Wave machine and wave pool

Abstract

In order to reduce operating costs, a wave machine (12) for generating waves comprises: - a wave generator (28); - a drive (30) for the wave generator (28), comprising - an internal combustion engine (36); - a fluid pressure generator (38), which is driven by the internal combustion engine (36) and is fluidically coupled to the wave generator (28). For continuous operation, a wave pool (10) comprises: - a wave machine (12) for generating waves; - a basin (14), having a bottom (16), which has the following: - a first, deep bottom region (16a), which is adjacent to the wave machine (12); - a slope region (16b), which is adjacent to the first bottom region (16a) and rises; - a second, shallow bottom region (16c), which is adjacent to the slope region (16b) and runs substantially horizontally; and - a breaker region (16d), which is adjacent to the second bottom region (16c) and rises.

Description

[0001] August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO

[0002] 1

[0003] WAVE MACHINE AND WAVE POOL

[0004] The present invention relates to a wave machine for generating waves and a wave pool with at least one wave machine. Similar wave pools are used, for example, in the recreational sector for surfing and in the scientific sector for research and development in hydrodynamics, naval architecture, hydraulic engineering, and similar fields.

[0005] DE 25 37 719 discloses a wave machine in the form of a pneumatic wave generator for swimming pools, in which air is periodically blown into and extracted from a series of caisson chambers. The chambers are offset from one another by half a wavelength in the direction of wave propagation, thereby generating continuous wave trains.

[0006] WO 82 / 01225 A1 discloses a wave machine in the form of a device for generating waves in a liquid medium arranged in a basin. At least one side of the basin contains at least two air chambers that are in contact with the liquid medium near the bottom surface of the basin and extend mainly vertically or inclined upwards from the bottom surface. In each air chamber, an air cushion is in contact with the liquid surface. An individual pumping element is arranged to be in contact with an air cushion in each individual air chamber. The pumping element comprises a bellows-shaped element or a cylinder / piston element for each individual air chamber. A drive element is arranged to alternately increase / decrease the volume of the air cushion in each air chamber, thereby alternately increasing / decreasing the liquid volume in each air chamber.The drive element comprises a rotary motor whose rotary motion is converted into a predominantly linear reciprocating motion by means of at least one crank disc and at least one connecting rod. This reciprocating motion is transmitted directly or via an associated connecting element to the pump element for changing the air cushion volume. The drive element comprises a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated piston element, August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO.

[0007] 2 whose movement is transferred to the pump element to change the air cushion volume.

[0008] US 4,522,535 A discloses a wave machine in the form of a surf wave generator for use in a pool, comprising one or more air chambers extending at least partially along one side of the pool. An opening allows the lower part of the chamber to communicate with the lower part of the pool. The surf wave generator includes a reservoir for compressed air and a device for rapidly introducing the compressed air from the reservoir into the air chamber, thereby displacing the water contained therein into the pool.

[0009] A problem with known wave machines is that they are driven by electric motors, the operation of which is expensive due to the high cost of the required electrical energy.

[0010] A problem with well-known wave pools is that the high waves within the pools trigger wave reflections, which generally prevent continuous operation for the intended purpose. After a series of waves, the reflections reach a level that necessitates a pause for them to dissipate before new waves of sufficient quality can be generated. A similar situation exists with wave pools used for research purposes. Here, too, reflections at the pool's edges cause problems in generating defined waves, especially during continuous operation. These reflections can limit the specific research applications.

[0011] Against this background, the invention proposes the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a wave machine for generating moving or standing waves is proposed, comprising:

[0013] - at least one wave generator;

[0014] - a drive for at least one shaft generator, comprising

[0015] - at least one internal combustion engine; August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO

[0016] 3

[0017] - at least one fluid pressure generator, which is driven or can be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine and is fluidically coupled to the at least one shaft generator.

