Wave generator with on-board autonomy

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wave generators, and in particular to wave balls, placed in basins to create movement in the liquid, and especially on its surface. More specifically, the invention relates to such generators with integrated energy autonomy. State of the art

[0002] Wave generators are used for a variety of purposes, such as sea survival training in realistic conditions, wave creation at water parks, and wave reproduction in natural environments for scientific studies or film production, among others. Wave generation encompasses diverse fields, and generators are constantly evolving to facilitate their use and installation, and to produce the most controlled waves possible with minimal energy consumption.

[0003] Document BE1010674A3 discloses a wave-generating system for the surface of a liquid, in the form of a fully mechanical sphere, comprising two bodies movable relative to each other and connected by a hydraulic device. The hydraulic device includes a chamber in which a piston moves, and the fluid supply to the hydraulic device is provided by means of a system not fixed to the sphere and connected to it by a pipe. The system also includes means for controlling the hydraulic device, including various sensors such as an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, or a pressure gauge coupled to the wave sphere to determine the variation in the sphere's motion relative to the liquid.

[0004] Document EP0521884B1 discloses a wave-generating system comprising two bodies, one of which moves inside the other. The system also includes a control system that receives a set of signals, via various types of sensors, to regulate the power supply to a motor (e.g., with a connecting rod / crank mechanism). The system can evaluate the wave amplitude and measure the displacement of the bodies relative to each other. In this way, the system synchronizes the movement of the bodies with the wave motion by regulating the motor.

[0005] A control system includes a phase control unit and a velocity control unit. It may also include a unit to modify the desired phase difference and velocity values ​​in order to change the wave motion pattern or move the device on the water's surface (by creating variations in phase difference). The control system can be located within the wave generator or externally, communicating with the sphere via radio waves to receive signals from the various sensors.

[0006] The wave generator can be powered by batteries or solar energy and may include a rechargeable battery, which can be recharged by a current passing through a magnetic coupling. Objectives of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular to provide a wave generator with on-board energy autonomy, which is autonomous, efficient and intelligent in order to optimize its consumption (an “ecological” system) and to self-manage its recharging.

[0008] The main objective of the invention is to provide high-quality waves in the most autonomous way possible. The fact that the wave generator is battery-powered greatly facilitates its placement in pools, while also introducing new challenges, such as minimizing energy consumption to avoid frequent recharging. Through real-time analysis of a range of parameters, wave generation can be optimized to ensure lower energy consumption. This also allows for a configuration that aligns with the broader issue of energy conservation and reduces the operating costs of such a wave generator.

[0009] A second objective of the invention is that the generator can recharge itself autonomously, with limited or no user intervention. In this way, wave generation is guaranteed without necessarily requiring human intervention.

[0010] The present invention also aims to offer various solutions for recharging the wave generator, whether on or off the water, autonomously or semi-autonomously.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide an interface for communication with the user, enabling them to specify the desired wave type and for the system to provide maintenance and troubleshooting information. The interface also allows the machine to be controlled and programmed.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide an easy-to-implement solution for any type of pool, without requiring a wired connection, special construction work, or a machine room. The invention must offer a quick and easy-to-implement solution, both in terms of installation and dismantling, and be ready to use immediately. Main characteristic elements of the invention

[0013] The present invention discloses an autonomous and intelligent wave generation system for creating a controlled wave on a liquid surface, said system comprising a wave generator including: an external body acting as an envelope surrounding an internal body; an internal body displacement device configured to make the internal body oscillate inside the external body in order to transmit energy to the liquid and thus create a wave; an on-board energy autonomy intended to provide energy to the displacement device; on-board electronics equipped with a set of sensors intended to carry out measurements in order in particular to characterize the wave as well as the position of the wave generator relative to the wave, capable of receiving information from the set of sensors; as well as : a controller, said controller being either onboard on the wave generator or externalized, and in communication with the onboard electronics for the regulation of the wave generator, in order to optimize the consumption of the wave generator and to self-manage its recharging autonomously, thanks to the real-time analysis of the information from all the sensors; means of communication between the generator and a user interface allowing bidirectional exchanges between the generator and the user, so that the latter can communicate the desired wave characteristics but also so that the generator can provide the user with information on the status of the device, in particular on the remaining capacity of the onboard autonomy, as well as maintenance or troubleshooting information.means for recharging the on-board autonomy, said means being in use on said liquid surface near the wave generator (1) or outside the liquid surface.

