PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL SNOW

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of artificial snow.

[0002] It relates in particular to an installation for producing artificial snow comprising a snow-making device, a water fluid pipe for supplying water to said snow-making device, possibly an air fluid pipe for supplying air to said snow-making device, control means for managing the operation of said snow-making device, and an electrical power supply for supplying electricity to said control means. State of the art

[0003] The ski slopes are designed to accommodate natural snow, for example for downhill or cross-country skiing.

[0004] Generally speaking, it is known to make artificial snow to place it on ski slopes in order to compensate for the lack of natural snow.

[0005] It is then known to install, on at least part of the edges of the ski slopes, snow-making devices (also called "snow producers" or "snow cannons") supplied by pressurized water pipes and possibly pressurized air pipes to enable the production of this artificial snow.

[0006] These snowmaking devices can be low pressure (or “fan”) or high pressure (or “lance”).

[0007] Artificial snow production therefore requires water and sometimes air. The quality (dry, normal, wet) of the snow produced depends on the volume of water (and possibly air) projected into the external environment, which transforms into snow through natural freezing.

[0008] This quantity of water and possibly air is controlled and managed by systems called "water distributors", "air distributors" or "water and air distributor", which supply water and possibly air to snow production nozzles installed on the head of the snowmaking devices.

[0009] These distributors can be made from automatic control valves, on / off valves, manual valves... or any other system allowing the adjustment of a volume of water and possibly a volume of air.

[0010] To operate a snowmaking device, it is therefore necessary to have water and possibly air, but also a source of energy to control and manage these "water and / or air distributors".

[0011] In most cases, this energy is electrical and comes from an electrical supply network via suitable cables.

[0012] This electrical energy is mainly used to power electronics, sensors, actuators, motors or servomotors, as well as heating snowmaking devices.

[0013] However, in some cases it is not possible to distribute an electrical network to each snowmaking device.

[0014] Snowmaking devices not connected to the network must then be autonomous in electrical energy, this electrical energy being produced by battery systems, solar panels (use of solar energy) or even wind turbines (use of wind energy).

[0015] But the autonomous means of electricity production known to date are relatively complex and require regular maintenance.

[0016] Battery systems have reduced performance in cold environments and require maintenance (recharging, replacement, etc.). Solar panels must be heated to avoid being covered in snow and thus rendered inoperable.

[0017] Documents US-5,440,886 and US-6,231,313 disclose installations for producing artificial snow from water and compressed air, which include an electricity generator placed on the air supply pipe.

[0018] The current produced by the electricity generator can be used to power the installation's management systems.

[0019] However, the air circuit may contain water which could harm the operation of the electricity generator. Presentation of the invention

[0020] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention provides an artificial snow production installation according to claim 1.

[0021] Such an installation structure has the advantage of using the energy from the resources needed for snow production to operate the snowmaker. It does not require any other energy source. The system is purely mechanical and does not require maintenance, recharging, or cleaning, unlike known solutions based on solar panels or batteries.

[0022] On the other hand, it is secured in operation by the presence of condensate purge systems.