[0018] The use of an internal combustion engine in this proposed shaft machine allows for a reduction in operating costs compared to known shaft machines powered by electric motors.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, a wave pool is proposed, comprising:

[0020] - at least one shaft machine for generating moving or standing shafts, which is designed in particular, but not necessarily, according to the first aspect;

[0021] - a basin having a bottom which has the following features:

[0022] - at least one first, deep bottom area adjacent to the wave machine;

[0023] - at least one embankment area which, in particular opposite the wave machine, borders on and rises to at least one first bottom area;

[0024] - at least a second, shallow soil area which, in particular in relation to the first soil area, adjoins the at least one embankment area and runs essentially horizontally; and

[0025] - at least one surf zone which, in particular in relation to the at least one embankment zone, borders on and rises to the at least one second ground zone.

[0026] The proposed wave pool enables continuous operation for its intended purpose, such as surfing or research and development in hydrodynamics, naval architecture, hydraulic engineering, and similar fields, by avoiding or at least significantly reducing wave reflections. This is because the specific shape of the wave pool, particularly its bottom profile, largely prevents backflow, which would otherwise lead to wave reflections and thus reduced or distorted waveforms. In current technology, this is achieved, if at all, through complex constructions. (August 22, 2025)

[0027] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0028] 4 attempts to control this, for example, by providing reefs spaced away from the wave machine that rise above the regular water level, and subsequent water retention areas. The wave pool shape according to the invention allows for a slight undercurrent, through which water returns to the wave machine. Therefore, no channels need to be created for return transport, which also reduces manufacturing costs compared to wave pools known from the prior art. In addition, due to the slight undercurrent, sand can also be placed in the surf zone of the wave pool according to the invention, creating a beach-like atmosphere.This is because the sand is not moved towards the wave machine by backflow through channels or wave reflections, but remains in the surf zone of the wave, as it is repeatedly thrown back by new waves, which are virtually undisturbed by reflections, and is moved towards the wave machine only to a very limited extent due to the weak undercurrent. Furthermore, a single wave pool can be used for both research and development as well as for surfing. This was not possible with existing wave pools due to the differing hydrodynamic requirements for the respective uses.

[0029] The proposed wave pool is preferably operated in such a way that waves of usable quality are generated in it in direct succession, preferably in sets of at least 10 waves, more preferably in sets of at least 20 waves, particularly preferably in successive waves of an unlimited number, and in particular without a pause of at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 20 seconds, more preferably of at least one minute, for calming the flow between these wave sets.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, it is determined that the at least one internal combustion engine is coupled to the at least one fluid pressure generator via a clutch or via a clutch and a gearbox.

[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, it is specified that the drive comprises the following:

[0032] - at least one generator that is driven or can be driven by at least one internal combustion engine; and 22 August 2025 837 PA 24001 WO

[0033] 5

[0034] - at least one electric motor that is electrically coupled to at least one generator and drives at least one fluid pressure generator.

[0035] Preferably, it is then determined that

[0036] - the at least one internal combustion engine is coupled to the at least one generator via a clutch or via a clutch and a gearbox; and / or

[0037] - which is coupled to at least one fluid pressure generator via a clutch or via a clutch and a gearbox.

[0038] Each of the wave generators can be configured in any desired way, for example, by comprising a displacement body that is periodically immersed in and retrieved from the water by the drive, or by comprising a plate that is periodically moved back and forth in the water by the drive in a direction perpendicular or oblique to the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, it is specified that the at least one wave generator comprises the following:

[0039] - at least one pressure accumulator that is fluidically coupled to at least one fluid pressure generator;

[0040] - at least one shaft chamber that is fluidically coupled to the at least one pressure accumulator.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, it is determined that the at least one fluid pressure generator comprises the following:

[0042] - at least one pump that is hydraulically coupled to at least one pressure accumulator, and / or

[0043] - at least one compressor pneumatically coupled to at least one pressure accumulator.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, it is determined that exhaust gases from the at least one internal combustion engine are fed, or can be fed, into an intake line to the at least one compressor and / or into the pneumatic coupling between the at least one compressor and the at least one pressure accumulator and / or into the at least one pressure accumulator. For this purpose, an exhaust line is used. (August 22, 2025)

[0045] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0046] 6

[0047] The combustion engine, especially a gas engine, is connected to the intake or exhaust line of the compressor or to a compressed air duct of at least one pressure accumulator or to the pressure accumulator itself. In this way, exhaust gas is used as compressed air and not wasted or released. Particularly when using gas engines, the combustion is so clean and the exhaust gas content so small relative to the air that no harmful effects, e.g., on the water in the tank, are to be expected when it is mixed with the compressed air (at approximately 150-250 mbar).