[0014] According to specific embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features: The on-board electronics include a control system, whether on-board or not, that calculates the required speed to be transmitted to the internal body's displacement device in order to subtract or increase the energy transmitted to the wave; the displacement device includes a motorization system activating a connecting rod-crank system to move the internal body; the wave generation system includes a return system connecting the wave generator to one or more ballasts or to one or more walls of the basin; the wave generation system includes a controlled positioning system with generator position tracking, comprising positioning beacons to determine the position of the wave generator and at least one thruster to move the generator to the desired position;The sensors are of the temperature sensor and accelerometer type, and in that a crank position sensor of the connecting rod-crank system and an on-board accelerometer allow the oscillation frequency of the generator to be measured as well as the amplitude of the wave; the motorization system is a motor passing through four dials, two of which act as energy generators by returning energy to the system, the system being designed to recover this energy and store it for use in the next cycle; the means of recharging the on-board energy battery operate either by contact or by induction, the on-board battery remaining in place in the wave generator during recharging;The means for recharging the on-board battery include a power source for recharging and a charger unit enabling the transfer of energy by contact or induction from the power source to the on-board battery, said charger unit being connected to the power source by a charging cable, and in that the on-board battery includes a receiving unit for energy transfer, the charger unit being connected by contact or induction to the receiving unit so as to transfer energy from the power source to the on-board battery during charging; the connection of the charger unit to the receiving unit can be made in several ways: either using a charging pole; or using a mobile charging vehicle, such as a nautical or aerial drone;either by autonomous movement of the generator to a charging station thanks to automatic and regulated control of its position; the pole is height-adjustable and tiltable; the mobile vehicle is remote-controlled and includes a propulsion and positioning system to move to the designated charging position; the wave generation system includes a remote automatic safety shutdown of the wave generator; the wave generator is equipped with water presence sensors to automatically stop its operation if water enters the generator; the onboard power unit is equipped with a sensor linked to its attachments to the generator to automatically stop the operation of the wave generator if the onboard power unit becomes detached from its attachments;The generator can communicate intelligently with one or more other wave generators; this communication between generators within the same basin allows them to be synchronized, or their movements to be arranged so as to have an optimal wave output with less and optimized energy; a communication system between the user and a maintenance service is provided to ensure remote service. Brief description of the figures

[0015] There figure 1 This represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a wave generator according to the present invention. This wave generator comprises a positioning system equipped with a return device connecting it to a ballast.

[0016] There figure 2 represents a cross-sectional view of another example of a wave generator according to the present invention, comprising a controlled positioning system.

[0017] There figure 3This represents a cross-sectional view of an example of a wave generator according to the present invention, in the charging position. Charging is carried out using a pole to position either the contact or the inductor of the charging element.

[0018] There figure 4 represents a cross-sectional view of an example of a wave generator according to the present invention, in the charging position. In this case, the charging system is a mobile system, of the nautical drone type. List of reference symbols

[0019] 1: Wave generator 2: Outer body (external casing) 3: Movable inner body 4: Internal body movement device 41: Crank-connecting rod system drive system 42: Crank-connecting rod system 43: Springs 44: Central axis 5: Onboard battery 6: Onboard electronics 7: Sensors 8: User interface 9: Ballast 10: Return system 11: Positioning beacon for the piloted positioning system 12: Propellant for the piloted positioning system 13: Charging cable 14: Power source for charging 15: Platform supporting the contact or induction charging section of battery 5 16: Charging receiver section for the onboard battery 17: Pole 18: Alignment system for the generator and charging system 19: Remotely controlled drone with propellant and positioning system 20: Radio communication Detailed description of the invention

