radiation. The fluid-flow-through layer 108 on the inside I of the insulation layer 106 is fed with cool water to reduce the interior temperature (see arrows 49). This contributes to energy savings for interior conditioning as well as to a comfortable indoor climate in hot weather conditions.

[0165] The flow direction of the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 can also be reversed (not shown). In this case, water is led via the fluid connection 114 to the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 via the (lower) profile system 102. From there, the water is pumped upwards the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 to the (upper) profile system 102. By this process the water is warmed by the energy of the solar radiation (see arrows 47). Heat can be extracted from the warmed water by a heat exchanger 42, 120 and/or by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 coupled to the fluid connection 116, so that the water can be cooled down. The cooled water is fed via the (upper) profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, from where it moves downwards and passes through the fluid connection 114 via the (lower) profile system 102 again to the first fluid-flow-through layer 104. Thus the fluid-flow-through layer 104 on the outside O of the insulation layer 106 absorbs and dissipates heat energy from solar radiation. The fluid-flow-through layer 108 on the inside I of the insulation layer 106 is fed with cool water to reduce the interior temperature (see arrows 49). This contributes to energy savings for interior conditioning as well as to a comfortable indoor climate in hot weather conditions.

[0166] FIG. 9b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when being used for temperature control of the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 in order to influence the heat flux of the facade to the outside O. Water is heated by the heat exchanger 42, 120 and/or by the water temperature control device (water heating and cooling) 40 coupled to the fluid connection 114 and/or to the fluid connection 116. The heated water is fed, e.g. by a pump 38, from the fluid connection 114 via the profile system 102 and/or from the fluid connection 116 via the profile system 102 into the second fluid-flow-through layer 108, from where it moves upwards and/or downwards. Thereby, heat energy is transferred to the interior (inside) I (see arrows 51). Either, at the upper part of the profile system 102, the heated water passes through the fluid connection 116 to the first fluid-flow-through layer 104, from where the heated water moves to the lower part of the profile system 102, e.g. by gravity. Otherwise, the heated water can also be fed through the fluid connection 114 via the (lower) profile system 102 into the first fluid-flow-through layer 104, from where the heated water moves upwards to the (upper) profile system 102 e.g. by a pump 38. Due to the cold prevailing in the outside O, water is cooled down, as thermal energy contained in the water of the first fluid-flow-through layer 104 is transferred to the environment. By the temperature control of the fluid-flow-through layers 104, 108 the heat flux trough the multi-layer facade system 100 can be reduced. This contributes to energy savings for interior conditioning as well as a comfortable indoor climate during cold weather conditions.

[0167] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a possible modification of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG. 6. The facade system 100 largely corresponds to the configuration described in FIG. 6, so that reference is made to the explanations there in order to avoid repetition.

[0168] In contrast, the present multi-layer facade system 100 has a further apparatus 10 corresponding to apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1. The further apparatus 10 forms an inner layer 110 of the facade system 100, wherein the first (water-permeable) layer 14 of the textile element 12 of the further apparatus 10 faces the interior (inside) I. Thus, the further apparatus 10 is in laterally reversed orientation in comparison to the first apparatus 10.

[0169] The frame profile 34 and 34' of the further apparatus 10 is connected to the modular profile system 102, 102 of the facade system 100. The textile element 12, being designated as or embodying a three-dimensional textile structure 13 of the further apparatus 10, is fluidically connected with fluid connection 116 e.g. via the (upper) frame profile 34'. Furthermore, the textile element 12 of the further apparatus 10 is flow-connected with fluid connection 114 e.g. via the (lower) frame profile 34 of the further apparatus 10.

[0170] FIG. 10b shows the multi-layer facade system 100 when discharging water by evaporation, e.g. during hot weather conditions. Via fluid connection(s) 116, 116, water is supplied to the profile system 102 and/or to the frame profile(s) 34, 34' of the water supply device(s) 26, 26 arranged upstream of the textile element(s) 12, 12 and/or via water supply device(s) 67, 67 directly to the textile element(s) 12, 12. The water supplied to the textile element(s) 12, 12 may be water that has been absorbed earlier by the apparatus 10 and/or water provided to the multi-layer facade system 100 by public water supply network.

[0171] For evaporating, water enters the textile element(s) 12, 12 from the frame profile(s) 34, 34. Under the influence of gravity, the supplied water moves downwards along the second, water-guiding (water-repellent) layer(s) 16, 16 in the textile element(s) 12, 12 to the first layer(s) 14, 14 via the connecting threads 18, 18. During this process the water in and on the apparatus 10, 10 e.g. in and on the textile element(s) 12, 12 evaporates due to solar radiation and heat prevailing on the outside O of the apparatus 10 (see arrows 55) and/or due to heat at the inside I of the apparatus 10 in the interior of a building (see arrows 56). The evaporation process in apparatus 10 and/or in further apparatus 10 causes corresponding cooling energy to be released, which reduces the effect of heat loads on the outside O and/or on the inside I of the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0172] In configuration with a first, water-permeable layer 14, the water, which is discharged by the further apparatus 10 facing the interior (inside) I, can be further used to humidify interior air. Otherwise in configuration with a first, water-impermeable layer 14 and/or a water-impermeable layer that is (additively) applied to the first layer 14 (not shown) the evaporated water can be retained and drained off inside of the apparatus 10 e.g. inside of the textile element 12 in order to avoid and/or to reduce humidification of the interior I. In this embodiment, water and air flow inside of apparatus 10 causes cooling energy, thus reducing the surface temperature of layer 14 facing the inside I without releasing humidity to the interior.