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, it is specified that the at least one internal combustion engine and / or the at least one electric motor, if present, comprises at least one cooling system that can be connected to a local or district heating network.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, it is determined that the power of the at least one wave generator can be adapted to the desired wave generation.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the at least one first bottom section is substantially horizontal or rises from the wave machine to the at least one embankment section. The first bottom section is deep, so that the water level in it is high. Preferably, the highest static water level in the first bottom section, measured from its bottom surface to the water surface, lies in a range of about 1.2 m to about 6 m, more preferably from about 1.5 m to about 5 m, and even more preferably from about 2.2 m to about 4 m. "Substantially horizontal" means that each tangent plane of the first bottom section has an angle of inclination in a range between 0° and about 3°, more preferably between about 0° and about 2°, more preferably between about 0.25° and about 1.5°, and even more preferably between about 0.35° and about 0.8°.If the first floor area is designed with a minimal slope – which is its preferred configuration – this slope preferably increases continuously across the entire extent of the first floor area until it borders the embankment area. Preferably, the first floor area extends away from the wave machine, and this extension can also be referred to as its width, in a range of approximately 2.5 m to approximately 10 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 3.5 m to approximately 6.5 m. It is particularly advantageous that this choice of area... August 22, 2025.

[0051] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0052] 7

[0053] Reflections of waves at the wave machine are essentially prevented, so that a person using the wave is not disturbed by reflections when getting onto a surfboard. An end or boundary of the first ground area at its maximum extent preferably runs parallel to the wave machine in front of it.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is determined that the wave pool is operated or can be operated at nominal water level or at another water level, preferably a lower water level, particularly preferably a water level that lies in the area of ​​the at least one second bottom area.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is determined that the at least one embankment area is shaped such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 15°, 10°, 8°, or 5° with respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the highest static water level, as defined in the present invention (i.e., when the wave machine is switched off and a substantially flat water surface is present), lies in the embankment area, measured from its bottom surface to the water surface, immediately adjacent to the first bottom area, measured from its bottom surface to the water surface, in a range of approximately 1.2 m to approximately 6 m, more preferably from approximately 1.5 m to approximately 5 m, and even more preferably in a range of approximately 2.2 m to approximately 4 m. The highest static water level, as defined in the present invention, is measured from the lowest point of the bottom.Preferably, each tangent plane of the slope area has an angle of inclination in a range between 3° and approximately 15°, more preferably between approximately 4° and approximately 8°, and even more preferably between approximately 5° and approximately 6.5°. This inclination preferably increases continuously over the entire extent of the slope area until it borders the second soil area.

[0056] Preferably, the slope area extends away from the wave machine, and this extension can also be referred to as the width of the slope area, in a range of approximately 10 m to approximately 30 m, more preferably in a range of approximately 18 m to approximately 26 m. An end or boundary of the slope area at its maximum extension preferably runs parallel to the wave machine in front of it. The ratio of the extension of the first soil area away from the wave machine to the extension of the slope area away from the wave machine is preferably in the range of August 22, 2025.

