Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd has been in the field of rainwater resource and management for the last eighteen years. Tidelion knows the importance of rainwater for the sue in urban and rural regions and has introduced solutions that help to save the water resources to a great extent. The company has provided consultancy and services to different countries such as Iran, Maldives, and Singapore to help them in implementing the complete smart city model in different cities. Tidelion is a leading sponge city model provider and aims to bring water wastage to a minimum level safeguarding valuable water resources.
Tidelion has been working with different countries to provide solutions to help them implement the complete smart city model in various cities that are facing rainwater issues. We has been a leading sponge city model provider and is determined to provide efficient solutions in the wake of the development of several smart cities. The company has individual working plans to ensure the transition of cities into smart cities and to provide sustainable resources to protect the rainwater and river reserves. We have affordable rates to ensure the large-scale development of smart cities to protect the diminishing water resources at different levels. We, as a pioneer smart water drainage system provider, ensure to provide designated systems to ensure the proper discharge of water from different locations.
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Roofing rainwater drainage and collection system has dual function of rainwater drainage. Following the flow pattern in the roof rainwater drain line, the system includes three systems namely gravity flow, semi-pressure flow and siphon flow. Rainwater in gravity flow system is not fully filled; rainwater in semi-pressure flow system is demonstrated via mixture of air water in pipeline; rainwater in siphon flow system is fully-filled on way. Different system should apply professional roof drain.
Recently, all Tidelion staff were touched by a thanks letter from for North Base of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive construction Headquarters. Tidelion Construction Management Division finished a more than 7000m2 siphonic roof installation project within 20 days, it not only won the customers’ recognition, but also created a miracle in the industry.
Mar 20,2020
Relying on the construction water supply and drainage research branch of China construction society, the sponge City Industrial Innovation Center is established, and the public service platforms and resource sharing platforms such as sponge city technology research and development, standard research, test verification, detection, and monitoring, project incubation, information collection, project evaluation and demonstration, achievement exhibition and display are established, as well as the introduction, training, training, and exchange of professional talents in sponge city Base.
Jun 15,2026
Green roofs are widely recognized for their ability to mitigate urban heat islands, retain stormwater, and improve building energy efficiency. However, several long-standing engineering challenges have limited their widespread adoption, including structural load restrictions, drainage inefficiencies, high maintenance costs, and resilience to extreme weather conditions. In recent years, a new approach known as the Rain-Fed Green Roof System has gained attention. By integrating PP (polypropylene) water storage modules with efficient drainage systems, this technology relies on stored rainwater and capillary reuse to sustain rooftop vegetation primarily through natural precipitation. Its core principle is simple: retain small rainfall events on-site and slowly release excess water during heavy storms. This article explores the engineering logic behind rain-fed green roof systems, including their water storage and capillary irrigation mechanisms, key design parameters, material selection criteria, construction considerations, and comparisons with internationally recognized systems such as Sika and ZinCo. Drawing upon standards such as the Sponge City Construction Evaluation Standard (GB/T 51345-2018), the German FLL Green Roof Guidelines, and numerous real-world projects, it provides architects and engineers with a practical technical reference. Understanding the Technical Logic The design philosophy of rain-fed systems follows the principles of the natural water cycle. * The standard 85 mm water storage depth is based on two key factors: * Typical summer water consumption of rooftop vegetation (3–5 mm per day). * The fact that most temperate cities experience no more than two consecutive weeks without rainfall. This depth provides an optimal balance between water availability and efficiency. Instead of relying on conventional irrigation systems, rain-fed roofs utilize capillary water reuse, allowing moisture to move upward naturally through soil suction. Overflow outlets are strategically positioned above the siphonic drainage activation level but below the maximum storage depth, ensuring that water is stored first and discharged only when necessary. This approach transforms green roofs from systems that depend heavily on manual intervention into largely self-regulating ecological infrastructure. 1. Why Are Green Roofs Difficult to Implement? Although green roofs have been common throughout Europe and North America for decades, their global adoption continues to face several common challenges: Excessive Structural Load Traditional systems often require concrete slope layers and gravel drainage beds, easily adding 300–400 kg per square meter. Many existing buildings cannot support such additional loads. Drainage Challenges Gravity drainage systems can suffer from insufficient slope and clogging issues. During heavy rainfall, water may accumulate on rooftops, increasing structural and waterproofing risks. High Maintenance Costs Without frequent irrigation, many rooftop plants struggle to survive during hot summer months. Hiring maintenance teams for regular watering significantly increases operating expenses. When early rooftop greening pilot projects were introduced more than a decade ago, building owners consistently asked three questions: * How can roof loads be controlled? * How can drainage be guaranteed? * Who will manage long-term maintenance? At the time, achieving lightweight construction, rapid drainage, and irrigation-free operation simultaneously was extremely difficult. Today, after hundreds of projects across multiple climate zones, rain-fed green roof systems offer a practical solution by replacing gravel with lightweight PP modules and replacing conventional irrigation with stored rainwater and capillary action. 