[0020] The present invention relates to a wave generation system intended to create movement on the surface of a liquid (for example, in a basin). An example of a wave generation system according to the invention is illustrated in the figure. Figure 1The system comprises a wave generator 1 situated in a liquid. The wave generator 1 includes an external body 2 acting as a casing and an internal body 3, the internal body 3 being located inside the external body 2. The internal body 3 is mobile and acts as a gravitational mass that rises and falls inside the external body 2 at a certain frequency, thereby transferring energy to the liquid to create a wave within it. The generator 1 according to the present invention is floating and is not necessarily attached to a wall of the basin in which it is located. However, in certain cases, it can be held in a fixed position (see section "Positioning the wave generator" below).

[0021] The wave generator 1 of the present invention includes a displacement device 4 for the internal body 3, to oscillate it inside the external body 2. The displacement device 4 may include, for example, as illustrated in the Figure 1 A drive system 41 activates a connecting rod-crank system 42, which sets the internal body 3 in motion (represented in this case, for example, as a movable plate). The movement of the internal body 3 is amplified by springs 43 and guided by a central axis 44.

[0022] An onboard energy storage system 5, in other words, onboard energy capacities such as a battery, is included in the wave generator 1 to provide the necessary energy to the propulsion device 4. Alternatively, the battery can be advantageously replaced by a self-contained energy storage system (flywheel). Throughout this description, "onboard" means that the device in question, here the energy storage system, is located on the wave generator 1 situated in the liquid (whether inside the external body 2 or attached to its exterior).

[0023] As explained previously, having onboard autonomy offers numerous advantages, primarily the absence of a permanent wired connection to the wave generator. However, this also creates the need to minimize the generator's energy consumption to avoid excessively frequent recharging. Furthermore, it is desirable for the generator to be able to recharge autonomously, without user intervention. Wave generator positioning

[0024] In order to remain in a fixed position in the basin, the wave generator 1 can include different types of positioning systems.

[0025] As depicted on the Figure 1The wave generator 1 may include a return system 10 (for example, a spring, an elastic band, etc.) connecting it either to one or more ballast 9 or to one or more walls of the pool. In this case, the return system 10 allows the wave generator 1 to remain close to its initially fixed position if it moves away.

[0026] Otherwise, as depicted on the Figure 2The wave generator 1 may include a controlled positioning system with generator position tracking (e.g., GPS, radio beacons, or other). This controlled positioning system includes, on the one hand, positioning beacons 11 for determining the position of the generator 1 in the basin, and on the other hand, at least one thruster 12 for guiding the generator 1. The thruster(s) use, for example, electric motors equipped with propellers or a reaction system that pumps and expels water to maintain / move the generator 1 to the desired position. In this way, the generator 1 of the present invention is advantageously anchored "virtually" to a location in the basin, thanks to its position, which is constantly known using the positioning beacons and corrected by the microprocessor that controls the thruster 12 to guide the generator 1 in the water. Consumption optimization

[0027] For the purpose of optimizing energy consumption, the wave generator 1 according to the present invention is self-contained and includes an onboard controller that characterizes the wave, determines the relative position of the generator 1 with respect to the wave, and optimizes energy transfer for minimal energy consumption (or mechanical losses). In particular, onboard electronics 6 are provided, equipped with a set of sensors 7, also onboard, to determine the characteristics of the wave and the relative position of the generator 1 with respect to this wave. The onboard electronics 6 communicates with a controller comprising a regulation system. The controller may be integrated onto the wave generator 1 or externalized.

