Artificial wave generating device and method for the generation of artificial waves using it

Abstract

The invention provides an artificial wave generating device, comprising at least one functional trigger unit, wherein said trigger unit comprises: a trigger tank configured to store pressurized air; a trigger gun of tubular shape, arranged horizontally and connected in fluid communication with said trigger tank by a connecting pipe; a trip valve located above the connecting pipe downstream of the trigger tank; an aeration / vacuum valve located above the connecting pipe downstream of the trip valve; wherein said trigger gun is arranged at a level below or at the same level where the trigger tank is arranged; said at least one trigger unit is connected in fluid communication with at least one pressurized air generating pneumatic means; and a remote control and drive unit configured to actuate at least the trip valves and the aeration / vacuum valve. The invention also provides a method for the generation of artificial waves using said device.

Description

[0001] ARTIFICIAL WAVE GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE GENERATION OF ARTIFICIAL WAVES USING IT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of the generation of controlled water movement, more particularly, the invention relates to the technical field of controlled water movement generating devices which are configured to be adapted to water containment areas, whether artificial or natural such as swimming pools, water reservoirs, lakes, lagoons, oceans and rivers, for the controlled generation of artificial waves, particularly intended for the recreational practice of water sports, more particularly, for the practice and training of surfing or for fluid dynamic research purposes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Most of the artificial wave generating machines of the prior art are based on the impulsion of a volume of water by means of mechanical means such as oscillating composites or pistons, or by means of the impulsion of a high pressure fluid such as compressed air.

[0006] For example, patents US 4,467,483, and US 4,558,474 describe a pneumatic wave generator for a wave pool. The described wave generator includes a separate valve arrangement for each wave generating chamber to move air from a forced air source into the wave generating chambers. The chambers have a two-valve arrangement, an inlet valve and an outlet valve with a common actuation between them, so that when the inlet valve is closed, the outlet valve is open and vice versa. The chambers are positioned so that a part of the chambers is above the surface of the pool water level. Another pneumatic wave generator is disclosed in patent US 4,730,355 which includes a four-way directional air valve assembly for use in a wave pool, which has a plurality of wave generating chambers arranged vertically side by side and extending across the width of a pool at one end thereof. The valve assembly can direct air into the chambers simultaneously or direct air into one chamber while discharging the other chamber or discharge both chambers while blocking air from the forced air source. Forced air enters at the top rear of said chambers and water exits at the bottom.

[0007] The vertically connected water chambers are slightly above the water surface, containing an air pocket in the chambers. The chambers are pressurized from the top and the water exits through the lower side opening of said chambers.

[0008] Patent US 5,833,393 (A) provides a wave generator that can create wave motion in any body of water, wherein said wave generator uses a wave gun that can be of varying size depending on the type of wave to be generated and is adapted for installation in any body of water, such as an ocean, lake, pond or wave pools. The elongated tubular shaped chambers are totally submerged in the water and are parallel to the surface of the body of water. Water is expelled from the open end of the elongated chamber creating a wave motion by pressurized air entering the back or closed end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chambers are anchored on a wedge that is then attached to the bottom of the body of water or, when in deep water, the wedge and elongated chambers are raised to rest just below the surface of the water. The wave generator described by this paper includes elongated water chambers that are installed on an upward sloping platform as seen in the Figures, which is either anchored to the bottom of the containment area of the body of water or is built directly on top of earth, sand or soil that could be molded and covered with concrete to take the shape and function of the sloping platform. A pipeline connects the elongated water chambers to a control valve that is activated in short sequences. The piping then connects the control valve to a pressurized air storage tank. The pressurized air storage tank has an attached pressure gauge to read the amount of air pressure contained in the pressurized air storage tank. The pressurized air storage tank is connected to a means generating a flow of compressed air or plurality thereof that continuously pressurizes the pressurized air storage tank with compressed air.