[0023] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the artificial snow production installation according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following: the axis of the turbine of the electricity generator is engaged with an alternator for the production of electricity, which alternator is connected to means for storing the electrical energy produced, of the battery(ies) or super-capacitor(s) type; the installation comprises a regulating device adapted to regulate the electrical energy produced; the control means for managing the operation of the snow-making device comprise at least one parameter sensor(s) chosen from wind speed, water pressure, air pressure, ambient temperature and ambient humidity sensors, which at least one parameter sensor(s) is powered by electrical energy produced by the electricity generator; the electricity generator comprises a fluid inlet for the turbine drive fluid, at least one fluid outlet for the drive fluid of said turbine,a channel for transporting said fluid connecting said fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet, within a section of which transport channel is arranged a sector of said turbine, to allow it to be driven in rotation, which transport channel comprises a means for restricting the passage of said fluid, arranged upstream of said turbine, to increase the speed of said fluid in said transport channel; the electricity generator comprises a fluid inlet for the drive fluid of said turbine, at least one fluid outlet for the drive fluid of said turbine, a channel for transporting said fluid connecting said fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet, within a section of which transport channel is arranged a sector of said turbine, to allow it to be driven in rotation, which transport channel comprises a means for restricting the passage of said fluid, arranged downstream of said turbine,to limit the speed of the fluid in the fluid transport channel of the electricity generator; the electricity generator comprises a fluid inlet for the fluid driving said turbine, at least one fluid outlet for the fluid driving said turbine, a channel for transporting said fluid connecting said fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet, within a section of which transport channel is arranged a sector of said turbine, to allow it to be driven in rotation, and the installation further comprises a “by-pass” pipe which connects said fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet, which “by-pass” pipe allows the passage of a portion of said fluid for supplying said snow-making device without passing through said electricity generator; the electricity generator comprises an inlet for the fluid driving said turbine,two outlets for the drive fluid of said turbine, a channel for transporting said fluid connecting said fluid inlet and said two fluid outlets, a first of said fluid outlets being arranged so that a first sector of said turbine is arranged within a section of said transport channel, and a second of said fluid outlets being arranged so that a second sector of said turbine is arranged within a section of said transport channel, which first turbine sector and second turbine sector extend over angular sectors of different values ​​to have a choice of connection in particular as a function of the pressure and flow characteristics of the fluid upstream of said electricity generator, the installation further comprising a closure means adapted to close said first fluid outlet, or said second fluid outlet, not used for the connection.

[0024] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where: [ Fig. 1 ] is a general schematic view illustrating a first embodiment of an artificial snow production installation according to the invention, comprising an electricity generator arranged on the air fluid pipe which supplies the snow-making device; [ Fig. 2] is a general schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of an artificial snow production installation according to an example which is not part of the invention, comprising an electricity generator arranged on the water fluid pipe which supplies the snow-making device; [ Fig. 3 ] is an isolated schematic view of the electricity generator of the artificial snow production facilities illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , longitudinal sectional view at the level of its turbine; [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electricity generator, according to section plane 4-4 of the Figure 3 .

[0026] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0027] There Figure 1illustrates an installation 1 for producing artificial snow in accordance with the invention comprising: a snow-making device 2, a water fluid line 3 (pressurized water) for supplying water to the snow-making device 2, an air fluid line 4 (compressed air) for supplying air to the snow-making device 2, control means 5 for managing the operation of the snow-making device 2, an electricity generator 6 for producing electricity and supplying electricity to the control means 5; this electricity generator 6 is here arranged on the air fluid line 4, and it comprises a turbine 61 with blades capable of being driven by the air fluid of said air fluid line 4.

[0028] The snow-making device 2 can be of any type, in particular of the low or high pressure type.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the snow-making device 2 is of the high-pressure type with external air / water mixture, equipped with water spray nozzles and at least one nozzle for producing nucleating agents.

[0030] The snow production head 21 of the snow-making device 2 is mounted at the end of a pole 22 which can reach several meters in height.

[0031] A box 7 containing the control means 5 is mounted at the base of the pole 22. The box 7 contains in particular one or more distributors actuated by motors (piston system) or by solenoid valves to regulate the snow gun.

[0032] The water fluid line 3 is connected to a main water line E which runs along the ski slope preferably to supply several snow-making devices. A manual valve 8 (called water valve 8) allows an operator to supply the water fluid line 3 from the main water line E, or to stop this supply. The water pressure in the water fluid line 3 can be between 3 bar and 100 bar; and the water flow rate can be between 0.1 m 3 < / h and 50 m 3 < / h.

[0033] In a similar manner, the air fluid line 4 is connected to a main air line A which runs along the ski slope to supply several snow-making devices. A manual valve 9 (called air valve 9) allows an operator to supply the air fluid line 4 from the main air line A, or to stop this supply. The air pressure in the air fluid line 4 can be between 1 bar and 10 bar; and the air flow rate can be between 5 Nm 3 < / h and 500 Nm 3 < / h. The operating principle of the electricity generator 6 is to transform the kinetic / mechanical energy of the air into electrical energy.

