Artificial snowmaking facilities

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial snowmaking facility (1), comprising: snowmaking equipment (2); a jet water pipe (3) for supplying water to the snowmaking equipment (2); optionally, a jet air pipe (4) for supplying air to the snowmaking equipment (2); a control device (5) for managing the operation of the snowmaking equipment (2); and an energy supply source for supplying electricity to the control device (5). According to the invention, the energy supply source includes an energy generator (6) arranged on one of the jet pipes (4), the energy generator (6) including a turbine (61) adapted to be fluid-driven by the jet pipe (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the manufacture of artificial snow (also known as culture snow).

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an artificial snowmaking facility, which includes snowmaking equipment, a jet water pipe for supplying water to the snowmaking equipment, a jet air pipe that may include supplying air to the snowmaking equipment, a control device for managing the operation of the snowmaking equipment, and an energy supply source for supplying electricity to the control device. Background Technology

[0003] Ski slopes are designed to receive natural snow, for example, for alpine or cross-country skiing practice.

[0004] Artificial snow is typically produced for use on ski slopes to compensate for the lack of natural snow.

[0005] Thus, it is known to install snowmaking equipment (also known as "snow production equipment" or "snow gun") on at least a portion of the side of a ski slope, the snowmaking equipment being supplied by pressurized water pipes and possibly pressurized air pipes for the production of such artificial snow.

[0006] These snowmaking devices can be low-pressure (or "fan") type or high-pressure (or "hose") type.

[0007] Artificial snowmaking therefore requires water, and sometimes air.

[0008] The mass (dry, normal, wet) of the snow produced varies with the volume of water (and possibly air) sprayed into the external environment, which turns into snow through natural freezing.

[0009] The amount of this water—and possibly air—is controlled and managed by a system called a “water distributor,” “air distributor,” or “water and air distributor,” which supplies water and possibly air to snow nozzles mounted on the head of the snowmaking equipment.

[0010] These distributors can be controlled by automatic control valves, on / off valves, manual valves, or any other system so that the amount of water or, if possible, air can be regulated.

[0011] In order to operate snowmaking equipment, water and possibly air need to be processed, and an energy source is also needed to control and manage these "water and / or air distributors".

[0012] In most cases, this energy is electrical and comes from the power grid via appropriate cables.

[0013] This electrical energy is primarily used to power the electronic equipment, sensors, actuators, motors or servo motors, and heaters of snowmaking equipment.

[0014] However, in some cases, it is not possible to bring the power grid to every snowmaking device.

[0015] Snowmaking equipment not connected to the power grid must provide its own electricity, which is generated by battery systems, solar panels (using solar energy), or wind turbines (using wind energy).

[0016] However, the autonomous power generation devices known to date are relatively complex and require regular maintenance.

[0017] The battery system's performance degrades in cold environments and requires maintenance (charging, replacement, etc.). Solar panels must be heated to prevent them from becoming inoperable due to snow cover. Summary of the Invention

[0018] To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art, this invention proposes an artificial snowmaking facility, comprising: snowmaking equipment; a water jet pipe (fluid water pipe, water jet pipe) for supplying water to the snowmaking equipment; optionally, a jet air pipe (fluid air pipe, air jet pipe) for supplying air to the snowmaking equipment; a control device for managing the operation of the snowmaking equipment; and an energy supply source (power supply) for supplying electrical energy to the control device.

[0019] The energy supply source includes an energy generator (generator) arranged on one of the jet tubes, the energy generator including a turbine (turbine) adapted to be driven by the fluid of the jet tube.

[0020] The advantage of this facility structure is that it uses the energy resources necessary to produce snow to ensure the operation of the snowmaking machine. It requires no additional energy source. The system is purely mechanical and requires no maintenance, charging, or cleaning as is the case with known technologies based on solar panels or batteries.

[0021] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the artificial snowmaking facility according to the invention are as follows, and these features can be applied individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0022] -The artificial snowmaking facility includes an energy generator arranged on the jet water pipe;

[0023] - The artificial snowmaking facility includes an energy generator arranged on the jet air duct; in this case, the facility preferably includes two condensate drainage systems located upstream and downstream of the energy generator, respectively, and adapted to limit the accumulation of water in the energy generator;

[0024] - The facility includes an energy generator arranged on the jet water pipe and an energy generator arranged on the jet air pipe;

[0025] - The turbine shaft of the energy generator meshes with an alternator for generating electricity, which is connected to a device for storing the generated electrical energy, such as a battery or a supercapacitor.

