Device and method for generating a standing surfable wave

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating a standing surfable wave (9), wherein the device (1) is designed in a channel-like manner with two flow-limiting side walls (20, 21) and a water bottom (3) located between them, wherein the water bottom (3) is lowered by a step (5) to form a stilling basin (7) and the stilling basin bottom (6) is arranged below the level of the water bottom (3), wherein in the direction of flow (5) a ramp (4) is formed on the water bottom (3) in front of the stilling basin (7), which extends away from the water bottom (3) and a ramp-like flow body (15) is formed in the stilling basin (7) on the stilling basin bottom (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for generating a standing surfable wave.

[0002] A standing surfable wave can be created by using a system that regularly generates waves on a body of water. These systems use air, water, or a combination of both to create waves suitable for surfing. Natural phenomena such as tidal waves and ocean currents can also create surfable waves. However, it is important to note that not every wave is surfable, and a good surfing wave must possess certain characteristics such as size, shape, and duration.

[0003] A standing surfable wave is a paradox, as waves normally carry energy and thus cannot "stand still." A wave suitable for surfing must be in motion. However, there are wave parks where artificial waves are created using equipment that allows surfers to ride a sustained wave. In such parks, the energy required to generate the wave is constantly replenished to maintain a sustained wave.

[0004] It is known to create surfable waves using an inclined surface, such as a ramp, which accelerates slow-flowing water into fast-flowing water. At the end of the ramp, the rushing water meets flowing water, creating a hydraulic jump in the transition area. With the right underwater water level, a standing surfable wave forms at the hydraulic jump. The wave is usually regulated by changing the incline of the ramp and, if necessary, by adjusting a spoiler at the end of the ramp.

[0005] A hydraulic jump occurs during the flow transition from a rushing to a flowing discharge. It is an abrupt change from very fast-flowing to very slow-flowing water. An example of a hydraulic jump is the water roller.

[0006] If the discharge is faster than the propagation speed of disturbances (waves), then this is called shooting or supercritical discharge (Fr > 1).

[0007] If the discharge is slower than the propagation velocity of disturbances, then this is called streaming or subcritical discharge (Fr < 1).

[0008] The Froude number is used to distinguish: Fr = υ gh where, v = mean speed, g = gravitational acceleration, h = water depth.

[0009] From US 2008 / 0101866 A1, wave-generating systems in a channel are known which form a control section by means of a ramp in which the water is bundled and accelerated and, by the impact of the water on an adjustable edge, the wave is generated and the wave height is varied.

[0010] DE 10 2006 044 806 B4 discloses a device for generating standing waves. It comprises a transverse structure, a ramp, a counter-ramp, a floor, and a flow guide body in the direction of flow. The acceleration of the water is regulated by mechanically movable ramps. The wave is generated by a rigid plate that is hingedly mounted at the downstream end of the ramp.

[0011] WO 2018 149 969 A1 discloses a wave system for generating an artificial wave. The system consists of a storage basin, an intermediate basin, a wave basin, and at least one conveying means, in particular at least one pump. The pump is used to convey water from a storage basin via the intermediate basin into the wave basin. The water is directed into the wave basin via the outlet of the intermediate basin and over a sloped downward ramp. A guide device for generating a wave is arranged in the wave basin. Here, the height of the wave is manipulated by the height of a guide device underwater, which is adjustable so that the flowing water encounters less or more resistance on the bottom, thereby generating a higher or lower wave on the water surface.

[0012] DE 103 08 812 B4 discloses a device for generating a standing wave in a flowing watercourse. It comprises a transverse structure positioned in the direction of flow, which serves as the first flow-influencing body and concentrates the water flow. A jet stream is directed via a guide ramp to the base of a flexible wave-generating body to generate the wave.

[0013] The generation of straight standing waves is known from DE102006044806A1, which also uses a ramp, counter-ramp, and a control mechanism. Since the ramp and counter-ramp are permanently connected, the only possible adjustments are the height or angle of the ramp and counter-ramp.

[0014] Fundamentally similar installations in laboratory systems or test flumes are, among other things, the subject of international publications ("A stationary oblique breaking wave for laboratory testing of surfboards" by HG Hornung and P. Killen, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 1976; "Hydrodynamics of Surfboards", by Michael Paine, 1974.

[0015] EP 0 547 117 B2 and EP 0 629 139 B1 describe devices for generating wave-like water surfaces with shallow flow and high velocity in artificial recreational facilities. This creates a planar current that directly adjoins a wave-like body. However, the devices designed for flowing waters are not capable of providing waves for recreational activities of a similar quality to such facilities with artificially generated currents.

[0016] US Pat. No. 6,932,541 B2 describes a system in which standing waves are generated by the hydraulic interaction of a flow over a weir or over bed structures with a secondary flow through the weir or the bed structures. The secondary flows can be controlled by the movable design of the weir or the bed structures. The documents also describe a design without secondary flow. In this case, no mobility of parts of the weir or the bed structures is provided. In all designs, the standing waves are generated directly above the bed structures. The flow guidance through the bed structures is essential for the generation of the waves.

[0017] DE 10 2004 016 750 A1 describes a mobile standing river wave, which is intended to be created by temporarily constricting the flow using two dam elements and a mobile ramp-like structure. As a result of the damming and constriction, a significantly accelerated flow movement through the constriction is intended to be generated. Under favorable boundary conditions, a standing wave can then develop below the constriction. Control of this wave is not possible.