[0034] In this case, the compressed air circulates around the blades of the turbine 61 generating its rotational movement.

[0035] The turbine 61 is driven in rotation by the air flow. This rotation drives (via a shaft) an alternator which makes it possible to produce at least part of the electrical energy necessary for the proper operation of the snow-making device 2.

[0036] The turbine 61 itself drives the associated alternator which converts the energy of the compressed air into electrical energy; and this electrical energy is regulated in a regulating device 10, then stored in energy storage means 10a.

[0037] The energy storage means 10a of the produced electrical energy may consist of conventional batteries or supercapacitors.

[0038] These energy storage means 10a are charged in parallel so that the electrical supply begins as soon as the turbine 61 is in motion. Preferably, they have the capacity to temporarily restore more electrical energy than that delivered by the turbine, which makes it possible, for example, to control a higher power actuator.

[0039] In practice, the regulating device 10 consists of a regulating card possibly integrating the energy storage means 10a. This regulating card can be integrated into a box associated with the electricity generator.

[0040] This electrical energy is used to power the control means 5 necessary for managing the operation of the snow-making device 2.

[0041] These control means 5 here comprise a control / command automaton 51 which ensures the distribution of the electrical power supply, a set of sensors 11, a set of actuators (not shown), a radio modem or communication system 12 with external supervision (computer, mobile application, etc.), a human / machine interface display 13. The set of sensors 11 may comprise: an air pressure sensor 111, a water pressure sensor 112, an anemometer 113, an ambient air temperature and humidity sensor 114.

[0042] The water valve 8 and the air valve 9 can be equipped with actuators and controlled by the electricity produced. In this case, it is thus possible to adapt the flow rate of the snow-making device 2 to the ambient temperature, and to stop it in the event of an emergency or if this ambient temperature no longer allows snow production.

[0043] The compressed air leaving the turbine 61 feeds the air circuit of the snow-making device 2. Two condensate drain systems 14 and 15, one placed upstream and the other downstream of the electricity generator 6, are adapted to limit the accumulation of water in said electricity generator 6 and more particularly in the turbine 61. These condensate drain systems 14 and 15 can be of the manual type (manual valve), or automatic (spring-loaded pop drain).

[0044] Water circuit 3 is connected directly to the water circuit of snowmaking device 2.

[0045] The control / command automaton 51 controls the water and air flow rates of the snow-making device 2 using actuators controlling, for example, variable geometry nozzles, valves or distributors as a function of at least some of the following physical parameters: air pressure detected by sensor 111, water pressure detected by sensor 112, wind speed and direction detected by sensor 113, ambient air temperature and humidity detected by sensor 114.

[0046] The human / machine interface 13 may be optional and is implemented by a display associated with a wireless or wired communication link to a supervision system (computer, mobile application, WEB application, etc.). Operating methods:

[0047] Such an installation can be implemented in three ways: automatic, self-regulating and manual mode. 1 - Automatic mode:

[0048] The energy stored in the batteries or supercapacitors is sufficient to power the sensors 11 and allow the air valve 9 to open. In this case, if the ambient temperature is below a programmed threshold, the controller 51 requests the opening of the air valve 9.

[0049] The electricity generator 6 then generates electricity which makes it possible to open the water valve 8 and to regulate the flow rate of the snow-making device 2 by controlling the actuators necessary to position the nozzles, valves or distributors.

[0050] When the ambient temperature becomes higher than the aforementioned programmed threshold, the controller 51 closes the water valve 8 then the air valve 9 and the system goes into standby mode, monitoring the ambient air temperature and the battery charge level.

[0051] Messages can be sent informing a remote computer system of the status of the system (sensor measurements, estimated flow rates, charge level of energy storage systems).

[0052] Alarm messages can be generated to signal abnormal or extreme situations such as battery charge levels being too low to allow automatic restart.