[0026] -The facility includes a regulating device suitable for regulating the generated electrical energy;

[0027] - A control device for managing the operation of snowmaking equipment includes at least one parameter sensor selected from wind speed sensors, water pressure sensors, air pressure sensors, ambient temperature and ambient humidity sensors, wherein the at least one parameter sensor is supplied with electrical energy generated by the energy generator;

[0028] - The energy generator includes a fluid inlet for the drive fluid of the turbine, at least one fluid outlet for the drive fluid of the turbine, and a transmission conduit for the fluid connecting the fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet. A sector of the turbine is arranged in a portion of the transmission conduit to allow its rotational drive. The transmission conduit includes a channel limiting device for the fluid, which is arranged upstream of the turbine to increase the velocity of the fluid in the transmission conduit.

[0029] - The energy generator includes a fluid inlet for a drive fluid for the turbine, at least one fluid outlet for the drive fluid for the turbine, and a transmission conduit for the fluid connecting the fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet. A sector of the turbine is arranged in a portion of the transmission conduit to allow its rotational drive. The transmission conduit includes a channel limiting device for the fluid, which is arranged downstream of the turbine to limit the velocity of the fluid in the fluid transmission conduit of the energy generator.

[0030] The energy generator includes a fluid inlet for a drive fluid for the turbine, at least one fluid outlet for the drive fluid for the turbine, and a transmission conduit for the fluid connecting the fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet. A sector of the turbine is arranged within a portion of the transmission conduit to allow rotational drive of the turbine. The facility also includes a bypass pipe connecting the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet, the bypass pipe allowing a portion of the fluid to pass through for supplying the snowmaking equipment without passing through the energy generator.

[0031] The energy generator includes an inlet for a drive fluid for the turbine, two outlets for the drive fluid for the turbine, and a transmission conduit for the fluid connecting the fluid inlet and the two fluid outlets. A first fluid outlet is arranged such that a first sector of the turbine is located within a portion of the transmission conduit, and a second fluid outlet is arranged such that a second sector of the turbine is located within a portion of the transmission conduit. The first and second turbine sectors extend over angular sectors of varying values ​​to provide connection options, particularly depending on the fluid pressure and flow characteristics upstream of the energy generator. The facility also includes a closure device adapted to close the first or second fluid outlet not used for the connection.

[0032] Of course, different features, alternatives and embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Furthermore, various other features of the invention become apparent from the accompanying description, which takes into account the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a general schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an artificial snowmaking facility according to the present invention, which includes an energy generator arranged on a jet air pipe supplying snowmaking equipment;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a general schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an artificial snowmaking facility according to the present invention, which includes an energy generator arranged on a jet water pipe supplying snowmaking equipment;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A separate schematic diagram of the energy generator of the artificial snowmaking facility as viewed in a longitudinal section at its turbine;

[0037] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the energy generator taken from section 4-4.

[0038] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different alternatives may be represented by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 An artificial snowmaking facility 1 according to the present invention is shown, which includes:

[0040] -Snowmaking equipment 2,

[0041] - A jet water pipe 3 (pressurized water) for supplying water to the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0042] - A jet air pipe 4 (compressed air) for supplying air to the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0043] - Control device 5 for managing the operation of snowmaking equipment 2,

[0044] - An energy generator 6, used to generate electricity and supply power to the control device 5, is arranged on the jet air pipe 4 and includes a bladed turbine 61 adapted to be driven by the airflow of the jet air pipe 4.

[0045] The snowmaking equipment 2 can be of any type, especially low-pressure or high-pressure types.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the snowmaking device 2 is a high-pressure type with an external air / water mixture, and it is equipped with a water nozzle and at least one nucleating agent production nozzle.

[0047] The snowmaking head 21 of the snowmaking device 2 is installed at the end of the pole 22, which can reach a height of several meters.

[0048] At the bottom of rod 22 is a housing 7 that surrounds control device 5. This housing 7 specifically surrounds one or more distributors, which are actuated by a motor (piston system) or by a solenoid valve for regulating the snowmaking machine.