[0018] DE 10 2004 013 367 A1 describes devices for designing a water course. This also includes movable elements arranged in the floor, which can influence the flow depending on their position. However, controlling standing waves is not possible with these.

[0019] It is known that ramps inclined in the direction of flow with a downstream height offset are particularly suitable for generating straight standing waves (e.g., from: "Generation of Waves and Rollers for Canoeing," a report by the Institute of Water Science at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Neubiberg on behalf of the Bavarian Canoe Association, March 2004). Wave formation is particularly stimulated by the abrupt deceleration of the flow at the transition between the rapid flow motion on the ramp (Froude number > 1) and a slower flow motion downstream of the ramp (Froude number < 1). The water level below the device is of particular importance for the formation of a standing wave.

[0020] A continuous fluid flow is a laminar flow. To generate a wave in such a flow, the flow must be disturbed by a wave-inducing element. This wave-inducing element can be a bump, an edge, or a guide element.

[0021] It is well known that slow-flowing water can be accelerated to fast-flowing water using an inclined surface, such as a ramp. As the accelerated water stream collides with the slow-flowing water stream at the end of the ramp, a hydraulic jump occurs at the transition area. At this hydraulic jump, a standing surfable wave is created if the underwater water level is appropriate.

[0022] Typically, the height of the wave can be adjusted by changing the incline of the ramp itself or by adjusting a spoiler at the end of the ramp. Therefore, flexible ramps with adjustable incline are commonly used. The mechanism for adjusting the incline is located underwater.

[0023] DE 103 08 812 B4 discloses a device for generating a standing wave in a flowing watercourse. This device comprises a transverse structure in the direction of flow, which serves as the first flow-influencing body and concentrates the water flow. The flow is directed to the base of a flexible wave-generating body via a spatially curved guide ramp with an increasingly acute angle. This device is particularly suitable for generating standing waves, especially breaking waves.

[0024] A disadvantage of existing systems is that all mechanically moving parts are located below the water surface, making them very difficult to access for maintenance and repairs. For most existing systems, maintenance and repair work require the river to be drained during the work, which is only possible seasonally and is very costly, especially in rivers with a natural flow. Furthermore, the maximum width of the system with moving elements is limited by the design's load-bearing capacity. Larger widths can only be achieved by connecting several individual systems in series, which multiplies the number of mechanical components—and thus the susceptibility and frequency of failures—of the entire system by the number of individual systems.

[0025] Another disadvantage of known systems is that different flow rates on the ramp lead to different waves, so that constant surfing conditions are not possible.

[0026] Basically, known devices for generating standing surfable waves are consistently created by either pumping water to a ramp that it runs down, or by building a weir over which the water flows and which then runs down a ramp following the weir, which ends at the top of the weir.

[0027] In hydraulic engineering, a weir is a device that runs from the bottom of the watercourse and the banks or side walls of a flowing watercourse, blocking the flow path, whereby such a weir can be overflowed.

[0028] In contrast, a gate in hydraulic engineering is a device that blocks a flowing water from above and can be raised to allow the water to flow on or along the bottom of the water body and thus allow flow regulation.

[0029] The object of the invention is to provide a device for generating a standing surfable wave, which is easy to maintain and cost-effective to operate and also ensures a high adaptability of the wave.

[0030] The object is achieved with the device having the features of claim 1.

[0031] Advantageous further training is indicated in the dependent subclaims.

[0032] It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for generating a surfable wave, with which a surfable wave is reliably and consistently generated, regardless of the existing current.

[0033] The problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 19.

[0034] Advantageous further training is indicated in the dependent subclaims.

[0035] In a departure from existing surf wave designs, the invention eliminates the use of weirs and pumps water. Furthermore, it doesn't necessarily require the construction of a steep ramp.

[0036] A device according to the invention can be installed in natural or artificial streams, regardless of the longitudinal gradient, with a slight longitudinal gradient, with a high longitudinal gradient, or even at gradient steps such as existing weirs. Furthermore, a significantly lower impoundment height is required upstream of the wave, which is why the system can also be used in existing canals with low bank elevation. Furthermore, the installation of a bypass channel does not disrupt bedload management in natural flowing waters.

[0037] According to the invention, natural bodies of water or artificial bodies of water, such as canals, with a certain gradient can be used to create a standing surfable wave. This allows even higher water speeds to be achieved, even higher than on corresponding acceleration ramps.

[0038] According to the invention, a body of water or a canal floor is provided that has a certain gradient. A ramp is provided on this canal floor, which protrudes from the canal floor and causes water flowing along the canal floor to be diverted away from the canal floor. Behind the ramp, the canal or body of water is lowered by a step and continues from there at a level that is below that of the canal floor in front of the ramp. This creates a basin behind the ramp.

[0039] This pool may contain another ramp, positioned so that the water, which is accelerated upwards over the ramp and then falls into the pool, hits this ramp, preferably in such a way that the water flow impacts this ramp perpendicularly. This second ramp in the pool surprisingly causes the wave created by the first ramp to become magnified. The cause of this surprising effect has not yet been fully explained.

[0040] This wave can be modulated by the amount of water that is directed across the channel floor to the first ramp.

[0041] There are basically two options for this. In a flowing watercourse with a high water flow, modulation can be achieved via a bypass, which directs a corresponding amount of water or excess water past the side of the device. For this purpose, a corresponding regulating or dam device can be installed in the bypass to regulate the water flow.