[0053] Optionally, if the battery level becomes too low, the user can authorize automatic opening of the air valve 9 for the sole purpose of recharging the batteries if the network is charging with air. 2 - Self-regulating mode:

[0054] 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 he decides to operate the snowmaking device 2.

[0055] The electricity generator 6 then generates electricity which makes it possible to open the water valve 8 and to regulate the flow rate of the snow-making device 2 by controlling the actuators necessary to position the nozzles, valves or distributors.

[0056] Alternatively, if the water valve 8 is not equipped with an actuator, the user manually opens this water valve 8.

[0057] In both cases, when the ambient temperature is higher than the chosen threshold, a message is sent to the user and the snow gun 2 positions itself at its minimum water flow. 3 - Manual mode:

[0058] In this manual mode, the user manually controls the snowmaking device either via the operator panel of the PLC 51 or by switches.

[0059] The operator opens the air valve 9, either by the automaton 51, or manually if the battery charge level does not allow it.

[0060] The electricity generator then generates the electricity needed to operate the system and possibly recharge the batteries.

[0061] Optionally, the 51 automaton and all or part of the organs can be powered by an external source such as a pre-charged portable electrical appliance battery.

[0062] There Figure 2illustrates a second embodiment of an installation 1' for producing artificial snow according to an example which is not part of the invention.

[0063] The corresponding installation 1' comprises essentially the same components / devices as that described above in relation to the Figure 1 , but here, the electricity generator 6' is arranged on the water fluid pipe 3.

[0064] This 1' installation for the production of artificial snow therefore includes: a snow-making device 2, a water fluid pipe 3 (pressurized water) for supplying water to the snow-making device 2, an air fluid pipe 4 (compressed air) for supplying air to the snow-making device 2, control means 5 for managing the operation of the snow-making device 2, an electricity generator 6' for producing electricity and supplying electricity to the control means 5, this electricity generator 6' being here arranged on the water fluid pipe 3, and comprising a turbine 61' with blades capable of being driven by the water fluid of said water fluid pipe 3.

[0065] The snow-making device 2 can be of any type, in particular low or high pressure type.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the snow-making device 2 is of the high-pressure type with external air / water mixture, equipped with water spray nozzles and at least one nozzle for producing nucleating agents.

[0067] The snow production head 21 of the snow-making device 2 is mounted at the end of a pole 22 which can reach several meters in height.

[0068] A box 7 containing the control means 5 is mounted at the base of the pole 22. The box 7 contains in particular one or more distributors actuated by motors (piston system) or by solenoid valves to regulate the snow gun.

[0069] The water fluid line 3 is connected to a main water line E which runs along the ski slope preferably to supply several snow-making devices. A manual valve 8 (called water valve 8) allows an operator to supply the water fluid line 3 from the main water line E, or to stop this supply. The water pressure in the water fluid line 3 can be between 3 bar and 100 bar; and the water flow rate can be between 0.1 m 3 < / h and 50 m 3 < / h.

[0070] In a similar manner, the air fluid line 4 is connected to a main air line A which runs along the ski slope to supply several snow-making devices. A manual valve 9 (called air valve 9) allows an operator to supply the air fluid line 4 from the main air line A, or to stop this supply. The air pressure in the air fluid line 4 can be between 1 bar and 10 bar; and the air flow rate can be between 5 Nm 3 < / h and 500 Nm 3 < / h.

[0071] The operating principle of the 6' electricity generator is to transform the kinetic / mechanical energy of water into electrical energy.

[0072] The turbine 61' is driven in rotation by the flow of water. This rotation drives (via a shaft) an alternator which makes it possible to produce at least part of the electrical energy necessary for the proper operation of the snow-making device 2.

[0073] In this case, the pressurized water circulates around the blades of the turbine 61' generating its rotational movement.

[0074] The turbine 61' itself drives the associated alternator which converts the energy of the pressurized water into electrical energy; and this electrical energy is regulated in a regulating device 10, then stored in energy storage means 10a.

[0075] The energy storage means 10a may consist of conventional batteries or supercapacitors.