[0028] The sensors 7 are preferably of the temperature sensor and accelerometer type. Furthermore, a crank position sensor for the connecting rod-crank system 42 and an onboard accelerometer allow for the measurement of the oscillation frequency of the generator 1 as well as the wave amplitude. The control system includes a control algorithm, either integrated or external, which calculates the required speed setpoint to be transmitted to the internal body 3's displacement device 4 (and more specifically to, for example, the motor 41) in order to subtract or increase the energy transmitted to the wave. The algorithm uses a control mechanism that allows for the correction of the relevant parameters via a PID controller specifically adapted and optimized for regulating the wave generator 1. To achieve this, the control system consists of several nested loops.

[0029] In this way, the controller manages the regulation system of the displacement device 4, which controls the oscillation of the internal body 3 to generate waves in an optimized manner, namely by transmitting energy to the liquid at the best time (synchronization). Knowing the relative position of the generator 1 with respect to the wave allows for optimized energy transfer to achieve minimal consumption. In fact, thanks to the devices described above, the precision of the control of the oscillation of the internal body 3 is such that energy is transmitted only to the resonant mode that must be excited to create the wave, thus avoiding wasting energy by transmitting it to certain unwanted oscillation modes.

[0030] Ideally, the robot's shape will be optimized not only to accommodate the batteries but also to maximize energy transfer. Particular attention is paid to both the mechanical aspects and the control system. The goal is to achieve very low energy consumption by minimizing mechanical losses and implementing a control system that promotes energy efficiency.

[0031] Preferably, the motor 41 also passes through four dials, two of which can potentially act as energy generators by returning energy to the system. Rather than wasting this energy, the system is designed to recover and reuse it for the next cycle. In this case, a device using supercapacitors or batteries will store the energy for reuse in subsequent cycles.

[0032] Optimizing consumption and the regulation system via controller 6 makes it possible to credibly develop such a generator 1 with an onboard autonomy 5. Loading

[0033] The generator 1 according to the present invention can recharge itself autonomously and wave generation is guaranteed without necessarily requiring user intervention.

[0034] The main problem to be solved for the wave generator 1 with onboard power supply 5 concerns the charging system when the generator 1 is in the water. The onboard power supply 5 can be recharged either by contact or by induction. In all cases, the onboard power supply 5 preferably remains in place within the generator 1. The means for recharging the onboard power supply 5 include a charging power source 14, as well as a charger unit enabling the transfer of energy by contact or induction from the power source 14 to the onboard power supply 5. The charger unit is connected to the power source 14 by a charging cable 13 and preferably supported by a charging platform 15. The power source 14 and the charger unit are located outside the liquid and are independent of the wave generator 1, which is located in the liquid.The on-board autonomy includes a receiving part 16 for energy transfer, preferably fixed on the outer shell 2 of the wave generator 1. During charging, it is necessary to be able to connect the charger part with the receiving part 16 to allow the transfer of energy from the energy source 14 to the batteries 5.

[0035] To connect the charger part to the receiver part 16 of the wave generator 1, several means can be considered.

[0036] The user will either be notified via interface 8 connected to controller 6 that generator 1 needs recharging, and can then recharge generator 1 by moving it to a charging station containing a power source for recharging 14, or by using a recharging pole 17 which they will place on generator 1, which will remain in place in the basin. As illustrated in the Figure 3A pole 17 can be used to position either the contact or the inductor for charging. The pole 17 is height-adjustable and tiltable. A charging cable 13 connects the charger unit to the charging power source 14.

[0037] Either generator 1 will move on its own to a charging station, located for example at the edge of the pool, and charge itself, thus autonomously. This option is feasible if wave generator 1 is equipped with automatic and regulated position control, for autonomous connection.

