Discover how GOcontroll’s intelligent modular control system transforms retention roofs into dynamic, sustainable water management tools for urban environments.

Retention roofs are critical in adapting our cities to climate change. Unlike passive systems, active control brings real intelligence to water management. It is responding to real-time data, forecasts, and infrastructure capacity.

A retention roof, also known as a blue-green roof, stores rainwater temporarily before slowly releasing it into the sewer system. This buffering capacity reduces peak loads during heavy rainfall, helping prevent flooding and sewer overflows in urban environments.

In today’s cities, where concrete dominates and green space is limited, retention roofs are essential tools in sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). However, traditional (passive) retention systems rely solely on gravity and fixed outflow delays, which offer no flexibility.

Passive retention roofs miss opportunities to react to dynamic conditions. Without real-time intelligence:

• Water may drain too early, leaving no buffer for upcoming storms.
• Water might be retained too long, increasing roof load or causing overflow.
• They can’t integrate with local weather data or sewer system capacity.
• There’s no insight into performance, blockages or maintenance needs.

In a world where smart technology governs traffic, lighting and energy, why not our water too?

With a control system for retention roofs, water management becomes proactive, data-driven, and efficient.

Sensors + Logic = Control

GOcontroll controllers read from various sensors:

• Water level
• Rainfall intensity
• Temperature
• Optional: wind, air pressure, or humidity

This data feeds directly into a real-time control model running on a GOcontroll Moduline embedded controller. Using MATLAB Simulink or Node-RED, logic is defined to actively open valves or switch pumps. You can even set thresholds based on upcoming weather forecasts retrieved via cloud integration.

Integrated Communications

• Communicate with city systems using Modbus, MQTT, or REST API
• Push data to dashboards or building management systems
• Local fallback ensures valves operate even if cloud connectivity drops

Remote Access and Maintenance

Thanks to the controller management:

• Remotely update logic (FOTA)
• View live sensor data and system state
• Perform predictive maintenance
• Secure multi-user access levels

Modular and Future-Proof

From the GOcontroll Mini for compact roofs to the Display version for on-site HMI, the platform is scalable. Need extra inputs for solar integration or adding a weather station later? Just plug in a new module.

For example when a school in a flood-prone urban area implemented a GOcontroll-controlled retention roof.

System Components:

• GOcontroll Moduline IV with 6 input/output modules
• 4-20mA water level sensor
• Electrically operated ball valve
• Cellular connectivity with cloud sync
• MQTT connection to city sewer capacity monitoring service

Workflow:

1. During normal weather: Valve remains closed, rainwater accumulates.
2. Storm forecast incoming: System checks sewer capacity via API.
3. If sewer load is low: Controlled pre-drain releases water before the storm.
4. After storm: Stored water is gradually drained, maximizing roof readiness.
5. Maintenance alert: Sensor drift detected → technician notified.

Results:

• 60% fewer overflow incidents
• 30% increased roof buffering capacity during peak rainfall
• Data-driven insights for city climate reports

As climate change brings more extreme weather, cities can no longer rely on passive infrastructure. Every building becomes part of the ecosystem.

With a control system for retention roof, you unlock:

• Smarter urban water buffering
• Reduced sewer load and flood risks
• Real-time operational insight
• Scalable, low-maintenance architecture

You’re not just building a roof, you’re building a smart climate system.