[0057] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0058] 8. Approximately 10% to approximately 30%, more preferably in a range of approximately 16% to approximately 25%. In this range, waves of high quality, especially with regard to their height, can be generated.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the at least one second bottom area is at least partially substantially horizontal and / or at least partially rises towards the at least one surf zone such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 3°, or at most 2°, or at most 1°, or at most 0.5° with respect to the horizontal. The second bottom area is shallow, so that the water level in it is low, particularly compared to the first bottom area. Preferably, the highest static water level in the second bottom area, measured from its bottom surface to the water surface, is in a range of approximately 0.3 m to approximately 2 m, more preferably from approximately 0.5 m to approximately 1.5 m, and even more preferably from approximately 0.6 m to approximately 1.1 m.Essentially horizontal means that each tangent plane of the second floor area has an angle of inclination in a range between 0° and approximately 2°, more preferably between approximately 0.25° and approximately 1.5°, and even more preferably between approximately 0.35° and approximately 0.8°. If the second floor area is designed with a minimal inclination—which is its preferred configuration—this inclination preferably increases continuously over the entire extent of the second floor area until it borders the surf zone. Preferably, the second floor area has an extension away from the wave machine, which can also be referred to as the width of the first floor area, in a range of up to approximately 50 m, more preferably in a range of approximately 4 m, even more preferably from approximately 8 m, to approximately 50 m, more preferably to approximately 45 m, more preferably to approximately 40 m, and even more preferably to approximately 38 m.Preferably, the second floor area has a minimal extension away from the shaft machine, which can also be referred to as the minimum width of the first floor area, in a range of approximately 4 m to approximately 15 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 8 m to approximately 12 m. An end or boundary of the second floor area is preferably not parallel to the shaft machine. An end of the second floor area is preferably radial. Preferably, the second floor area is associated with a first end of the shaft machine and a second end of the shaft machine opposite it. (August 22, 2025)

[0060] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0061] The shaft machine comprises nine radially curved, and in particular concave (in a top view of the second floor area), subsections. These concave sections preferably have a maximum extent (width) from the shaft machine in a range of approximately 25 m to approximately 50 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 30 m to approximately 45 m. The length, measured parallel to the shaft machine, of these concave subsections preferably lies in a range of approximately 35 m to approximately 80 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 45 m to approximately 60 m. Preferably, the two concave subsections are connected by a convex (in a top view of the second floor area) subsection, which is more preferably arranged substantially centrally in front of the shaft machine. More preferably, the convex subsection has a length that is less than the length of the shaft machine.More preferably, the ratio of the length of the convex section to the length of the wave machine is between approximately 30% and approximately 95%, and more preferably between approximately 50% and approximately 85%. The length of the convex section, measured parallel to the wave machine, is determined between the two inflection points at the transition to the two adjacent concave sections of the second floor area. The convex section preferably extends from the wave machine (width) in a range of approximately 0 m to 30 m, more preferably approximately 6 m to approximately 15 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 8 m to approximately 11 m. The provision of the two concave sections allows users of the wave pool to stand on a surfboard at either the first or second end of the wave machine and surf along its entire length, extending into a concave section and thus over a considerable distance.The wave would then be triggered by the pressure generators of the wave machine, starting from either the first or second end. If the wave machine, through its multiple pressure generators, triggers a wave originating from the center of the wave machine, it propagates to both sides into the concave sections, allowing several surfers to use the wave pool over a sufficient distance, even with a lower wave height. In one embodiment, the convex section of the second floor area is positioned approximately midway in front of the wave machine, directly adjacent to the embankment area, so that the second floor area has no extension there. Mathematically, this can also be described as the contact of the minimum of the convex section with the area parallel to and in front of the wave machine. (August 22, 2025)

[0062] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0063] The boundary of the embankment area is addressed in section 10. The two concave and the convex sub-areas exhibit this feature at their boundary with the surf zone.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the at least one surf zone is shaped such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 15°, 10°, 8°, or 5° with respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the highest static water level in the surf zone, measured from its bottom surface to the water surface, lies immediately adjacent to the first bottom zone, in a range of approximately 0.2 m to approximately 2 m, more preferably from approximately 0.4 m to approximately 1.2 m, and even more preferably from approximately 0.5 m to approximately 1 m. Preferably, each tangential plane of the surf zone has an angle of inclination in a range between 3° and approximately 15°, more preferably between approximately 4° and approximately 8°, and even more preferably between approximately 5° and approximately 6.5°. This inclination preferably increases continuously to the end of the wave pool over the entire extent of the surf zone.Preferably, the surf zone extends from the wave machine, and this extension can also be referred to as the width of the surf zone, in a range of approximately 10 m to approximately 40 m, more preferably in a range of approximately 15 m to approximately 30 m. This extension is further preferably substantially uniform across the entire surf zone. The surf zone has a quiescent water level line at quiescent water, which lies in a range of approximately 10% to approximately 40%, more preferably in a range of approximately 15% to approximately 30%, relative to the extent of the surf zone. At quiescent water, the surf zone is thus only partially covered with water, namely to approximately 10% to approximately 80%, more preferably to approximately 15% to approximately 60%. The surf zone can be covered with sand, preferably beyond the quiescent water level line. The shape of the surf zone, viewed from above the wave pool, follows the shape or boundary of the second bottom area with its outer boundary.The surf zone thus has concave areas associated with the first end of the wave machine and the second end of the wave machine, which are connected by a convex area. The two concave and the convex sub-areas exhibit this configuration at their boundary with the surf zone. This configuration, particularly in conjunction with the one in 22 August 2025 837 PA 24001 WO.