[0042] In another embodiment, a gate is provided upstream of the ramp to regulate the water flow. In the simplest case, the gate can be a wall running perpendicular to the flow direction, which can be lowered into the water to the bottom of a body of water or a canal and raised from there. This dams up the water in front of the gate. A sufficient amount of water is then directed over the canal floor below the gate, creating a corresponding wave on the ramp.

[0043] To prevent the gate from overflowing, a gate can also be combined with a bypass, especially a controllable bypass. In particular, the gate can also be designed as a flap that can be lowered onto the water surface and into the water, thus modulating the water flow and thus also the wave. In this case, it is also possible to use a flap that runs across the entire width of the body of water, but the flap can also be made up of several individual flaps that can be controlled differently. This can be imagined as being like the stern wave of a ship, which also varies depending on the displacement. Due to the diverse possibilities for modulating the wave, this type of flap gate is ideal for creating a surfable wave.

[0044] By means of the device according to the invention, the water in a watercourse such as a stream, river, or canal is regulated with a gate. Excess water can be drained through a bypass. The bypass can also have a flow restrictor.

[0045] If the gradient, water flow, and water velocity are correct, a bypass without a gate can also be used. The gate can increase the speed of the flowing water when there is no gradient.

[0046] An additional advantage of the flap design is that the water is manipulated from above to achieve acceleration, and that there are no bodies penetrating the water surface after the flaps' separation edge. Unlike systems with a free surface during acceleration, manipulation before the maximum constriction of the flow cross-section, i.e., before the flaps' separation edge, has no influence on the flow behind it.

[0047] The gate is preferably a gate that acts on the water surface from above with at least one flap. Depending on the width of the body of water, the flap can span the body of water and be pivotably mounted on the banks outside the body of water. If the body of water is too wide for this, the flap gate can be mounted on a raised platform in the water and have a supporting structure on which the at least one flap is pivotably mounted.

[0048] In any case, the means for operating the flaps are located outside the water.

[0049] When mounted in water, the supports or columns are positioned upstream of the actual flaps, so that the water flow at the flaps' level is no longer negatively affected. The supports or columns can also be streamlined.

[0050] Thus, the invention relates in particular to a device for generating a standing surfable wave, wherein the device is designed in a channel-like manner with two flow-limiting banks or walls, and a water bed in between, wherein the water bed deepens with a step to form a stilling basin and the stilling basin floor is arranged below the level of the water bed, wherein in the direction of flow in front of the stilling basin a ramp is formed on the water bed, which extends away from the water bed and is formed in the stilling basin on the stilling basin floor in a ramp-like flow body.

[0051] A further development provides that in order to regulate the water quantity and / or the flow rate, a gate or a bypass for directing water past the ramp and the stilling basin or a gate and a bypass are arranged in front of the ramp.

[0052] A further development provides that the gate is arranged essentially transversely to the direction of flow in the water.

[0053] A further development provides that the distance of the contactor to the ramp is set so that it is 1.5 - 5 m, in particular 2 - 4 m.

[0054] A further development provides that the flow body in the stilling basin is arranged in such a way that water flowing over the ramp and forming the wave hits the flow body essentially vertically, in particular at an angle of 90° ± 25°.

[0055] A further development provides that the flow body is designed in a ramp-like manner and has a front flank in the direction of flow, which is arranged inclined to the stilling basin floor, wherein the inclination is adjusted according to the flow course of the impinging water and is in particular between 15 and 565°, in particular 25 and 55°.

[0056] A further development provides that the flow body extends over a partial width of the stilling basin or the entire width of the stilling basin or slopes down towards the side walls bordering the stilling basin to the bottom of the stilling basin.

[0057] A further development provides that the ramp has a control surface at the front in the direction of flow, wherein the control surface runs from a water bottom to a ramp crest in at least some areas in a concave and in particular brachistochronous manner.

[0058] A further development provides for the ramp to be arranged in such a way that the ramp crest is aligned with a step with which the water bottom deepens towards the stilling basin.

[0059] A further development provides that the gate is designed as a flap gate, wherein gate flaps are provided which can be pivoted towards a surface of a body of water and pivoted into the body of water in order to limit the effective flow cross-section of the body of water from the bottom of the body of water to the free trailing edges of the gate flap.

[0060] A further development provides that the contactor has a contactor base plate (22), on the rear edge (27) of which in the flow direction (S) one or more contactor flaps are arranged in an articulated and pivotable manner.

[0061] A further development provides that a contactor flap or a plurality of contactor flaps are arranged in particular so as to be individually operable and pivotable.

[0062] A further development provides that the gate base plate is placed on the banks extending across the water body transversely to the direction of flow or is supported on the water body bed by means of support columns or rests on the banks or is arranged between them and rests against them and is supported on the water body bed.

[0063] A further development provides that one or more gate valves and in particular a central gate valve has a displacement body with which the water displacement can be increased in this area.

[0064] A further development provides that in the area of ​​the gate, the water bed is designed with a section in which the gradient is greater than in the area of ​​the rest of the water bed in front of and behind the gate.

[0065] A further development provides that the gate is mounted on a embankment element formed by the waterbed, wherein the gate element rises slightly above the waterbed with a front wall which merges into a plateau on which the gate is mounted or runs above the gate, wherein the plateau has a gradient corresponding to the waterbed or no gradient, wherein in the direction of flow the gate element forms a separation edge at a rear edge which runs transversely to the direction of flow and extends with a convexly curved rear wall into a waterbed section which may be lower in level than the waterbed in front of the gate element. This is also used for the adaptation of existing weirs.