[0076] These energy storage means 10a are charged in parallel so that the electrical supply begins as soon as the turbine 61' is in motion. Preferably, they have the capacity to temporarily restore more electrical energy than that delivered by the turbine, which makes it possible, for example, to control a higher power actuator.

[0077] In practice, the regulating device 10 consists of a regulating card possibly integrating the energy storage means 10a. This regulating card can be integrated into a box associated with the electricity generator.

[0078] This electrical energy is used to power the control means 5 necessary for managing the operation of the snow-making device 2.

[0079] These control means 5 here comprise a control / command automaton 51, which ensures the distribution of the electrical power supply, a set of sensors 11, a set of actuators (not shown), a radio modem or communication system 12 with external supervision (computer, mobile application, etc.), a human / machine interface display 13.

[0080] The sensor assembly 11 may comprise: an air pressure sensor 111, a water pressure sensor 112, an anemometer 113, an ambient air temperature and humidity sensor 114.

[0081] The water valve 8 and the air valve 9 can be equipped with actuators and controlled by the electricity produced.

[0082] It is thus possible to adapt the flow rate of the snow gun 2 to the ambient temperature, and to stop it in the event of an emergency or if this ambient temperature no longer allows snow production.

[0083] The water leaving the turbine 61' feeds the water circuit of the snow-making device 2. A condensate drain system 14a is placed on the air fluid pipe 4 to limit the accumulation of water in the snow-making device 2. This condensate drain system 14a can be of the manual type (manual valve), or automatic (spring-loaded pop drain).

[0084] The compressed air circuit 4 is connected directly to the air circuit of the snow-making device 2.

[0085] The control / command automaton 51 controls the water and air flow rates of the snow-making device 2 using actuators controlling, for example, variable geometry nozzles, valves or distributors as a function of at least some of the following physical parameters: air pressure detected by sensor 111, water pressure detected by sensor 112, wind speed and direction detected by sensor 113, ambient air temperature and humidity detected by sensor 114.

[0086] The human / machine interface 13 may be optional and is implemented by a display associated with a wireless or wired communication link to a supervision system (computer, mobile application, WEB application, etc.). Operating modes

[0087] The operating methods of this artificial snow production installation 1' are similar to those described above in relation to installation 1 of the Figure 1 , with the following differences: 1 - Automatic mode:

[0088] The energy stored in the batteries or supercapacitors is sufficient to power the sensors 11 and allow the opening of the air valve 9 and the water valve 8. In this case, if the ambient temperature is below a programmed threshold, the controller 51 requests the opening of the air valve 9 then the water valve 8.

[0089] The electricity generator 6' then generates electricity which makes it possible to regulate the flow of the snow-making device 2 by controlling the actuators necessary to position the nozzles, valves or distributors.

[0090] If the battery level becomes too low, it is not possible to recharge them because this would involve attempting to produce snow outside the temperature. 2 - Self-regulating mode:

[0091] If the stored energy is insufficient or if the air valves 9 and water valves 8 are not equipped with an actuator, the user manually opens the air valve 9 when he decides to operate the snowmaking device, then the water valve 8.

[0092] The electricity generator 6' then generates electricity which makes it possible to regulate the flow of the snow-making device 2 by controlling the actuators necessary to position the nozzles, valves or distributors. 3 - Manual mode:

[0093] In this manual mode, the user manually controls the snowmaking device 2, either via the PLC 51 or by switches. The operator opens the air valve 9, either via the PLC 51 or manually if the battery charge level does not allow it, then the water valve 8.

[0094] THE Figures 3 and 4 detail the structure of a 6, 6' electricity generator capable of equipping the 1, 1' snowmaking production facilities of the figures 1 And 2 .

[0095] This electricity generator 6, 6' comprises a turbine 61, 61' of the blade type, housed in a generator body 62.

[0096] The axis or shaft 63 of the turbine 61, 61' is engaged with an alternator 64 for the production of electricity. This alternator 64 is intended to be connected to the regulating device 10 and to the batteries or super-capacitors of the storage means 10a of the electrical energy produced.