[0065] 11

[0066] The essentially constant extent across the entire surf zone ensures that the waves can dissipate without creating a strong undercurrent that leads to reflection or superposition of waves and also transports sand towards the wave machine.

[0067] Preferably, it is determined that the floor has no area that slopes away from the wave machine.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is determined that the at least one embankment area and / or the at least one surf zone is at least partially covered with sand.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the floor consists at least partly of concrete and / or is at least partly provided with an abrasion-resistant and / or slip-resistant coating.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the wave pool includes a water-permeable protective cover for the inlet and outlet areas between the wave machine and the pool. The protective cover can be designed in any way required, for example, by including at least one protective grid and / or at least one protective screen.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is specified that the wave pool comprises the following:

[0072] - a heating system for the water in the pool; wherein

[0073] - which includes at least one internal combustion engine and / or at least one electric motor, if present, and a cooling system coupled to the heating system.

[0074] The heating system can be configured in any way required, for example, by including a heat exchanger, which may be connected to the cooling system via a control valve, and / or at least one heater. Each heater can be configured in any way required, for example, electric, gas, oil, wood, fuel cell, solar, or geothermal. August 22, 2025

[0075] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0076] 12

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the wave pool has a shape and a bottom profile in which each tangential plane of the first bottom area has an angle of inclination in a range between about 0.25° and about 1.5°, more preferably between about 0.35° and about 0.8°, wherein the inclination is continuous, and the first bottom area is directly adjacent to the embankment area, wherein each tangential plane of the embankment area has an angle of inclination in a range between 3° and about 15°, more preferably between about 4° and about 8°, more preferably between about 5° and about 6.5°, wherein the inclination is continuous, and the embankment area is directly adjacent to the second bottom area, in which each tangential plane of the first bottom area has an angle of inclination in a range between about 0.25° and about 1.5°, more preferably between about 0.35° and about 0.8°.wherein the slope is continuous and the second bottom area is directly adjacent to the surf zone, wherein each tangent plane of the surf zone has an angle of inclination in a range between 3° and about 15°, more preferably between about 4° and about 8°, and even more preferably between about 5° and about 6.5°.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned features, the static water level in the surf zone lies in a range of approximately 10% to approximately 80%, preferably approximately 15% to approximately 60%, relative to the extent of the surf zone.

[0079] In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned features of the two preceding embodiments, the second bottom area comprises a first sub-area associated with the first end of the wave machine and a second concave sub-area associated with the second end of the wave machine, which is opposite the first end. The two concave sub-areas are connected to each other via a convex sub-area, and the convex sub-area is more preferably arranged substantially centrally in front of the wave machine. The two concave and the convex sub-areas have this configuration at their boundary with the surf zone. In one embodiment, the convex area extends away from the wave machine in a range of approximately 0 m to approximately 30 m, preferably approximately 6 m to approximately 15 m, and more preferably in a range of approximately 8 m to approximately 11 m. (August 22, 2025)

[0080] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0081] 13 With an extent of approximately Om, the convex part of the second bottom area borders directly on the embankment area approximately in the middle in front of the wave machine, so that the second bottom area has no extent there, and is thus formed from two separate areas, which are essentially concave at its boundary with the surf zone.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned features of the preceding embodiments, each tangential plane of the surf zone has an angle of inclination in a range between 3° and about 15°, more preferably between about 4° and about 8°, and even more preferably between about 5° and about 6.5°, wherein the inclination is continuous up to a boundary of the wave pool.