[0066] A further development provides that the gate with its gate base plate runs parallel to the plateau of the wall element and the gate flaps are arranged in such a way that their rear edge acts on the water behind the separation edge in the area of ​​the concave rear wall.

[0067] A further development provides for a displacement mechanism connected to the waterbed in front of the ramp. The displacement mechanism has a pivoting displacement plate (49) that can be positioned transversely into the flow. The displacement mechanism reduces the flow cross-section and leads to a higher flow velocity at its flanks. Downstream of the displacement mechanism, where the water from the flanks converges again, the wave is raised.

[0068] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating a surfable wave, wherein in a section of a natural or artificial body of water, such as a river, stream or canal, a ramp is arranged on a canal bottom substantially transversely to the direction of flow, which ramp piles up water to form a wave, wherein a stilling basin is provided behind the ramp, which has a stilling basin bottom which is arranged deeper than the body of water bottom in front of the ramp, wherein in order to modulate the wave in an area in which the water flows into the stilling basin, a ramp-like flow body is arranged such that the water impacts perpendicularly onto a front flank of the flow body.

[0069] A further development provides that in order to regulate the water quantity or to regulate the speed of the water flowing over the ramp, or to regulate the water quantity and speed of the water flowing over the ramp, the water is led in front of the ramp via a bypass which runs past the ramp and the stilling basin, or the water quantity and water speed are regulated with a gate which is arranged in front of the ramp, or a bypass and a gate are arranged.

[0070] A further development provides that the gate is used to adjust the effective flow cross-section of the water between the banks and the waterbed on the one hand and an edge of the gate.

[0071] A further development provides that the contactor is used to change the water flow from a flowing to a shooting flow and to change the transition from a Froude number with a value less than 1 to a Froude number with a value greater than 1.

[0072] A further development provides that the distance of the contactor to the ramp, and in particular the effective rear edge of the contactor to the ramp, is set at 1.5 - 5 m, in particular 2 - 4 m.

[0073] A further development provides that the inclination of the front flank of the flow body is fixed or variably adjustable, whereby the inclination is set to 15 - 55°, in particular 20 and 45°, depending on the flow pattern of the water.

[0074] A further development provides that a gate is used with a gate base plate and a gate flap hinged to a rear edge of the gate base plate, the gate flap having an edge that can be pivoted towards and into the body of water, the gate base plate being designed to be inclined parallel to the body of water or in the direction of flow to the body of water, the effective flow cross-section being reduced by the inclined gate base plate, so that the gate base plate reduces the effective flow cross-section between the body of water, banks and rear edge at a rear edge, so that the flow velocity is increased.

[0075] A further development provides that the ramp accelerates the incoming water with a control surface located at the front in the direction of flow, wherein the control surface is at least partially concave and in particular brachistochronously curved to accelerate the water from a water bottom to a ramp crest.

[0076] A further development provides that the water is accelerated during the transition from flowing to shooting water of the brachistochronously curved control surface for a hydraulic jump.

[0077] The invention is explained by way of example with reference to a figure. It shows: Figure 1: A schematic sectional view of a surfing system according to the prior art; Figure 2: A highly schematic sectional view of a surfing system according to the invention; Figure 3: A highly schematic sectional view of a partial area of ​​the device according to the invention; Figure 4: An embodiment of the device according to the invention in a view from above; Figure 5: The device according to Figure 4 in a highly schematic sectional view; Figure 6: the flap gate according to Figures 4 and 5 in a detailed view; Figure 7: the flap gate after Figure 6 in a detailed enlargement; Figure 8: a detail enlargement from Figure 4 ; Figure 9: an enlarged section from Figure 5 ; Figure 10: a further embodiment of the device in a plan view; Figure 11: the device according to Figure 10 in a highly schematic sectional view; Figure 12: a further embodiment of the device in a plan view; Figure 13: the device according to Figure 12in a highly schematic side view; Figure 14: a detailed enlargement from Figure 13 ; Figure 15: an overview of the different embodiments in plan view and schematic sectional view.

[0078] A system 200 for setting up a surf wave according to the state of the art is shown in Figure 1 Here, a body of water 201 is dammed by means of a weir 202, with a certain portion of water 203 flowing over the weir 202 and down a subsequent ramp 204. The ramp 204 slopes from a connection point 205 to the weir 202 to a ramp 206, which is directed upwards and forms a surf wave 207. In the area of ​​the surf wave 207, a so-called stilling basin 208 is formed, in which the current is calmed.

[0079] Instead of a body of water 201, water can also be directed from the stilling basin 208 at the beginning of ramp 205 or at the point where a weir is connected, which would then be unnecessary, and, in particular, pumped in a circuit and flowing down the ramp. The flow velocities that can be achieved with such arrangements are between 2 and 4 m / s.

[0080] It can be seen that the height h1, which describes the maximum height of the water in the area of ​​the ramp start 205 up to the water level in the stilling basin 208, is comparatively large.

[0081] A device 1 according to the invention for generating a surfable wave is configured in or with a body of water 2, wherein the body of water 2 has a body of water bed 3. In the direction of water flow S, at least one first ramp 4 is arranged on the body of water bed 3, which extends, in particular, diagonally away from the body of water bed. Behind the ramp 4, the body of water bed 3 slopes down with a step 5 to the bottom 6 of a stilling basin 7.

