Abstract
An innovative concept of dynamic stormwater storage in sponge-like porous bodies (SPBs) is presented and modelled using first principles, for down-flow and up-flow variants of SPBs. The rate of inflow driven by absorption and/or capillary action into various porous material structures was computed as a function of time and found to be critically dependent on the type of structure and the porous material used. In a case study, the rates of inflow and storage filling were modelled for various conditions and found to match, or exceed, the rates of rainwater inflow and volume accumulation associated with two types of Swedish rainfalls, of 60-min duration and a return period of 10 years. Hence, the mathematical models indicated that the SPB devices studied could capture relevant amounts of water. The theoretical study also showed that the SPB concepts could be further optimized. Such findings confirmed the potential of dynamic SPB storage to control stormwater runoff and serve as one of numerous elements contributing to restoration of pre-urban hydrology in urban catchments. Finally, the issues to be considered in bringing this theoretical concept to a higher Technological Readiness Level were discussed briefly, including operational challenges. However, it should be noted that a proper analysis of such issues requires a separate study building on the current presentation of theoretical concepts.
Highlights
Urbanization dramatically alters the hydrological cycle of developing areas by reducing hydrological abstractions and accelerating runoff, which leads to increased runoff volumes and flow peaks, and the risk of water ponding or flooding [1]
The discussion focuses on the following aspects of sponge-like porous bodies (SPBs) storage: potential role of SPB storage in stormwater management, water uptake and its modelling, filtration of stormwater by SPBs, and other practical considerations
In terms of storage filling, the Down-flow SPB storage was shown here to be capable of fully intercepting design rainfall from 10-year cool temperate climate events
Summary
Urbanization dramatically alters the hydrological cycle of developing areas by reducing hydrological abstractions and accelerating runoff, which leads to increased runoff volumes and flow peaks, and the risk of water ponding or flooding [1]. The discussion here focuses on lot-scale measures (LSMs), which in common terminology are called distributed control measures, and when such LSMs serve to dissipate runoff volume they are referred to as runoff source controls. The importance of these measures follows from their key features: Water 2020, 12, 2080; doi:10.3390/w12082080 www.mdpi.com/journal/water
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