[0083] Preferably, the shape of the wave pool, viewed from above, follows the shape or boundary of the second bottom area. The wave pool thus has concave areas corresponding to the first and second ends of the wave machine, which are connected by a convex area. More preferably, the width of the wave pool extending from the wave machine is essentially the same across its entire width.

[0084] In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned features of the preceding embodiments, the ratio of the extent of the embankment area and the surf zone away from the wave machine (width) is in a range of approximately 0.8 : 1 to approximately 1.3 : 1.

[0085] The explanations relating to one aspect of the invention, in particular to individual features of that aspect, apply analogously to the other aspects of the invention.

[0086] When, within the context of this disclosure, the terms "approximately" or "about" or "essentially" are used in connection with values ​​or ranges of values, or with properties or geometries, they are to be understood as a tolerance range that the person skilled in the art considers customary in this field. In particular, when using the terms "approximately" or "about" in connection with values ​​or ranges of values, a tolerance range is ±20%, preferably ±10%, and more preferably ±5%. Lower limits of value ranges may thus be undercut by 5% to 20%. August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO

[0087] 14

[0088] Upper limits of value ranges can therefore be exceeded by 5% to 20%. Where different value ranges, for example preferred and further preferred value ranges, are specified in the present invention, the lower and upper limits of the different value ranges can be combined with one another.

[0089] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The individual features resulting therefrom are not limited to the individual embodiments, but can be combined with individual features described above and / or with individual features of other embodiments. The details in the drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only, not as limiting. The reference numerals contained in the claims are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention in any way, but merely refer to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0090] The drawings show in

[0091] FIG. 1 a top view of a preferred embodiment of a wave pool comprising a wave machine;

[0092] FIG. 2 a side view cut along line BB in FIG. 1;

[0093] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of the shaft machine from FIG. 1; and

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the wave machine from FIG. 1.

[0095] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment of a wave pool 10 according to the invention, comprising a wave machine 12 for generating moving waves and a pool 14 with a bottom 16. The bottom 16 has, by way of example, a first, deep bottom area 16a, a slope area 16b, a second, shallow bottom area 16c, and a wave zone 16d. The first bottom area 16a adjoins – on the left in Figure 2 – the wave machine and, by way of example, extends substantially horizontally. The slope area 16b adjoins – on the left in Figure 2 – the bottom area 16a opposite the wave machine 12 and, by way of example, rises away at a constant angle of inclination of 5° from the horizontal.

[0096] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0097] The first area 16 extends from the wave machine 12, away from the bottom area 16a and towards the bottom area 16c – to the right in FIG. 2. The second bottom area 16c borders – to the left in FIG. 2 – opposite the bottom area 16a and the embankment area 16b, and is essentially horizontal. The surf zone 16d borders – to the left in FIG. 2 – opposite the embankment area 16b and the bottom area 16c, and rises at a constant angle of 5° to the horizontal in a direction away from the wave machine 12, away from the bottom area 16a, away from the embankment area 16b, and away from the bottom area 16c – to the right in FIG. 2. The bottom 16 does not, by way of example, have a region that slopes away from the wave machine 12.

[0098] The basin 14 is filled with water up to a nominal water level, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the dashed line 18 and corresponds, by way of example, to a mean contour line of the wave zone 16d. If required, for example for research and development purposes in hydrodynamics, naval architecture, hydraulic engineering and similar fields, the wave basin 10 can also be operated at a lower water level, another water level being shown in FIG. 2 by the dashed line 20 and corresponding, by way of example, to the upper edge of the bank zone 16b.

[0099] The basin 14 is made of concrete, as is the floor 16, which is provided with an abrasion-resistant and slip-resistant coating 22.