[0082] The stilling basin 7 can be raised again to an upper level of the waterbed 3 with a further step 8. With such an arrangement, the formation of a surfable wave 9 is possible if the water speed is sufficient. To regulate the water flow in this case, a bypass (not shown) can be provided parallel to the body of water 2, particularly in the form of a channel, with an adjustable flow resistance designed to guide a portion of the water 2 past the device 1.

[0083] In particular, the formation of the surfable wave 9 is achieved with a gate 10. The gate 10 is arranged essentially transversely to the flow direction (S) in the body of water 2, with the water flowing beneath the gate, thereby achieving a higher flow velocity. The gate reduces a first water level 11 to a second, lower water level 12. The flow velocities achievable with a gate 10 are higher than those of conventional weirs.

[0084] The gate 10 serves to convert the outflow from a flowing to a shooting flow movement and thus serves to transition the flow state from a Froude number with a value less than 1 to a Froude number with a value greater than 1.

[0085] The distance of the contactor 10 to the ramp 4 is preferably chosen so that there is enough space for a surfer and in particular 1.5 to 5 m, in particular 2 to 4 m. In comparison to known embodiments in Figure 1 This allows surfers to ride a significantly higher section of the wave without dipping the tip of their surfboard into the rushing water on the ramp of traditional surfboards. Surfers can also use significantly larger surfboards with more buoyancy, comparable to those used for surfing at sea.

[0086] It can be seen that the required gradient or the required level difference in the method according to the invention and in the device according to the invention ( Figure 2 ) compared to the state of the art ( Figure 1 ) is significantly lower, so that the equipment required is reduced.

[0087] In Figure 3A stilling basin 7 is shown schematically, with step 5 and ramp 4 located in the area of ​​step 5.

[0088] The ramp 4 is shown only in a highly schematic manner; it may also be a ramp 4 located on the waterbed 3, which may, for example, also be made of concrete and, in particular, may also have a concave side facing the current.

[0089] One can see how the ramp 4 deflects the water 2 upwards, forming a wave 9. The solid lines 13 show the course of the wave 9 as it would normally occur, with the water flowing into the stilling basin 7 according to line 14.

[0090] Surprisingly, it has been found that if a flow body 15 is arranged in the stilling basin 7 according to the invention, the wave 9 can be constructed even better. The course of the wave 9 with the flow body 15 according to the invention is indicated by the broken line 16, with the water in the wave flowing into the stilling basin according to the broken line 17.

[0091] The flow body 15 is arranged such that the water flowing along the flow path 17 impinges on the flow body 15 as perpendicularly as possible. This clearly results in a lifting of the wave 9.

[0092] For this purpose, the flow body 15 has a front flank 18 in the flow direction (S), which is inclined towards the stilling basin bottom 6. The inclination is adjusted according to the flow path of the impinging water and can be between approximately 20° and 45°.

[0093] The flow body 15 can extend over the entire width of the stilling basin 7, but if the wave is to be modulated only in a central area, for example, the flow body can also fall down to the edge of the stilling basin bottom 6.

[0094] The flow body 15 can be mounted on the stilling basin base 6 and can theoretically also be detachable and thus replaceable. Furthermore, however, the flow body 15 can also be integrally connected to the stilling basin base 6 or be formed by the stilling basin base 6.

[0095] In Figures 4 and 5 The arrangement of one embodiment of a gate 10 is shown. The gate 10 is shown here on the waterbed 3 at a distance from the ramp 4; otherwise, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0096] In this embodiment, the gate 10 extends from a first bank 20 bordering the body of water 2 to an opposite bank 21 bordering the body of water 2.

[0097] The banks 20, 21 can be natural embankments, but the body of water can also be a canalized flowing water, in which case the banks 20, 21 are formed as essentially vertical walls. It is essential for the banks to be able to laterally close off the body of water 2 in such a way that the water flow path is maintained over the entire length of the device 1.

[0098] The gate 10 has a first gate base plate 22. The gate base plate 22 preferably extends across the entire width of the body of water 2 between the first bank 20 and the second bank 21. In the case of a body of water 2 with a limited width, the gate base plate 22 can rest on the banks 20, 21 and be attached there, or can be attached to the banks 20, 21 and span the body of water. If the body of water is sufficiently wide between the banks 20, 21, the gate base plate 22 can be elevated on the body of water bed 3 by support columns 23. The support columns 23 extend from the body of water bed 3 upwards to the gate base plate 22 and are connected both to the body of water bed and to the gate base plate 22.

[0099] In cross-section, the support columns 23 can be round or as in Figure 4shown, be oval in shape and preferably have a cross-section that keeps the turbulence of the water behind it in the direction of flow as low as possible.

[0100] On a front edge 24 of the gate base plate 22, screen bars 25 can extend from the front edge 24 to the waterbed 3, forming a screen 26 that prevents larger objects carried in the current from entering the system or device 1 and damaging it. The screen bars 25 can, in particular, be arranged at an angle from the front edge 24 to the waterbed 3. To prevent blockages, the screen bars can be lifted out of the water by means of a joint outside of the shaft's operating hours.

[0101] A trailing edge 27 is formed on the contactor base plate 22 opposite the leading edge 24 in the direction of flow.

[0102] Leading edge 25 and trailing edge 27 preferably run substantially parallel to each other and transverse to the flow.