[0097] As can be seen on the Figure 3 , the electricity generator 6, 6' comprises a fluid inlet 65 for the drive fluid (air or water as the case may be) of the turbine 61, 61', as well as a fluid outlet 66, with, between the two, a fluid transport channel 67. The fluid transport channel 67 connects the fluid inlet 65 and the fluid outlet 66; and a sector S of the turbine 61, 61' is arranged within a section of the transport channel 67 to allow it to be driven in rotation. Here, the sector S of the turbine which is arranged in the fluid transport channel 67 is of the order of 180°.

[0098] Depending on the characteristics of the snow production installation, the flow rate or speed of the fluid can be adapted by at least one section restriction, in particular to ensure the rotation of the turbine 61, 61' at an optimal speed.

[0099] Thus, such a means 68 for restricting the passage of the fluid can be provided downstream of the turbine 61, 61' (i.e. at the turbine outlet), in order to limit the speed of the fluid in the fluid transport channel 67. Such a passage restriction 68 can prove particularly advantageous on air, to limit the speed if the turbine is used alone without a snow gun.

[0100] Likewise, at the inlet (i.e. upstream of the turbine 61, 61'), depending on requirements, a passage restriction means 69 may be usefully placed to increase the speed of the fluid and bring the fluid flow to a peripheral speed sufficient to rotate the turbine 61, 61' (the speed is increased by creating a pressure drop in order to guarantee a minimum rotation speed at low pressure).

[0101] The turbine 61, 61' of the electricity generator 6, 6' can be associated with just one of these passage restriction means 68, 69, or with both of these upstream and downstream passage restriction means 68, 69.

[0102] The passage restriction means 68 and 69 preferably each consist of a removable part, to allow its removal or replacement in order to adjust the desired flow rates and speeds as desired. Such an adjustment can be obtained by a particular orifice diameter, a particular orifice shape or even a particular number of orifices.

[0103] As schematically illustrated on the Figure 3, the snow production installation may comprise a “by-pass” pipe 70 which connects the fluid inlet 65 and the fluid outlet 66. It is understood that such a “by-pass” pipe 70 allows the passage of a portion of the fluid (water or air as the case may be) to supply the snow-making device 2 without passing through the electricity generator 6, 6'. This makes it possible to use only a portion of the energy of the fluid for the turbine, in the case of a significant energy source, so as not to be obliged to oversize the components of the turbine.

[0104] Still on the Figure 3 , we note that the electricity generator 6, 6' can include an additional outlet 66a for the drive fluid of the turbine 61, 61'.

[0105] In this way: a first outlet 66 for the fluid is provided so that a first sector S of the turbine 61, 61' is arranged within a section of the transport channel 67, and a second outlet 66a for said fluid is provided so that a second sector Sa of the turbine 61, 61', different from S, is arranged within a section of said fluid transport channel 67.

[0106] Thus, the user has a choice of connecting the snow-making device 2 to the outputs 66 or 66a of the electricity generator 6, 6', in particular depending on the pressure and flow characteristics of the fluid upstream of said electricity generator 6, 6'.

[0107] A plug-shaped sealing means 66b is provided for sealing the first outlet 66 or the second outlet 66a not used for the connection.

[0108] Similarly, more than two outlets for the turbine drive fluid 61, 61' may be considered to increase the choice of connection depending on the pressure and flow characteristics of the fluid upstream of the electricity generator 6, 6'.

[0109] Depending on the case, the electricity generator 6, 6' is adapted so that its turbine 61, 61' withstands the operating air or water pressure. Its energy efficiency must be interesting and it must preferably minimize the energy taken from the air or water flow, otherwise it will cause a significant degradation in the performance of the snow-making device 2.

[0110] This electricity generator 6, 6' is also preferably adapted to minimize the heating of the water or air flow. Indeed, the transformation of kinetic / mechanical energy into electrical energy causes the water or air flow to heat up due to the friction of the water or air on the blades of the turbine 61, 61'. The water or air temperature is an important parameter for the performance of the snow-making device 2, and a water or air temperature that is too high would cause a significant degradation of the performance of the snow-making device 2.