2. Core Technology: Store Water, Drain Excess, Sustain Vegetation 2.1 Can Plants Survive Without Irrigation? The answer lies within the 85 mm water storage layer. A rain-fed green roof places a layer of PP storage modules directly above the waterproofing membrane. These modules function like a giant sponge beneath the planting medium. Water is stored within the modules while capillary wicks connect the storage zone to the growing medium. As the soil dries, moisture naturally moves upward to replenish plant roots. Why 85 mm? Research from the Beijing Institute of Landscape Architecture indicates that succulent rooftop vegetation typically consumes only 3–5 mm of water per day during summer. Using the conservative figure of 5 mm per day: * 85 mm of stored water can support plants for approximately 17 days. Since most temperate and subtropical regions rarely experience more than two weeks without rainfall, 85 mm represents an efficient design balance. Climate Adaptability The storage depth can be adjusted according to local conditions: * Arid regions (Middle East, North Africa): Up to 150 mm using stacked modules. * Rainy regions (Southeast Asia): Reduced to 50 mm with additional overflow outlets. Because the modules are standardized and stackable, designers can easily adapt storage capacity to local climate requirements. 2.2 What Happens During Heavy Rainfall? Rain-fed green roofs can accommodate either: * Gravity drainage systems * Siphonic drainage systems Both aim to remove excess water that exceeds storage capacity. Gravity Drainage Gravity systems use roof slopes to direct water toward outlets. They are simple, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Best suited for: * Small roof areas * Retrofit projects * Moderate drainage requirements Siphonic Drainage Siphonic systems use specially designed roof drains that prevent air entry and create negative pressure inside the piping network. Advantages include: * Water velocities 5–10 times greater than gravity drainage. * Smaller pipe diameters. * Horizontal pipe installation without slope. * Reduced material and space requirements. The Importance of Early Activation Many older siphonic systems required approximately 80 mm of water depth before activation, allowing significant water accumulation during the initial stages of a storm. Modern low-head siphonic technology can activate at approximately 50–55 mm water depth, allowing much faster stormwater removal and reducing temporary roof loading. Dual Protection Strategy Current best practice uses a combination of: * Primary drainage systems * Emergency overflow outlets Typical configuration: * Overflow elevation: 60 mm * Siphonic activation depth: 50–55 mm * Maximum module storage depth: 85 mm This arrangement ensures: * Water is stored first. * Excess water is drained efficiently. * Extreme storms can bypass the system safely through overflow outlets. 2.3 Preventing Clogging Drainage systems perform poorly when sediment enters the pipes. To address this, modern rain-fed systems typically incorporate: Primary Filtration Layer A high-weight nonwoven geotextile (minimum 200 g/m²) captures most soil particles. Secondary Protection Layer Drainage boards provide additional filtration and buffering. Together, these layers significantly reduce maintenance requirements and extend drainage system performance. 3. System Assembly and Material Specifications A typical rain-fed green roof consists of the following layers from top to bottom: 1. Vegetation layer 2. Lightweight growing medium 3. Filter layer 4. Water storage and drainage layer 5. Protective drainage membrane 6. Waterproofing layer 7. Leveling layer 8. Structural roof slab Key Material Requirements Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Material Key Parameters Function PP Storage Module Compressive strength ≥ 450 kN/m² Water storage and support Drainage Membrane Puncture resistance ≥ 400 N Waterproofing protection Siphonic Roof Drain Activation depth 50–55 mm Efficient stormwater drainage Lightweight Soil Dry density ≤ 1000 kg/m³ Plant growth medium 4. Construction Best Practices 4.1 Never Skip Flood Testing The waterproofing system should undergo a minimum 48-hour flood test before installing modules. Skipping this step can result in costly repairs if leaks are discovered after landscaping has been completed. 4.2 Elevation Control Is Critical The relationship between drainage elevations must remain precise: * Siphonic activation level < Overflow elevation < Maximum storage level Construction tolerances should remain within ±5 mm whenever possible. 4.3 Protect the Storage Modules Although PP modules have high compressive strength under distributed loads, concentrated construction loads can still cause damage. A commonly used approach is the “backward installation method,” where workers stand on completed sections while moving materials forward, preventing direct loading on exposed modules. 4.4 Protect Roof Drains During Construction Roof drains should remain covered during soil placement and construction activities to prevent debris contamination. Pressure testing should be performed after all earthworks are completed. 