[0103] Between the front edge 24 and the rear edge 27, the gate base plate 22 can be inclined such that the front edge 24 is higher, i.e., at a greater distance from the waterbed 3, than the rear edge 27 of the gate base plate 22. This inclination lowers the level 11 of the body of water 2 in front of the gate 10 to a level 12, which essentially corresponds to the height of the rear edge 27 relative to the waterbed 3. In other words, the accumulating surge water is dammed by the gate base plate 22 above the level of the upstream water level when the gate valves are dammed.

[0104] Along the trailing edge 27, gate valves 28 are arranged on the gate 10 or on the gate base plate 22. Depending on the width of the body of water 2 and thus also the length of the gate base plate 22 between the banks 20, 21, one gate valve 28 or a plurality of gate valves 28 can be provided. The one gate valve or the several gate valves 28 are pivotably mounted on the gate base plate 22 by means of a joint 29.

[0105] The pivotability is ensured in such a way that a front-flow edge 30 of the gate valves is connected to the joint 29, and a rear edge 31, which is remote from the front edge 30 in the flow direction, can be pivoted toward and away from the waterbed 3. In this case, the gate valve 28 or the gate valves 28 can also be raised above the level of the rear edge 27, where the gate valves 28 do not submerge in the water or do not constrict the flow cross-section any more than the gate base plate 22 does.

[0106] However, with the gate valves 28, in particular with the trailing edge 31, the flow area for the water can be further reduced and, in particular, by means of the water bed 3, the banks 20, 21 and the trailing edge 31, it can be reduced to such an extent that a level 19 can be achieved at which the flow velocity is further increased. This can be seen from the corresponding broken lines in Figure 5 that this manipulation can achieve a higher wave 9.

[0107] If several contactor flaps 28 are present, these can preferably be controlled differently, which is possible by a coaxial arrangement of hollow or solid shafts along the front edges 30, so that each contactor flap 28 has its own hollow or solid shaft.

[0108] The actuating mechanisms for the contact flaps 28 are preferably located in the area outside the water.

[0109] In order to prevent the water 2 from being dammed up too much and overflowing the front edge 24 of the gate base plate when the flaps are lowered and the flow velocity is high, a bypass can be provided, as already explained, with which the level 11 of the water body 2 in front of the gate can be adjusted in an emergency if a discharge appears necessary due to high water quantities caused by weather conditions.

[0110] One or more gate flaps 28, and in particular the center gate flap 28, can be designed as a displacement body 32. The displacement body can cause the water to be more strongly dammed in this area, creating an effect also known from the marine sector: where a displacement vessel, e.g., a pleasure craft, moves through the water, a higher stern wave builds up behind the displacement vessel than at the sides. This allows wave 9 to be locally manipulated.

[0111] In Figure 5one can also see the ramp 4, which in this case is formed in one piece or integrally with the water bed 3.

[0112] It should be noted that the waterbed 3 can be a natural waterbed or an artificial waterbed, or the waterbed 3 can be a reinforced waterbed 3, for example, made of concrete or the like, only in the area of ​​the device 1. This does not preclude the waterbed from being naturally formed upstream and downstream of the device 1.

[0113] Ramp 4 is designed such that a front control surface 33 extends from the waterbed 3 into the ramp and extends to a ramp crest 34. The control surface 33 has a concave cross-section. From the ramp crest 34, ramp 4 slopes down into the stilling basin with step 5 and is also aligned with step 5.

[0114] The control surface 33 can be designed to be flat, inclined, concave or brachistochronously curved in order to ensure a flow-optimized transition from the waterbed 3 to the ramp 4.

[0115] To generate a wave in this embodiment, flat inclined ramps 4 or, especially, ramps 4 with a brachistochronous curve profile can be used to transition the Froude number from <1 to >1. A brachistochronous curve accelerates the water faster than a flat inclined ramp, which allows a shorter section to be used to accelerate the water than is the case with a flat inclined ramp, especially with large height differences between the upper and lower waters (wave bottom 3 in front of the ramp and the stilling basin bottom 6).

[0116] Nevertheless, the ramp can also be offset slightly forwards compared to step 5 and, furthermore, the illustration is not to scale, so that the ramp 4 can be significantly larger overall and can also be significantly further away from the contactor 10. Instead of a Figure 5 With the spoiler-like design shown, the ramp 4 can also be significantly higher, so that the ramp crown 34 has a greater distance from the water bottom 3 and thus the control surface 33 is also significantly enlarged.

[0117] In the stilling basin 7, the flow body 15 is formed integrally with the stilling basin floor 6. Here, too, the front flank 18 of the flow body 15 has a slope that causes a water flow flowing down from the wave to strike it essentially perpendicularly. A rear flank 35 of the flow body 15 is formed steeper and slopes downwards toward the stilling basin floor 6.

[0118] In Figures 7 - 9the displacement body 32 is shown more clearly instead of one of the contact flaps 28, wherein this is box-shaped and consists of a flat wall 35 which projects with the trailing edge 31 from the contact flap 28, pointing away from a point of contact with the water, and from this end wall 35 two side walls 36 extend in the direction of the front edge, wherein these side walls 36 can taper towards the front edge 30 and ensure that the displacement body cannot be flooded laterally.

[0119] The resulting flow pattern is in Figure 8 It is obvious that the displacement body is immersed deeper into the water and is thereby surrounded by the flow. The water flowing under the displacement body 32 is accelerated more strongly and leads according to Figure 9 to an elevation of shaft 9 in the area of ​​the displacement body.