[0049] The jet water pipe 3 is connected to the main water pipe E, which extends along the ski slope and is preferably used to supply multiple snowmaking devices. A manual valve 8 (referred to as water valve 8) allows the operator to supply or stop the supply of water to the jet water pipe 3 from the main water pipe E. The water pressure in the jet water pipe 3 can be between 3 bar and 100 bar, and the water flow rate can be 0.1 m³ / s. 3 / h and 50m 3 Between / h.

[0050] Similarly, jet air pipe 4 is connected to main air pipe A, which extends along the ski slope and supplies air to multiple snowmaking devices. A manual valve 9 (referred to as air valve 9) allows the operator to supply or stop the supply to jet air pipe 4 from main air pipe A. The air pressure in jet air pipe 4 can be between 1 bar and 10 bar, and the air flow rate can be between 5 Nm³. 3 / h to 500Nm 3 Between / h. The working principle of energy generator 6 is to convert the kinetic / mechanical energy of air into electrical energy.

[0051] Here, compressed air circulates around the blades of turbine 61, generating its rotational motion.

[0052] Turbine 61 is driven to rotate by airflow. This rotation (via a shaft) drives an alternator, which allows the generation of at least a portion of the electrical energy required for the proper operation of the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0053] The turbine 61 itself drives the associated alternator, which converts the energy of compressed air into electrical energy, which is regulated in the regulator device 10 and then stored in the energy storage device 10a.

[0054] Energy storage device 10a for storing generated electrical energy may include conventional batteries or supercapacitors.

[0055] The energy storage devices 10a are charged in parallel so that they begin supplying power as soon as the turbine 61 is in motion. Preferably, they have the ability to temporarily provide more electrical energy than that delivered by the turbine, which allows, for example, the operation of a higher-power actuator.

[0056] In practice, the regulator device 10 includes a regulator card that may integrate the energy storage device 10a. This regulator card can be integrated into a housing associated with the energy generator.

[0057] This electrical energy allows for the supply of control devices 5 necessary for managing the operation of the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0058] The control device 5 here includes an automatic control / command device 51 to ensure energy supply, a set of sensors 11, a set of actuators (not shown), a radio modem or communication system 12 with external monitoring (computer, mobile application, etc.), and a display human-machine interface 13.

[0059] The sensor group 11 may include:

[0060] -Air pressure sensor 111,

[0061] -Water pressure sensor 112,

[0062] - Anemometer 113,

[0063] -Ambient air temperature and humidity sensor 114.

[0064] Water valve 8 and air valve 9 can be equipped with actuators and controlled by the generated electricity.

[0065] Therefore, in this case, the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature, and the snowmaking equipment can be stopped in an emergency or if the ambient temperature no longer allows snow to be produced.

[0066] Compressed air at the outlet of turbine 61 supplies air to the air circuit of snowmaking equipment 2. Two condensate drainage systems 14 and 15, located upstream and downstream of energy generator 6 respectively, are adapted to limit water accumulation in energy generator 6, and especially in turbine 61. These condensate drainage systems 14 and 15 can be manual (manual valve) or automatic (pop-out drainage device).

[0067] Water circuit 3 is directly connected to the water circuit of snowmaking equipment 2.

[0068] The control / command automatic device 51 controls the water and air flow rates of the snowmaking equipment 2 by means of actuators, which operate variable geometry nozzles, valves, or dispensers based on at least some of the following physical parameters:

[0069] -Air pressure detected by sensor 111

[0070] -Water pressure detected by sensor 112,

[0071] - Wind speed and direction detected by sensor 113

[0072] - Ambient air temperature and humidity detected by sensor 114.

[0073] The human-machine interface 13 may be optional and may consist of a display associated with a wireless or wired communication connection toward a monitor (computer, mobile application, web application, etc.).

[0074] Operating mode :

[0075] This facility can be implemented in three ways: automatic, self-adjusting, and manual mode.

[0076] 1. Automatic mode:

[0077] The energy stored in the battery or supercapacitor is sufficient to supply the sensor 11 and allow the air valve 9 to open.

[0078] In this situation, if the ambient temperature is lower than the programmed threshold, the automatic device 51 commands the air valve 9 to open.

[0079] The energy generator 6 then generates electricity, which allows the water valve 8 to be opened and the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 to be regulated by manipulating the nozzles, valves or distributors to position the required actuators.