[0100] The wave pool 10 includes, by way of example, a water-permeable protective cover 24, which includes protective racks and / or protective grids spanning the inlet / outlet areas between the wave machine 12 and the pool 14, as well as a heating system 26 for the water in the pool 14, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0101] FIG. 3 schematically shows a first embodiment of a wave machine 12 according to the invention for generating waves, which is installed by way of example in the wave basin 10 according to the invention from FIGS. 1 and 2. The wave machine 12 comprises a wave generator 28 and a drive 30 for the wave generator 28 designed according to a first embodiment. The wave generator 28 includes by way of example a pressure accumulator 32, which is designed as a compressed air accumulator 32, and forty wave chambers 34, which are shown individually side by side in FIG. 1, but schematically in FIG. 3 by 22 August 2025

[0102] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0103] 16 a single block. The drive 30 comprises an internal combustion engine 36, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a fluid pressure generator 38, which by way includes a compressor 38, as well as a clutch 40, a gearbox 42 and a cooling system 44 for the internal combustion engine 36.

[0104] The compressor 38 comprises an intake line 38' through which it draws in air from the environment, and an outlet line 38", via which it is pneumatically coupled to the compressed air reservoir 32 and thus to the pressure reservoir 32, forming a pneumatic coupling 38" between the fluid pressure generator 38 and the pressure reservoir 32; thus, the pressure reservoir 32 is fluidically coupled to the fluid pressure generator 38, and the fluid pressure generator 38 is fluidically coupled to the shaft generator 28. The shaft chambers 34 are pneumatically coupled to the compressed air reservoir 32 and thus fluidically coupled to the pressure reservoir 32.

[0105] The internal combustion engine 36 is mechanically coupled to the compressor 38 and thus to the fluid pressure generator 38 via the clutch 40 and the gearbox 42; therefore, the fluid pressure generator 38 can be driven by the internal combustion engine 36. An exhaust line 36' of the internal combustion engine 36 is fluidically coupled to the intake line 38'. Thus, exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine 36 can be fed into an intake line 38' leading to the fluid pressure generator 38.

[0106] The cooling system 44 is coupled to the heating system 26 in such a way that the waste heat from the combustion engine 36, absorbed by the cooling system 44, is fed into a return line of the heating system 26. This increases the efficiency of the heating system 26.

[0107] Figure 4 schematically shows a second embodiment of the shaft machine 12. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

[0108] In this embodiment, the drive 30 is designed according to a second embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, so that the differences will be explained in more detail below.

[0109] In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 36' is not fluidically coupled to the intake pipe 38', but to the exhaust pipe 38". Thus, exhaust gases from the combustion engine are 22 August 2025 837 PA 24001 WO

[0110] 17

[0111] 36 can be fed into the pneumatic coupling 38" between the compressor 38 and the pressure accumulator 32.

[0112] In this embodiment, the drive 30, instead of the clutch 40 and gearbox 42, optionally comprises a generator 46 and an electric motor 48, which is electrically coupled to the generator 46. The internal combustion engine 36 is mechanically coupled to the generator 46, and the electric motor 48 is mechanically coupled to the compressor 38. Thus, the generator 46 can be driven by the internal combustion engine 36, and the fluid pressure generator 38 can be driven by the electric motor 48 and the internal combustion engine 36.

[0113] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0114] 10 wave pools

[0115] 12-shaft machine

[0116] 14 basins

[0117] 16 floors out of 14

[0118] 16a first, deep soil area

[0119] 16b Embankment area

[0120] 16c second, shallow bottom area

[0121] 16d Surf area

[0122] 18 nominal water level

[0123] 20 other water levels

[0124] 22 coating of 16

[0125] 24 Protective cover

[0126] 26 Heating system

[0127] 28 wave generators

[0128] 30 drive for 28

[0129] 32 Pressure accumulators, compressed air accumulators

[0130] 34 shaft chamber

[0131] 36 Internal combustion engine

[0132] 36' Exhaust pipe from 36

[0133] 38 Fluid pressure generators, compressors August 22, 2025

[0134] 837 PA 24001 WO

[0135] 18

[0136] 38' Intake manifold from 38

[0137] 38" outlet line from 38, pneumatic coupling between 38 and 32

[0138] 40 Clutch

[0139] 42 Transmission 44 Cooling system

[0140] 46 Generator

[0141] 48 Electric motor

Claims

August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO 1 REQUIREMENTS 1. Wave machine (12) for generating waves, comprising: - at least one wave generator (28); - a drive (30) for the at least one shaft generator (28), comprising - at least one internal combustion engine (36); - at least one fluid pressure generator (38) driven by the at least one internal combustion engine (36) and fluidically coupled to the at least one shaft generator (28).