[0038] Alternatively, a mobile charging vehicle 19 (such as a nautical or aerial drone, etc.) can be moved to the generator 1 so that the latter can remain in place in the basin. The mobile vehicle 19 carries with it the connector or transmitter for induction, which is connected by a cable 13 to the charging power source 14. It can move to a position determined by the controller to perform the charging operation. The mobile vehicle 19 is remotely controlled and includes a propulsion system and positioning system to move to the designated charging position. Safety of the onboard autonomy system

[0039] The wave generation system of the present invention preferably includes a remote automatic safety shut-off, including battery protection. Indeed, the onboard power supply 5 must comply with the safety standards imposed in swimming pools and aquatic basins. The electrical voltage at the terminals of the energy storage system will therefore not exceed the values ​​recommended for the intended applications. The wave generator 1 can be equipped with water presence sensors so as to automatically shut off the wave generator 1 in the event of water ingress. Furthermore, the onboard power supply 5 is preferably equipped with a sensor attached to its mountings so as to automatically shut off the wave generator 1 if the onboard power supply 5 becomes detached from its mountings. Communication

[0040] Wave generator 1 includes a communication system 20, preferably radio, and is capable of communicating remotely with the user by messages (user instructions) and diagnostics (information on wave usage / statistics, battery charge level).

[0041] Preferably, a user interface 8 is provided so that bidirectional exchanges can take place between the wave generation system and the user, so that the user can characterize the type of waves desired but also so that the system can provide the user with maintenance or troubleshooting information.

[0042] Thanks to this interface 8, communication is therefore made possible between the user and the wave generator 1.

[0043] The user will be able to interact with generator 1, for example, to modify its settings (generating different types of waves with varying amplitudes), according to their requirements. Interface 8 will also display various information related to wave usage (characterization, statistics, etc.), as well as information about the status of generator 1, such as its parameters, battery charge level, maintenance, and diagnostics if an error occurs. The sensors 7 in generator 1 communicate information to the user interface 8 via the controller, for example, using a radio wave communication protocol familiar to those skilled in the art (Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi protocols, for example, depending on the requirements).

[0044] Communication can take place on a console designed for this purpose. The user will be able to remotely control the robot and request information or give instructions regarding the use of generator 1. The console with its application is preferably a user-friendly "end-user" system widely available on the market, therefore of a type well known to the professional and the user (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.).

[0045] An optional additional communication system between the user and a maintenance service could be advantageously provided to ensure remote service, particularly useful for fault diagnosis and troubleshooting.

[0046] In an advantageous implementation mode, generator 1 can communicate with one or more other generators. This intelligent communication between generators within the same basin allows them to be synchronized, or their movements to be coordinated in such a way as to obtain an optimal wave output with less and optimized energy. Benefits

[0047] Thanks to its integrated power supply, the wave generation system is easy to implement in any type of pool, without requiring a wired connection, major construction work, or a machine room. The invention offers a quick and ready-to-use solution. Installation is simple, as the generator is placed in the water and communicates directly to the controller via radio signal. It is a ready-to-use product, operational in just a few hours. The system is user-friendly and safe due to the absence of cables in the water and the elimination of a bulky and noisy machine room beneath the pool. Only one adhesive anchor point is required.

[0048] The generator according to the present invention has been developed to consume minimal energy while achieving exceptional wave quality. It is self-contained, with an onboard controller that allows the system to measure the wave, determine its position relative to the wave, and optimize energy transfer for minimal energy consumption. This precise wave control thus guarantees a high-quality wave.

[0049] It allows for the production of waves in all types of pools, such as training pools or public swimming pools. The type of waves depends on the intended use (wellness, training, leisure, cinema, etc.).