[0080] When the ambient temperature becomes higher than the programmed threshold, the automatic device 51 closes the water valve 8 again and then closes the air valve 9, and the system enters standby mode to monitor the ambient air temperature and the battery charging level.

[0081] Messages can be sent to notify remote computer devices of the system's status (sensor measurements, estimated flow rate, and the charging level of energy storage devices).

[0082] An alarm message can be generated to signal an abnormal or extreme situation when the battery charge level is too low to allow for an automatic restart.

[0083] Alternatively, if the battery power becomes too low, the user can allow the air valve 9 to open automatically, the sole purpose of which is to recharge the battery when the network is filled with air.

[0084] 2. Self-adjusting mode:

[0085] If the stored energy is insufficient or if the air valve 9 is not equipped with an actuator, the user manually opens the air valve 9 when deciding to operate the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0086] The energy generator 6 then generates electricity, which allows the water valve 8 to be opened and the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 to be regulated by manipulating the nozzles, valves or distributors to position the required actuators.

[0087] Alternatively, if water valve 8 is not equipped with an actuator, the user can manually open water valve 8.

[0088] In both cases, when the ambient temperature is higher than the selected threshold, a message is sent to the user, and the snowmaking device 2 is set to its minimum water flow rate.

[0089] 3. Manual mode:

[0090] In this manual mode, the user can manually control the snowmaking equipment via the control panel of the automatic device 51 or via a switch.

[0091] The operator opens the air valve 9 via the automatic device 51, or manually if the battery charge level does not allow it to do so.

[0092] The energy generator then produces the power needed for system operation and potential battery recharging.

[0093] Optionally, the automatic device 51 and all or some of its components may be powered by an external source, such as a pre-charged portable device battery.

[0094] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the artificial snowmaking facility 1' according to the present invention is shown.

[0095] The corresponding facility 1' includes those mentioned above. Figure 1 The components / equipment described are essentially the same, however, here the energy generator 6' is arranged on the jet water pipe 3.

[0096] Therefore, the artificial snowmaking facility 1' includes:

[0097] -Snowmaking equipment 2,

[0098] - A jet water pipe 3 (pressurized water) for supplying water to the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0099] - A jet air pipe 4 (compressed air) for supplying air to the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0100] - Control device 5 for managing the operation of snowmaking equipment 2,

[0101] - An energy generator 6' for generating electricity and supplying electricity to the control device 5, wherein the energy generator 6' is arranged on the jet water pipe 3 and includes a blade turbine 61' adapted to be driven by the water flow of the jet water pipe 3.

[0102] The snowmaking equipment 2 can be of any type, especially low-pressure or high-pressure types.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the snowmaking device 2 is a high-pressure type with an external air / water mixture, and it is equipped with a water nozzle and at least one nucleating agent production nozzle.

[0104] The snowmaking head 21 of the snowmaking device 2 is mounted on the end of a rod 22, which can reach several meters in height.

[0105] At the bottom of rod 22 is a housing 7 that surrounds control device 5. This housing 7 specifically surrounds one or more distributors, which are actuated by a motor (piston system) or by a solenoid valve for adjusting the snowmaking machine.

[0106] The jet water pipe 3 is connected to the main water pipe E, which extends along the ski slope and is preferably used to supply multiple snowmaking devices. A manual valve 8 (referred to as water valve 8) allows the operator to supply or stop the supply of water to the jet water pipe 3 from the main water pipe E. The water pressure in the jet water pipe 3 can be between 3 bar and 100 bar, and the water flow rate can be 0.1 m³ / s. 3 / h and 50m 3 Between / h.

[0107] Similarly, jet air pipe 4 is connected to main air pipe A, which extends along the ski slope and supplies air to multiple snowmaking devices. A manual valve 9 (referred to as air valve 9) allows the operator to supply or stop the supply to jet air pipe 4 from main air pipe A. The air pressure in jet air pipe 4 can be between 1 bar and 10 bar, and the air flow rate can be between 5 Nm³. 3 / h and 500Nm 3 Between / h.

[0108] The operating principle of the energy generator 6' is to convert the kinetic / mechanical energy of the air into electrical energy.

[0109] Turbine 61' is driven to rotate by water flow. This rotation drives (through a shaft) an alternator, which allows the generation of at least a portion of the electrical energy required for the proper operation of the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0110] Here, pressurized water circulates around the blades of turbine 61', generating its rotational motion.