2. Shaft machine (12) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one internal combustion engine (36) is coupled to the at least one fluid pressure generator (38) via at least one clutch (40) or via at least one clutch (40) and at least one gearbox (42).

3. Shaft machine (12) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (30) comprises: - at least one generator (46) driven by at least one internal combustion engine (36); - at least one electric motor (48) which is electrically coupled to the at least one generator (46) and drives the at least one fluid pressure generator (38).

4. Shaft machine (12) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shaft generator (28) comprises: - at least one pressure accumulator (32) which is fluidically coupled to the at least one fluid pressure generator (38); - at least one shaft chamber (34) which is fluidically coupled to the at least one pressure accumulator (32).

5. Shaft machine (12) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one fluid pressure generator (38) comprises the following: August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO 2 - at least one pump hydraulically coupled to the at least one pressure accumulator (32), and / or - at least one compressor (38) pneumatically coupled to at least one pressure accumulator (32).

6. Shaft machine (12) according to claim 4, wherein exhaust gases from the at least one internal combustion engine (36) are fed into an intake line (38') to the at least one compressor (38) and / or into the pneumatic coupling (38") between the at least one compressor (38) and the at least one pressure accumulator (32).

7. Shaft machine (12) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one internal combustion engine (36) and / or the at least one electric motor (48) comprises at least one cooling system (44) that can be connected to a local or district heating network.

8. Shaft machine (12) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the power of the at least one shaft generator (28) is adjustable to the desired shaft generation.

9. Wave pool (10), comprising: - at least one shaft machine (12) for generating shafts, which is designed in particular according to one or more of claims 1 to 8; - a basin (14) having a bottom (16) which has the following features: - at least one first, deep bottom area (16a) adjacent to the at least one wave machine (12); - at least one slope area (16b) that adjoins and rises from the at least one first soil area (16a); - at least one second, shallow soil area (16c) adjacent to the at least one slope area (16b) and running substantially horizontally; and - at least one surf zone (16d) that adjoins and rises to at least one second bottom zone (16c). August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO 3 10. Wave pool (10) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first bottom area (16a) is substantially horizontal or rises from the at least one wave machine (12) to the at least one embankment area (16b).

11. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 9, which is operated at nominal water level (18) or another water level (20), preferably a lower water level, particularly preferably a water level which is in the area of ​​the at least one second bottom area (16c).

12. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 10, wherein the at least one slope area (16b) is shaped such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 10° or at most 8° or at most 5° to the horizontal.

13. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one second bottom area (16c) is at least partially substantially horizontal and / or at least partially rises towards the at least one surf area (16d) such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 2° or at most 1° or at most 0.5° relative to the horizontal.

14. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, wherein the at least one surf zone (16d) is shaped such that each tangential plane has an angle of inclination of at most 10° or at most 8° or at most 5° to the horizontal.

15. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, wherein the at least one embankment area (16b) and / or the at least one surf area (16d) is at least partially covered with sand.

16. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, wherein the floor (16) consists at least partially of concrete and / or is at least partially provided with an abrasion-resistant and / or anti-slip coating (22). August 22, 2025 837 PA 24001 WO 4 17. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, comprising - a water-permeable protective cover (24) for inlet / outlet areas between the at least one wave machine (12) and the basin (14).

18. Wave pool (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 16, comprising - a heating system (26) for water located in the pool (14); wherein - comprising at least one internal combustion engine (36) and / or at least one electric motor (48) and a cooling system (44) coupled to the heating system (26).

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