Autore: ALESSANDRO VOLGARE

Baku
An alternative solution to collecting rainwater.
The Baku is an umbrella shaped “upside down” helium filled double membrane structure made of
very light, but also very strong material: PVC®, Teflon®, Nylon®* meant to float in the air at variable
heights according to the outside pressure level and the head developed by the trapped gas. Floating
in the air avoids all interferences, not only with the trees growing underneath and nature in general
but also with the roof tops of houses and factories.
Scope of the Baku is to bring water to different ground locations in a fully natural manner, without
any mechanical aid, the only anthropic contribution being restricted to maintenance only. Sensors
operate this device by activating an automated/deflation system, as needed, by estimating the
amount of fallen rain.
The upwards force exerted by the expanded helium follows Archimede’s buoyancy’s law. Thus, by
estimating the sum of all acting forces it is possible to keep a loaded “umbrella” floating indefinitely
in the air in a static equilibrium. The Baku is anchored to the ground by thin steel cables which
stiffen when it floats upwards, especially under a side blowing wind, thus providing additional
stability
A foldable polypropylene pipe attached to the lower part of the structure brings the collected water
to existing irrigation networks or to storage tanks on the ground.
Unlike massive structures, such as dams, storage tanks and kilometres of piping, the BAKU is noninvasive. On the contrary, it was devised to be light, mobile and flexible in such a way as to be fully
integrated in its surrounding environment.
It has several practical uses in a variety of applications, such as:
Irrigation
Industry
Additional contribution to the supply of fresh water to dams and existing basins
Mitigation of floods on mountain slopes
Reduction of the saltiness of soils
Increase of the level of ground water