Wave making device

Abstract

The wave making device comprises a caisson connected to an air blower and to a control valve mechanism comprising an exhaust valve adapted to move between a closed position and an open position, and a system adapted to move the exhaust valve and to maintain said exhaust valve into said position. The control valve mechanism is adapted to ensure continuously an air pressure within the caisson at least equal to the atmospheric pressure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an artificial wave making device, and to a process for making artificial wave at the surface of a pool.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Artificial wave making devices are commercialized by the company “WOW Company”. Said devices comprises a floating spherical element in which a system moves at least one body so as generate downwards and / or upwards movement of the floating spherical element, whereby generating artificial wave at the surface of the pool.[0003]Artificial wave making devices have also been developed by using a high flow and high pressure air-blower to blow or draw air periodically in a given frequency to form waves. If the area of a pool is about 700 m2, an air-blower having output power of 165 kW is required. Said devices have high energy consumption and require great investment, so it is not suitable for aquatic breeding.[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,355 to Mark L, Kreinbihl et al. discloses an artificial wavema...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]According to another detail of an embodiment, the ratio open surface of the exhaust valves or valves expressed in cm2 / volume of the upper portion of the caisson is greater than 0.0005, advantageously greater than 0.001, preferably comprised between 0.005 and 0.05. With such a ratio, it is possible to ensure a rapid exhaust of air from the caisson.

[0031]According to a further detail of an advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the caisson is open, said bottom being provided with a series of elements defining passages with a maximum width or diameter of less than 10 cm. The bottom is for example provided with a open grid for preventing the passage of large object into the caisson.

[0037]This is advantageous for controlling the good working of the blower and of the exhaust valve(s) from time to time.

Problems solved by technology

Said devices have high energy consumption and require great investment, so it is not suitable for aquatic breeding.

However, the wave generated by said device is still based on the method of forced vibration.

Therefore, said device has to be provided with an air-blow of great output power, and the cost of the device is still high.

The use of such a large number of valves increases the risk of mechanical problems, as well as the problem of correct control of the timing of the closing or opening of the valves, whereby causing variation which are detrimental for achieving the desired wave pattern.

Furthermore, as the blower is intended to suck periodically air from the chamber, so that liquid flows into the chamber, a risk exists that water or water droplets are sucked into the blower, causing then problems of corrosion, growth of bacteria, etc.

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