5. Comparison of Major International Green Roof Systems The global market is largely represented by three approaches: Sika (Switzerland) Strengths: * Waterproofing expertise * Integrated roofing and drainage systems * Ideal for high-rise buildings with strict waterproofing requirements ZinCo (Germany) Strengths: * Extensive ecological and horticultural expertise * Contributor to FLL guidelines * Highly modular systems Limitations: * Standard water storage typically ranges from 30–50 mm * Additional irrigation may be required in dry climates Tidelion (China) Strengths: * Focus on balancing water storage and drainage * Large-capacity storage modules * Capillary water reuse technology * Flexible gravity or siphonic drainage configurations Particularly suitable for monsoon climates characterized by alternating heavy rainfall and seasonal drought. 6. Representative Projects Luqiao Sunac Mall, Wuhan, China (7,682 m²) One of China’s largest rain-fed green roof installations. Performance highlights include: * Over 85% stormwater runoff control. * Approximately 30% higher drainage efficiency compared to traditional systems. * Successful operation during multiple intense summer storms. Wenyu River Carbon Neutrality Park, Beijing, China Beijing’s first carbon-neutral themed park incorporates rain-fed rooftop greening technology. The system contributes to: * Reduced building energy consumption. * On-site rainwater utilization. * Lower maintenance requirements. * Long-term sustainability objectives. 7. Frequently Asked Questions Can older buildings support a rain-fed green roof? Possibly, but structural analysis is required. Additional dead loads typically range between 3.0 and 5.0 kN/m². Can the system withstand extreme rainfall events? Yes. The combination of primary drainage and emergency overflow provides multiple layers of protection. Will drainage deprive plants of water? No. Water storage layers are designed to retain water before excess runoff enters the drainage system. How often is maintenance required? Most systems only require annual inspections and periodic cleaning of inspection chambers. Does the drainage system operate during light rain? Usually not. Small rainfall events are stored within the modules and reused by vegetation. Will freezing temperatures damage the modules? PP modules typically withstand temperatures as low as -30°C and are designed to accommodate seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. How is annual runoff control calculated? Hydrological simulation models use long-term local rainfall records, often covering 30 years of climate data, to estimate annual runoff retention rates. 8. Conclusion Green roofs are evolving beyond decorative landscape features and becoming essential urban infrastructure. As cities place increasing emphasis on resilience, sustainability, stormwater management, and energy efficiency, rooftop greening must perform multiple environmental functions simultaneously. Rain-fed green roof systems achieve this by integrating water storage, drainage, and reuse into a single self-regulating ecosystem. Through the combination of PP storage modules, capillary irrigation, intelligent overflow control, and adaptable drainage strategies, these systems significantly reduce maintenance requirements while improving environmental performance. The future of green roof technology lies not merely in creating attractive rooftop landscapes but in developing resilient, autonomous systems that contribute to sustainable urban development. By understanding the engineering principles behind rain-fed roofs, designers and engineers can make informed decisions and implement solutions that are best suited to local climate conditions and project requirements.
Aug 8,2023
In an era where climate change is a pressing global concern, Tidelion, a pioneering entity committed to sustainable solutions, is taking the lead in addressing global climate vulnerabilities through its groundbreaking Rainwater Harvesting System. This innovative initiative is not only revolutionizing clean water access during droughts but also fostering adaptation strategies to combat the escalating flooding crisis in Semarang. By seamlessly integrating rainwater harvesting systems into public schools, Tidelion is reshaping the landscape of climate resilience. Revolutionizing Water Management for a Sustainable Future The Rainwater Harvesting System to Reduce Climate Change Vulnerability, spearheaded by Tidelion, stands as a testament to visionary thinking in the face of environmental challenges. This comprehensive solution encompasses two primary objectives: mitigating water scarcity during droughts and curbing the detrimental impacts of flooding in Semarang. This initiative represents a paradigm shift in water management by capitalizing on the abundance of rainwater as a viable source of clean water. Unveiling the Impact: Key Highlights Averting Water Shortages with Innovative Technology By harnessing the power of rain, Tidelion's rainwater harvesting systems demonstrate a remarkable capacity to reduce water consumption by up to 30% during the rainy season, spanning approximately six months. This exceptional feat is significantly enhanced when coupled with the strategic utilization of water storage tanks. The integration of gravity-based water flow within the system minimizes the energy demand for pumping, making the process highly energy-efficient. Community Engagement and Empowerment Tidelion's unwavering commitment to community engagement has brought about tangible change. Collaborating with a local neighborhood comprising around 40 households adjacent to a public school, the project has enabled the seamless adoption and maintenance of a communal rainwater harvesting infrastructure. This synergy between the community and innovative technology has fostered a holistic approach to climate resilience, magnifying the impact across all strata of society. Empowering Over 20,500 Lives The tangible results of Tidelion's efforts are evident in the lives of over 20,500 individuals who have directly benefited from this transformative initiative. By providing access to clean water, Tidelion is not only safeguarding human health but also paving the way for a sustainable future where climate-induced