[0111] The turbine 61' itself drives the associated alternator, which converts the energy of the pressurized water into electrical energy, which is then regulated in the regulator device 10 and stored in the energy storage device 10a.

[0112] The energy storage device 10a that generates electrical energy may include a conventional battery or a supercapacitor.

[0113] The energy storage devices 10a are charged in parallel so that they begin supplying power once the turbine 61' is in motion. Preferably, they have the ability to temporarily supply more electrical energy than delivered by the turbine, which allows, for example, the operation of higher-power actuators.

[0114] In practice, the regulator device 10 includes a regulator card, which may integrate an energy storage device 10a. This regulator card can be integrated into a housing associated with the energy generator.

[0115] This electrical energy allows for the supply of control devices 5 necessary for managing the operation of the snowmaking equipment 2.

[0116] The control device 5 here includes an automatic control / command device 51 to ensure energy supply, a set of sensors 11, a set of actuators (not shown), a radio modem or communication system 12 with external monitoring (computer, mobile application, etc.), and a display human-machine interface 13.

[0117] The sensor group 11 may include:

[0118] -Air pressure sensor 111,

[0119] -Water pressure sensor 112,

[0120] - Anemometer 113,

[0121] -Ambient air temperature and humidity sensor 114.

[0122] Water valve 8 and air valve 9 can be equipped with actuators and operated by the generated electricity.

[0123] Therefore, the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature, and the snowmaking equipment can be stopped in an emergency or if the ambient temperature no longer allows snow to be produced.

[0124] The water outlet of turbine 61' supplies water to the water circuit of snowmaking equipment 2. A condensate drainage system 14A is installed on the jet air pipe 4 to limit water accumulation in snowmaking equipment 2. The condensate drainage system 14A can be manual (manual valve) or automatic (pop-out drainage device).

[0125] Compressed air circuit 4 is directly connected to the air circuit of snowmaking equipment 2.

[0126] The control / command automatic device 51 controls the water and air flow rates of the snowmaking equipment 2 by means of actuators, which operate, for example, variable geometry nozzles, valves, or dispensers based on at least some of the following physical parameters:

[0127] -Air pressure detected by sensor 111

[0128] -Water pressure detected by sensor 112,

[0129] - Wind speed and direction detected by sensor 113

[0130] - Ambient air temperature and humidity detected by sensor 114.

[0131] The human-machine interface 13 may be optional and may consist of a display associated with a wireless or wired communication connection toward a monitor (computer, mobile application, web application, etc.).

[0132] Operating mode

[0133] The operating mode of this artificial snowmaking facility 1' is similar to that described above. Figure 1 The operating mode of facility 1 is similar, with the following differences:

[0134] 1. Automatic mode:

[0135] The energy stored in the battery or supercapacitor is sufficient to power sensor 11 and allows the air valve 9 and water valve 8 to be opened.

[0136] In this situation, if the ambient temperature is lower than the programmed threshold, the automatic device 51 commands the air valve 9 to open, and then commands the water valve 8 to open.

[0137] Then, the energy generator 6' generates electricity that allows the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 to be adjusted by manipulating the nozzles, valves, or distributors to position the desired actuators.

[0138] If the battery charge gets too low, it's impossible to recharge them, because that would mean trying to make snow in the absence of temperature.

[0139] 2. Self-adjusting mode:

[0140] If the stored energy is insufficient, or if the air valve 9 or water valve 8 is not equipped with an actuator, when the user decides to operate the snowmaking equipment, he manually opens the air valve 9 and then the water valve 8.

[0141] Then, the energy generator 6' generates electricity that allows the flow rate of the snowmaking equipment 2 to be adjusted by manipulating the nozzles, valves, or distributors to position the desired actuators.

[0142] 3. Manual mode:

[0143] In manual mode, the user controls the snowmaking equipment 2 manually via the automatic device 51 or via a switch.

[0144] The operator opens the air valve 9 via the automatic device 51, or manually opens the water valve 8 if the battery charge level does not allow it.

[0145] Figure 3 and 4 Detailed description of equipment suitable for use Figure 1 and 2 The structure of the energy generator 6, 6' of the artificial snowmaking facility 1, 1'.

[0146] The energy generators 6 and 6' include bladed turbines 61 and 61' housed in the generator body 62.