[0111] The snow production facility is also advantageously equipped with all the device(s) necessary for the protection of people.

[0112] According to an alternative embodiment, if the energy needs require it, the artificial snow production installation can comprise an electricity generator arranged on the water fluid pipe 3, and an electricity generator arranged on the air fluid pipe.

Claims

1. Artificial snow-making facility (1) comprising - a snow-making device (2), - a fluidic water pipe (3) for supplying water to said snow-making device (2), - a fluidic air pipe (4) for supplying air to said snow-making device (2), - control means (5) for managing the operation of said snow-making device (2), - a power supply for supplying electricity to said control means (5), wherein said power supply comprises a power generator (6) arranged on said fluidic air pipe (4), said power generator (6) comprising a turbine (61) adapted to be driven by the air of said fluidic air pipe (4), characterized in that it comprises two condensate draining systems (14, 15) placed upstream (14) and downstream (15) from the power generator (6), adapted to limit the accumulation of water in said power generator (6).

2. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axis of said turbine (61, 61') is meshed with an alternator for the production of electricity, said alternator being connected to means for storing the electrical energy produced, such as batteries or super-capacitors.

3. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a regulator device (10) adapted to regulate the electrical energy produced.

4. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control means (5) comprise at least one sensor (11) of parameter(s) chosen among wind speed (114), water pressure (112), air pressure (111), ambient temperature and ambient humidity sensors (113), said at least one parameter sensor being supplied with electrical energy produced by said power generator (6).

5. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said power generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of said turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of said turbine (61), a transport canal (67) for said fluid, connecting said fluid inlet (65) and said at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), within a section of which fluid transport canal (67) is arranged a sector (S, Sa) of said turbine (61), to allow the rotational driving thereof, said fluid transport canal (67) comprising a passage restriction means (69) for said fluid, arranged upstream from said turbine (61), to increase the speed of said fluid in said fluid transport canal (67).

6. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said power generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of said turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of said turbine (6), a transport canal (67) for said fluid, connecting said fluid inlet (65) and said at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), within a section of which fluid transport canal (67) is arranged a sector (S, Sa) of said turbine (6), to allow the rotational driving thereof, said fluid transport canal (67) comprising a passage restriction means (68) for said fluid, arranged downstream from said turbine (61), to limit the speed of the fluid in the fluid transport canal (67) of the power generator (6).

7. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said power generator (6) comprises a fluid inlet (65) for the driving fluid of said turbine (61), at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a) for the driving fluid of said turbine (61), a transport canal (67) for said fluid, connecting said fluid inlet (65) and said at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), within a section of which fluid transport canal (67) is arranged a sector (S, Sa) of said turbine (61), to allow the rotational driving thereof, the facility (1) further comprising a "by-pass" pipe (70) that connects said fluid inlet (65) to said at least one fluid outlet (66, 66a), said "by-pass" pipe (70) allowing the passage of a part of said fluid for supplying said snow-making device (2) without transiting by said power generator (6).

8. Artificial snow-making facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said power generator (6) comprises an inlet (65) for the driving fluid of said turbine (6), two outlets (66 and 66a) for the driving fluid of said turbine (6), a transport canal (67) for said fluid, connecting said fluid inlet (65) and said two fluid outlets (66, 66a), a first one of said outlets (66) for said fluid being arranged in such a way that a first sector (S) of said electricity turbine (6) is arranged within a section of said transport canal (67), and a second one of said outlets (66a) for said fluid being arranged in such a way that a second sector (Sa) of said electricity turbine (6) is arranged within a section of said transport canal (67), said first turbine sector (S) and second turbine sector (Sa) extending over angular sectors of different values to offer a choice of connection in particular as a function of the fluid pressure and flow rate characteristics upstream from said power generator (6), the facility (1) also comprising a closing means (66b) adapted to close said first outlet (66), or said second outlet (66a), not used for the connection.