[0120] In a further advantageous embodiment ( Figures 10, 11 ) the basic structure is identical, but in the area of ​​the gate 10 the water bed 3 is formed with a section 37 in which the gradient is greater than in the area of ​​the remaining water bed 3.

[0121] Viewed in the flow direction S, the section 37 has an extension that is slightly smaller than the extension in the flow direction s of the contactor 10 from the front edge 24 of the contactor base plate 22 to the rear edge 31 of the contactor flap 28. Preferably, the section 37 begins in front of the support columns 23 and ends a small amount downstream of the rear edge 31.

[0122] By arranging section 37 on the water bed 3 below the gate 10, further acceleration can be achieved in this area, particularly in conjunction with the gate valves 28, so that water accumulated in front of the gate 10 can flow away more easily.

[0123] In yet another embodiment ( Figures 12, 13 ), the gate (10) is mounted on a dam element 38. The dam element 38 rises from the waterbed 3 with a front wall 39, which merges into a plateau 40 having a gradient corresponding to the waterbed 3 or no gradient at all. In the flow direction S, the dam element 38 forms a separation edge 42 at a rear edge 41, which runs transversely to the flow direction, and then merges with a convexly curved rear wall 43 into a waterbed section 3, which may be lower in level than the waterbed 3 in front of the dam element (38). This waterbed section 3 then merges into the ramp 4, as already described. This embodiment is also used in particular for the adaptation of existing weirs.

[0124] In a modification of the previous embodiments, the gate 10 has a gate base plate 22, which runs parallel to the plateau 40 of the wall element 38 and thus does not significantly narrow the flow path or only narrows it with a bevel 44. The bevel 44 runs from the front edge 24 toward the plateau.

[0125] The joint 29 between the gate base plate 22 and the gate flaps 28 is located behind the separation edge 42 in the flow direction S, so that a trailing edge 31 of the gate flap 28 is arranged in the region of the concave rear wall 43 or can be pivoted onto the rear wall 43. This combines the effect of the gate flap 28 with a steep gradient.

[0126] To modulate the wave 9, particularly in the central area, a displacement mechanism 45 is arranged in front of the ramp 4 on the waterbed 3. This mechanism ( Figure 14) has a base frame 46, which is mounted on the waterbed 3. This comprises, for example, two supports 46, which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of flow and have a common pivot shaft 47 in the area furthest from the waterbed 3.

[0127] A pivot arm 48 is arranged on each pivot shaft 47, spaced apart from the support structure 46. The pivot arms 48 extend from the pivot shaft 47 to a displacement plate 49, on which they are arranged on top. The displacement plate 49 has an extension transverse to the flow direction S, which extends laterally beyond the support structure 46 and the pivot arms 48.

[0128] The displacement plate 49 can be approximately rectangular in shape, with a rear edge 50 facing the support structure 46, two side edges 51, and a front edge 52. The front edge 52 can widen the displacement plate, tapering towards the center of the displacement plate 49. A displacement body 53 is arranged below the displacement plate 49, which has an extension transverse to the flow direction that is smaller than the displacement plate and, in particular, extends from one pivot arm to the other on the underside.

[0129] The displacement body has side walls 54 spaced from the side edges 51 and a front wall 55 directed against the current, which can also extend in the middle to a protruding edge 56, similar to a ship's bow. If the displacement plate 49 is lowered to the waterbed with the pivot arms 48 and the pivot shaft 47, it positions itself at an angle to the waterbed in the current, thereby acting like a gate valve or additional gate valve in its area and leading to a partial elevation of the shaft 9.

[0130] In Figure 15The three described embodiments are shown arranged one behind the other in a natural or artificial body of water. This illustrates the differences between the embodiments; however, it is also clear that the stilling basin floor 6 of the stilling basin 7 of the rightmost embodiment is significantly deeper than the stilling basin floor 6 of the stilling basin 7 of the leftmost embodiment, so that it would be possible to create three surfable waves in one body of water using only the naturally occurring current. The different embodiments take into account the reduction in current caused by the previous devices 1 and can also cope with lower currents by incorporating the various modifications to the body of water floor 3.

[0131] The advantage of the invention is that with a comparatively low expenditure on equipment, which is also very easy to maintain, a well-controlled, surfable wave is achieved, which is very high.

Claims

1. Device for generating a standing surfable wave (9), the device (1) being designed in the manner of a channel with two flow-limiting side walls (20, 21) and a body of water (3) arranged therebetween, the body of water (3) being deepened by a step (5) to form a stilling basin (7) and the body of water (6) being arranged below the level of the body of water (3), a ramp (4) being formed on the body of water (3) in front of the stilling basin (7) in the direction of flow (S), said ramp extending away from the body of water (3), and a ramp-like flow body (15) being formed on the stilling basin (7) on the body of water (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that To regulate the water quantity and / or the flow rate, a gate (10) or a bypass for guiding water past the ramp and the stilling basin (7) or a gate (10) and a bypass are arranged in front of the ramp (4).