[0147] The shaft or shaft 63 of turbines 61, 61' meshes with an alternator 64 for generating electricity. The alternator 64 is intended to be connected to the regulator device 10 and to a battery or supercapacitor connected to a device 10a for storing the generated electrical energy.

[0148] If possible Figure 3 As can be seen, the energy generators 6 and 6' include a fluid inlet 65, a fluid outlet 66, and a fluid transmission conduit 67 between the turbines 61 and 61' for the driving fluid (air or water, depending on the case). The fluid transmission conduit 67 connects the fluid inlet 65 and the fluid outlet 66, and the sector S of the turbines 61 and 61' is arranged within a portion of the transmission conduit 67 to allow for their rotational drive. Here, the worm gear is arranged in sector S of approximately 180° within the fluid transmission conduit 67.

[0149] Depending on the characteristics of the snowmaking facility, the fluid flow rate or velocity can be adapted by limiting at least one cross-section in order to ensure, in particular, that turbines 61, 61' rotate at the optimal speed.

[0150] Therefore, this fluid channel limiting device 68 can be positioned downstream of the turbines 61, 61' (i.e., at the turbine outlet) to limit the velocity of the fluid in the fluid transmission conduit 67. This channel limiting device 68 can specifically target air to limit its velocity if the turbine is used alone in the absence of snowmaking equipment.

[0151] Similarly, as needed, at the inlet (i.e. upstream of turbines 61, 61'), the channel limiting device 69 can be effectively positioned in such a way that it increases the fluid velocity and brings the fluid flow rate to a sufficient circumferential speed to rotate turbines 61, 61' (increasing the velocity by generating pressure loss in order to ensure a minimum rotational speed under low pressure).

[0152] The turbines 61 and 61' of the energy generators 6 and 6' may be associated with only one of these channel limiting devices 68 and 69, or both may be associated with the upstream and downstream channel limiting devices 68 and 69.

[0153] The channel limiting devices 68 and 69 preferably each include a removable portion to allow them to be disassembled or replaced in order to adjust the desired flow rate and speed as desired. This adjustment can be achieved by a specific orifice diameter, a specific orifice shape, or even a specific number of orifices.

[0154] like Figure 3 As schematically shown, an artificial snowmaking facility may include a "bypass" pipe 70 connecting a fluid inlet 65 to a fluid outlet 66. It should be understood that this "bypass" pipe 70 allows a portion of the fluid (depending on the situation, water or air) to pass through for supplying the snowmaking device 2, without passing through the energy generators 6, 6'. This allows, in the case of a high energy source, to avoid using only a portion of the fluid energy intended for the turbine, thus preventing the turbine components from becoming excessively large.

[0155] Still in Figure 3 As can be seen, the energy generators 6 and 6' may include an additional outlet 66a for the drive fluid of the turbines 61 and 61'.

[0156] thus:

[0157] - The first outlet 66 for fluid is arranged such that the first sector S of the turbines 61, 61' is arranged between a portion of the delivery channel 67; and

[0158] - The second outlet 66a for the fluid is arranged such that a second section Sa, different from S, of the turbines 61, 61' is arranged within a portion of the fluid delivery channel 67.

[0159] Therefore, the user can choose to connect the snowmaking device 2 to the outlet 66 or 66a of the energy generators 6, 6', especially based on the fluid pressure and flow characteristics upstream of the energy generators 6, 6'.

[0160] A plug-type sealing device 66b is provided to close the first outlet 66 or the second outlet 66a that is not used for connection.

[0161] Similarly, it is conceivable that turbines 61, 61' have more than two outlets for driving the fluid, to increase the connection options that vary depending on the fluid pressure and flow rate characteristics upstream of the energy generators 6, 6'.

[0162] In this case, the energy generators 6 and 6' are adapted to make their turbines 61 and 61' resistant to operating air or water pressure. Their energy efficiency must be of interest, and they must preferably minimize the energy extracted from the air or water flow at the cost of a significant reduction in the performance of the snowmaking device 2.

[0163] The energy generators 6 and 6' are also preferably adapted to minimize the temperature rise of the water or air flow. In fact, the conversion of kinetic / mechanical energy to electrical energy results in a temperature rise in the water or air flow associated with friction between the water and air on the blades of turbines 61 and 61'. Water or air temperature is a critical parameter for the performance of the snowmaking device 2; excessively high water or air temperatures will significantly reduce the performance of the snowmaking device 2.