Claims

1. An autonomous, intelligent system for generating waves, intended to create a controlled wave on a liquid surface, said system comprising a wave generator (1) comprising: - an outer body (2) acting as a casing surrounding an inner body (3); - a device for moving (4) the inner body (3) configured to allow, in use, oscillation of the inner body (3) inside the outer body (2) to transmit energy to the liquid and thereby create a wave; - an on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) intended to supply energy to the movement device (4); - on-board electronics (6) equipped with a set of sensors (7) intended to carry out measurements, in particular to characterize the wave as well as the position of the wave generator (1) relative to the wave, suitable for receiving information from the set of sensors (7); - means for recharging the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5), said means being, in use, on said liquid surface in the vicinity of the wave generator (1) or away from the liquid surface, characterized in that the system further comprises - a controller, said controller being on-board on the wave generator (1) or externalized, and in communication with the on-board electronics (6) for regulating the wave generator (1), so as to optimize the consumption of the wave generator (1) and to self-manage its recharging in an autonomous manner, by means of the real-time analysis of the information received from the set of sensors (7); - means for communication between the generator (1) and a user interface (8) allowing bidirectional exchanges between the generator (1) and the user, so that the latter can communicate the desired characteristics of waves but also so that the generator (1) can in return provide the user with status information related to the apparatus, in particular on the residual capacity of the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5), as well as maintenance or troubleshooting information.

2. The system for generating waves (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a regulation system, on-board or not, making it possible to calculate the effective speed setpoint to be transmitted to the device for moving (4) the inner body (3) so as to subtract or increase the energy transmitted to the wave.

3. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (4) comprises a motorization system (41) actuating a connecting rod / crank system (42) making it possible to set the inner body (3) in motion.

4. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a return system (10) connecting the wave generator (1) to one or more ballast weight(s) (9) or to one or more wall(s) of the pool.

5. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a controlled positioning system tracking the position of the generator (1) and comprising, on the one hand, positioning beacons (11) making it possible to determine the position of the wave generator (1) and, on the other hand, at least one thruster (12) for moving the generator (1) to the desired position.

6. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the sensors (7) are of the temperature sensor and accelerometer type and in that a position sensor for the crank of the connecting rod / crank system (42) as well as an accelerometer make it possible to measure the oscillation frequency of the generator (1) as well as the amplitude of the wave.

7. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the motorization system (41) is a motor passing through four quadrants, two of which acting as energy generators by returning energy to the system, the system being designed to recover this energy and store it for use during the following cycle.

8. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for recharging the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) operate either by contact or by induction, the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) remaining in place in the wave generator (1) during recharging.

9. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for recharging the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) comprise a charging power source (14) as well as a charger part allowing the transfer of energy by contact or by induction from the power source (14) to the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5), said charger part being connected to the power source (14) by a charging cable (13), and in that the on-board autonomous energy storage unit comprises a receiving part (16) for energy transfer, the charger part being connected by contact or by induction to the receiving part (16) so as to transfer the energy from the power source (14) to the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) during charging.

10. The system for generating waves (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the charger part may be connected to the receiving part (16) in various ways: - either by means of a charging pole (17); - or by means of a mobile charging vehicle (19), of the nautical or aerial drone type; - or by autonomous displacement of the generator (1) to a charging station by means of automatic and regulated control of its position.

11. The system for generating waves (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pole (17) is height-adjustable and tiltable.

12. The system for generating waves (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the mobile vehicle (19) is remote-controlled and comprises a thruster and positioning system for displacement to the determined recharging position.

13. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a remote automatic safety shutdown of the wave generator (1).

14. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wave generator (1) is equipped with sensors detecting the presence of water so as to automatically stop the operation of the wave generator (1) in the event of water entering the generator (1).

15. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) is equipped with a sensor linked via its fastenings to the generator (1) so as to automatically stop the operation of the wave generator (1) if the on-board autonomous energy storage unit (5) comes loose from its fastenings.

16. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator (1) is suitable for communicating intelligently with one or several other wave generator(s) (1), this communication between the generators (1) within one and the same pool making it possible to synchronize them, or to arrange their movements so as to obtain an optimum resulting wave pattern with lower and optimized energy.

17. The system for generating waves (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a communication system between the user and a maintenance service is provided to ensure remote service.

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