water scarcity becomes a thing of the past. Addressing Climate Challenges Head-On Semarang: A City at the Crossroads of Climate Vulnerability As one of Indonesia's urban centers most susceptible to climate change, Semarang grapples with the dual challenges of recurrent floods and intensifying droughts. The urbanization surge, characterized by an annual population growth rate of 1.85%, amplifies the issue of rainwater runoff overwhelming the city's infrastructure. Tidelion's Rainwater Harvesting System offers a beacon of hope in this tumultuous scenario. Harnessing Rainwater for Resilience At the heart of Tidelion's solution lies an ingenious rain harvesting system, meticulously designed to capture and store rainwater during the monsoon season. The gravity-based water flow mechanism eliminates the need for energy-intensive pumping, rendering the process both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. This stored rainwater emerges as a lifeline during the arid months, providing a crucial source of clean water to the population. Preserving Groundwater through Absorption Wells In addition to storing rainwater, Tidelion's initiative includes the integration of absorption wells – a forward-thinking approach to groundwater preservation. These wells redirect rainwater directly into the ground, replenishing groundwater reserves and safeguarding against future water scarcity. This dual-pronged strategy not only ensures short-term water security but also lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability. Promoting Environmental and Social Well-Being Fostering Sustainable Water Sources Tidelion's commitment to fostering sustainable water sources is at the crux of its Rainwater Harvesting System. By offering an alternative water supply during droughts, this initiative contributes to alleviating the pressure on existing water sources and facilitates a more equitable distribution of water resources. Empowering Vulnerable Communities Undoubtedly, the most vulnerable segments of society bear the brunt of climate change impacts. Tidelion's efforts are a beacon of hope for these underserved populations. In a city where 26.47% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2009, the provision of clean water becomes a transformative intervention. The rain harvesting systems drastically reduce the time and effort required to access water, improving the quality of life for these marginalized individuals. A Roadmap for Expansion Unleashing the Potential for Growth Tidelion's Rainwater Harvesting System is not just a standalone solution; it represents a blueprint for scalability. By enhancing water storage capacity, increasing the number of tanks, or exploring innovative designs, the project has the potential to extend its impact far beyond its current boundaries. As climate change continues to exert its influence on vulnerable regions worldwide, initiatives like Tidelion's Rainwater Harvesting System offer a glimmer of hope. By leveraging innovative technology, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability, Tidelion is rewriting the narrative of climate resilience worldwide. This initiative stands as a shining example of how effective solutions can emerge from collaboration, determination, and a relentless pursuit of a better, more sustainable future.
Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. has an efficient water management solution. We provide rainwater and flood drainage systems worldwide. Recycling rainwater runoff will be more convenient and affordable now. You just need a custom drainage channel manufacturer, and we are here. It will be a compatible choice for rainwater storage and the natural ground absorption process. Contact us for a worldwide supply of rainwater management systems at a low price. It will be an affordable solution for all.
Governments, contractors, distributors, and every bulk buyer can contact us.
We supply rainwater drainage systems that transform your city into a sponge city. Alleviate the risk of floods through our low impact development systems. We have a low-cost and durable drainage system for all sectors. Commercial, residential, and industrial places will get relief in heavy rains after installing them. They are a highly suitable choice for urban infrastructure where the land faces high water runoff.
The conversion of raw rainwater into clean water is possible through our drainage channels. We supply stormwater management systems that reduce water runoff. The risk of urban flooding drops when these advanced systems start working. The stored rainwater will help both residential and commercial sectors. Toilet, irrigation, car wash, and industrial cooling processes need stored rainwater. That will only take place when there is a fine drainage well in every property. We provide a feasible solution for rainwater reusability to all. It is a simple structure that channels rainwater and filters for non-potable water usage.
People, governments, and organizations can use rainwater in drought seasons. That is possible through our sustainable urban drainage systems. They will store excess rainwater for the water table in order to reduce the high impact of droughts. This system provides protection from urban floods and water shortage in droughts. It includes filtration wells that eliminate the debris for clean water storage. Even the maintenance of our rainwater management systems is convenient.
How to Source Rainwater Systems?
You can source them in bulk from Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. Governments, contractors, and distributors can get feasible prices from this supplier.
How Can I Source Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems at a Reasonable Price?
You can procure from Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. It is a low-priced supplier that has global service.
Is There Any Manufacturer Who Can Supply Custom Drainage Channels?
Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. can supply a custom solution. You can contact them for confirmation and quotations.