[0173] In an appropriate manner, in order to improve evaporation behaviour, additional, finer-pored textile layer(s) for encapsulating more water, e.g. multifilament and/or nonwoven fabric(s) and/or superabsorber(s) or the like (not shown), can be applied between the second layer(s) 16, 16 of the textile element(s) 12, 12 and the optionally (separate) applied water-guiding (water-repellent) layer(s), thus contributing to more homogeneous wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0174] Optionally, in configuration with a first, water-impermeable layer 14 of apparatus 10 facing the interior, an additional, finer-pored textile layer for encapsulating more water, e.g. a multifilament and/or a nonvowen fabric and/or a superabsorber or the like (not shown), as well can be applied between the first layer 14 of the textile element 12 and the optionally (separate) applied water-impermeable layer (not shown), thus contributing to more homogeneous wetting and higher evaporative cooling while reducing water consumption.

[0175] In an advantageous way, apparatus 10 and apparatus 10 can be operated simultaneously i.e. mutually together or independently, i.e. separately from each other. When only activating apparatus 10 for interior cooling and/or interior air humidification, water is supplied via fluid connection 116 only to water supply device 26 e.g. to frame profile 34 and/or to water supply device 67 of the textile element 12. For an equivalent activation of only apparatus 10, reference is made to the explanation of FIG. 7b in order to avoid repetition.

[0176] Alternatively or in addition to water supply device(s) 26, 26 e.g. via the frame profile(s) 34, 34, (additional) water supply device(s) 67, 67 can be provided. This allows water to be supplied to the textile element(s) 12, 12 punctually or linearly preferably at several places and/or at different heights. The water supply device(s) 67, 67 may comprise one or several injectors e.g. water jets, (perforated) pipes or hoses arranged side by side along the height and/or the width of the apparatus 10, 10 e.g. of the textile element(s) 12, 12. In another embodiment, the water supply device(s) 67, 67 may be configured as planar perforated water supply device(s) e.g. the fluid-flow-through layers 104 and/or 108 can be perforated and connected to the apparatus 10, 10 e.g. to the textile element(s) 12, 12 via the second, water-guiding layer(s) 16, 16 in perforated configuration, in such way, that by regulating the pressure inside of the fluid-flow-through layers 104 and/or 108 water is homogenously supplied from the fluid-flow-through layers 104 and/or 108 into the textile element(s) 12, 12. Preferably the water supply device(s) 67, 67 can be flow-connected with the water supply device(s) 26, 26 e.g. with the frame profile(s) 34, 34 via the profile system 102, via water supply conduit(s) 22, 22 and/or via fluid connection(s) 116, 116. Also, the water supply device(s) 67, 67 can be flow-connected with the water collecting device(s) 24, 24 e.g. with the frame profile(s) 34, 34 via the profile system 102, via water discharge conduit(s) 20, 20 and/or via fluid connection(s) 114, 114. The evaporation of water can be optimized by homogeneous water wetting of the evaporator surface with regard to the water distribution and quantity by means of the water supply device(s) 67, 67.

[0177] FIG. 11 shows a possible modification of the multi-layer facade system 100 according to FIG. 6. The facade system 100 largely corresponds to the configuration described in FIG. 6, so that reference is made to the explanations there in order to avoid repetition.

[0178] In contrast, the present multi-layer facade system 100 comprises an apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1 that has been modified. The textile element 12 comprises folding structures 28, 28, 28 that divide the textile element 12 into several foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections 30, 30, 30, 30.

[0179] The foldable, folded, pivotable and/or rotatable sections 30, 30, 30 can be operated by actuators 32, 32, 32 e.g. by linear and/or rotational actuators. On one end, the actuators 32, 32, 32 are connected to a mechanical substructure 57 e.g. of steel, wood, aluminium and/or polymer or the like or combinations thereof, that is attached to the profile system 102, 102 and/or to the frame profile 34, 34 and/or to the holding device 92 of the apparatus 10. On the other end, the actuators 32, 32, 32 are connected to the textile element 12 e.g. to the folding structures 28, 28, 28 so that sections 30, 30, 40, 30 can be folded, pivoted and/or rotated when the actuators 32, 32, 32 are operated. Between the textile element 12 and the mechanical substructure 57, an air space (air layer) 69 is arranged.

[0180] By actuating the folding structures, the collector and/or evaporator surface can be maximized and specifically adjusted, e.g. to the respective angle of the precipitation water drops and/or to the solar incidence angle. In this way, water absorption and drainage behaviour as well as water discharge and evaporation behaviour can be improved. The actuation can be operated in a manual or automatically in an adaptive way by integrating sensors, actuators and a control unit.

[0181] As explained above, sensors (not shown) for recording climate and/or environmental data (e.g. ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind data and/or rain data) and/or a control unit for operating and/or regulating the actuators 32, 32, 32 can be provided. The control unit (not shown) can be configured in such a way that the apparatus 10 and/or the textile element 12 and/or sections 30, 30, 30, 30 thereof are adjusted towards impacting precipitation water and/or towards solar incidence automatically. This helps to maximize the performance of the apparatus.

[0182] The control unit (not shown) can be configured to interact with one or several sensors and with actuators 32, 32, 32. The operation of the apparatus and/or of the textile element 12 and/or of sections 30, 30, 30, 30 can be monitored with one or several further sensors. A method e.g. a software is implemented on the control unit for operating the apparatus 10 and/or the multi-layer facade system 100.

[0183] Optionally the folding structures can be introduced into the textile element as well by means of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing methods e.g. by textile (3D) printing and/or by textile connecting devices.

[0184] Folded structures can also be introduced in the apparatus 10 and/or in the textile element 12 without actuation simply to maximize the absorbing (collecting) and/or discharging (evaporating) surface area of the apparatus 10 e.g. of the textile element 12. In this case the system is only passive. The amount of folding structures e.g. the size of their sections is unlimited.