[0164] The snowmaking facility is also conveniently equipped with any devices necessary to protect personnel.

[0165] According to an alternative embodiment, if energy requirements dictate, the artificial snowmaking facility may include an energy generator arranged on a jet water pipe 3 and an energy generator arranged on a jet air pipe.

[0166] It should be noted that some types of snowmaking machines do not include an air supply, so the energy generator must be placed on the water supply.

[0167] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An artificial snowmaking installation (1) comprising: - a snowmaking device (2), - a water jet pipe (3) for supplying water to the snowmaking device (2), - an air jet pipe (4) for supplying air to the snowmaking device (2), - a control device (5) for managing the operation of the snowmaking device (2), - an energy supply source for supplying electric power to the control device (5), wherein the energy supply source comprises an energy generator (6) arranged on the air jet pipe (4), the energy generator (6) comprising a turbine (61) adapted to be driven by the fluid of the air jet pipe (4), wherein the artificial snowmaking installation (1) comprises two condensation water discharge systems (14, 15) respectively arranged upstream and downstream of the energy generator (6) and adapted to limit the accumulation of water in the energy generator (6).

2. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The shaft of the turbine (61) engages an alternator for generating electric power, the alternator being connected to a device for storing the generated electric power.

3. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 2, wherein The device for storing the generated electric power is a battery.

4. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 2, wherein The device for storing the generated electric power is a supercapacitor.

5. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The artificial snowmaking installation comprises a regulator device (10) adapted to regulate the generated electric power.

6. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The control device (5) comprises at least one parameter sensor (11) selected from a wind speed sensor (113), a water pressure sensor (112), an air pressure sensor (111), an environmental temperature and humidity sensor (114), the at least one parameter sensor being supplied with electric power generated by the energy generator (6).

7. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The energy generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), a fluid transfer duct (67) connecting the fluid inlet (65) and the at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), a sector (S, Sa) of the turbine (61) being arranged within a portion of the fluid transfer duct (67) to allow the rotational driving of the turbine, The fluid transfer duct (67) comprises a passage restriction device (69) for the driving fluid arranged upstream of the turbine (61) to increase the speed of the driving fluid in the fluid transfer duct (67).

8. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The energy generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), a fluid transfer duct (67) connecting the fluid inlet (65) and the at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), a sector (S, Sa) of the turbine (61) being arranged within a portion of the fluid transfer duct (67) to allow the rotational driving of the turbine, The fluid transfer duct (67) comprises a passage restriction device (68) for the driving fluid arranged downstream of the turbine (61) to restrict the speed of the driving fluid in the fluid transfer duct (67) of the energy generator (6).

9. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The energy generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), a fluid transfer duct (67) for the driving fluid, the fluid transfer duct connecting the fluid inlet (65) and the at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), within a portion of the fluid transfer duct (67) being arranged a sector (S, Sa) of the turbine (61) to allow the rotational driving of the turbine, The artificial snowmaking installation (1) further comprises a "bypass" pipe (70) connecting the fluid inlet (65) to the at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), the "bypass" pipe (70) allowing a portion of the driving fluid to pass through to supply the snowmaking device (2) without being transferred by the energy generator (6).

10. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein The energy generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), two fluid outlets (66 and 66a) for the driving fluid of the turbine (61), a fluid transfer duct (67) for the driving fluid, the fluid transfer duct connecting the fluid inlet (65) and the two fluid outlets (66, 66a), The first fluid outlet (66) of the two fluid outlets for the driving fluid is arranged so that a first sector (S) of the turbine (61) is arranged within a portion of the fluid transfer duct (67), and The second fluid outlet (66a) of the two fluid outlets for the driving fluid is arranged so that a second sector (Sa) of the turbine (61) is arranged within a portion of the fluid transfer duct (67), The first and second sectors (S, Sa) extend over different values of angular sector to provide a selection of connections, The artificial snowmaking installation (1) further comprises a closing device (66b) adapted to close the first fluid outlet (66) or the second fluid outlet (66a) not used for the connection.

11. Artificial snow production installation (1) according to claim 10, wherein The selection of connections varies with the fluid pressure and flow rate characteristics upstream of the energy generator (6).

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