3. Device according to 2, characterized in that the gate (10) is arranged substantially transversely to the flow direction (S) in the body of water (2), wherein the distance of the gate (10) to the ramp (4) is set such that it is preferably 1.5 - 5 m, in particular 2 - 4 m.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow body (15) in the stilling basin (7) is arranged such that water which flows over the ramp (4) and forms the wave (9) strikes the flow body (15) essentially vertically, in particular at an angle of 90° ± 25°, or that the flow body (15) is designed like a ramp and has a front flank (18) in the flow direction (S) which is inclined towards the stilling basin bottom (6), the inclination being set according to the flow course of the impinging water and in particular lying between 15 and 55°, in particular 20 and 45°.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe flow body (15) extends over a partial width of the stilling basin (7) or the entire width of the stilling basin (7) or falls down to the side walls (20, 21) bordering the stilling basin to the stilling basin bottom (6).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ramp (4) has a control surface (33) at the front in the direction of flow, wherein the control surface (33) runs from a water bottom (3) to a ramp crest (34) as a flat surface or at least partially concave and in particular brachistochronously curved, or that the ramp is arranged such that the ramp crest (34) is aligned with a step (5) with which the water bottom (3) deepens towards the stilling basin (7).

7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in thatthe gate (10) is designed as a flap gate, wherein gate flaps (28) are provided which can be pivoted towards a surface (11) of a body of water (2) and pivoted into the body of water (2) in order to limit the effective flow cross-section of the body of water from the bottom (3) of the body of water to free trailing edges (31) of the gate flap (28).

8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in thatthe gate (10) has a gate base plate (22), on the rear edge (27) of which in the direction of flow (S) one or more gate flaps (28) are arranged in an articulated and pivotable manner, or that one gate flap (28) or a plurality of gate flaps (28) are arranged in particular so as to be individually actuable and pivotable, wherein the gate base plate (22) is placed on the banks (20, 21) extending transversely to the direction of flow (S) across the body of water (2) or is arranged between these banks or is supported on the body of water bed (3) by means of support columns (23) or is placed on the banks (20, 21) or is arranged between these banks and is supported on the body of water bed (3).

9. Device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in thatone or more gate valves (28) and in particular a central gate valve (28) is designed as a displacement body (32) with which the water displacement can be increased in this area, wherein the gate (10) preferably runs with its gate base plate (22) parallel to the plateau (40) of the wall element (38) and the gate valves (28) are preferably arranged such that they act with their rear edge (31) on the body of water (2) behind the separation edge (42) in the area of ​​the concave rear wall (43).

10. Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in thatin the area of ​​the gate (10), the waterbed (3) is formed with a section (37) in which the gradient is greater than in the area of ​​the remaining waterbed (3) in front of and behind the gate, or in that the gate (10) is raised on a embankment element (38) which is formed by the waterbed, wherein the embankment element (38) rises a little above the waterbed (3) with a front wall (39) which merges into a plateau (4) on which the gate (10) is raised or runs over the gate (10), wherein the plateau (40) has a gradient corresponding to the waterbed (3) or no gradient, wherein in the flow direction (S), the embankment element (38) forms a separation edge (42) on a rear edge (41) which runs transversely to the flow direction (S) and with a concavely curved rear wall (43) into a waterbed section (3) which can be lower in level than the water bed (3) in front of the wall element (38).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in front of the ramp (4) on the water bed (3) a further displacement mechanism (45) is arranged which is connected to the water bed (3), the displacement mechanism (45) having a displacement body (54 + 55) which can be placed in the flow and which, in order to avoid being washed over by surge water, has a displacement plate (49) which projects significantly beyond the body and drops down with a gradient towards the side facing away from the flow.

12. A method for generating a surfable wave, wherein in a section of a natural or artificial body of water, such as a river, stream, or canal, a ramp (4) is arranged on a canal bottom (3) substantially transversely to the direction of flow, which ramp piles up water to form a wave, wherein a stilling basin is provided behind the ramp in the direction of flow, which stilling basin has a stilling basin bottom (6) which is arranged in front of the ramp (4) lower than the body of water bottom (3), wherein, to modulate the wave (9), in an area where the water flows into the stilling basin, a flow body is arranged such that the water impacts perpendicularly onto a front flank (18) of the flow body (15), or that, to regulate the water quantity or to regulate the speed of the water flowing over the ramp (4), or to regulate the water quantity and the speed of the water flowing over the ramp (4), the water is directed upstream of the ramp via a bypass,which runs past the ramp and the stilling basin, or the water quantity and water speed are regulated by a gate (10) which is arranged in front of the ramp, or a bypass and a gate (10) are arranged.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that with the gate (10) the effective flow cross-section of the water between the banks (20, 21) and the water bed (3) on the one hand and an edge (31) of the gate (10) is adjusted, wherein with the gate the water flow is preferably changed from a flowing to a shooting flow movement and the transition is preferably changed from a Froude number with a value less than 1 to a Froude number with a value greater than 1.

14. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in thatthe distance of the gate (10) to the ramp (4), in particular the effective rear edge (31) of the gate (10) to the ramp (4) is set at 1.5 - 5 m, in particular 2 - 4 m, or that the inclination of the front flank (18) of the flow body (15) is fixed or variably adjustable, the inclination being set to 15 - 55°, in particular 20 and 45°, according to the flow pattern of the water.

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in thata gate is used with a gate base plate (22) and a gate flap (28) hinged to a rear edge (27) of the gate base plate (22), the gate flap (28) having an edge (31) that can be pivoted onto the body of water (2) and into the body of water (2), the gate base plate (22) being designed to be inclined parallel to the body of water bed or in the direction of flow to the body of water bed (3) so that the accumulating surge water is dammed above the level of the upstream water level by the gate base plate (22) when the gate flaps are dammed, or the ramp (4) directs the incoming water with a control surface (33) located at the front in the direction of flow, the control surface (33) being curved from a body of water bed (3) to a ramp crest (34) as a flat surface or at least in some areas concave and in particular brachistochronously.

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