[0009] Patent application AR101645 (A1) discloses a hydropropellant device for generating waves in a swimming pool comprising a plurality of injectors defining cylindrical chambers arranged parallel to each other in a horizontal plane and in the longitudinal projection of the pool, from whose front ends emerge guns projecting to the head of the pool in its deep zone; a compressed air inlet pipe coming from a compressed air tank is connected transversely to the cylindrical chamber of each injector, and is provided with a shutter valve; an air vent pipe with open distal end and a water refilling valve coming from a reserve chamber which is fed from the pool overflow manifolds, and is connected to the cylinder head of the cylindrical chamber of each injector; being all the referred valves operatively connected to a programmable logic controller (PCL), in such a way that each trigger cycle, produced with a programmed frequency and concomitant for all the injectors, fulfills in a very short time, starting from an instance of flooded guns, the stages of: (a) instantaneous opening of the compressed air inlet valves producing the trigger that promotes the injection of water from the guns into the pool; (b) the closing of the compressed air inlet valve and the opening of the refilling valve with water in time partially superimposed to that of step (a); (c) the closing of the refilling valve with water from the guns; and (d) the opening of the vent valve and the opening of the refilling valve with water from the guns finalizing the cycle.

[0010] Other artificial wave generating devices are based on the design of pools with a certain bottom surface configuration that allows the water driven through mechanical or pneumatic means of impulsion to enter the pool, and thanks to its characteristic configuration allows the wave to break in a manner suitable for the practice of a water sport, such as surfing.

[0011] In this case, the wave advances towards a structure called “reef” of defined bathymetry, which causes the wave to break in a predictable and desired way, and tries to reproduce what happens in a natural environment where the wave advances from deep water towards an obstacle that can be a sand bank, or a coral reef, or other formations that cause the break.

[0012] The length of the wave front advancing in a pool intended for the generation of artificial waves, as well as the height and three-dimensional shape thereof, will depend on a number of parameters, such as the number of water impulsion chambers, the arrangement in the pool thereof, the closing and opening cycles of valves that control the compressed air impulse and thus the generation of waves.

[0013] With respect to the pneumatic artificial wave generating devices of the prior art, it has been found that by releasing a sufficient volume of compressed air, it is possible to expel a volume of water by effect of a large air bubble to create a two-phase discharge flow which is effective in generating wave motion in a body of water. However, the volume of pressurized air required to achieve effective operation in many embodiments has proven to be costly and energy inefficient. Also, it has been found that by increasing the volume and / or pressure of the air released in order to generate artificial waves of greater size or number, there is a tendency for the driven air to stratify within the volume of water present in the chamber, leading to air escaping through a portion or annular region generated in the chamber without fully discharging the water contained therein. Such partial discharge of water creates smaller waves, and with it the consequent loss of energy, leading to an energy inefficient artificial wave generation process with high energy consumptions.

[0014] It has also been observed that reducing the volume and / or pressure of the released air is potentially problematic, since if the released air is insufficient to completely discharge the water from the chamber, then, depending on the pressure during discharge and the pressure of the surrounding body of water, it can lead to the generation of inferior or low quality non-surfable waves and under these circumstances, reversal of the water flow into the chamber can also occur, which in some cases, can lead to the complete stoppage of water flow into the discharge port of the chamber. On the other hand, reversal of the flow direction towards the inside of the chamber should always be avoided, as the reversed water flow creates suction at the chamber discharge port and represents a potential safety hazard to those in the artificial wave pool.

[0015] Consequently, there is a need in the prior art for new artificial wave generating devices that are capable of effectively expelling a volume of water through a controlled and energy efficient artificial wave generation process and generating surfable quality waves that avoids the inefficiency and safety problems of the prior art.

[0016] Moreover, there still remains the need for new and better artificial wave generating devices that ensure complete control of the process of generating artificial waves not only in number, and height but in their three-dimensional shape in a more energy efficient and economical manner, for example, allowing the use of low compressed air pressures with optimum results where the phenomenon of stratification is avoided. Therefore, the present invention has as its first objective to provide an artificial wave generating device that implements a set of improvements that allow to control efficiently and at all times the artificial wave generation process allowing to obtain a variable number of surfable quality waves.

[0017] Moreover, the present invention has as a further objective to provide an artificial wave generation device which permits to control not only the number, and desired wave height, but also the three-dimensional shape of the waves by controlling the process parameters by means of a remote control and drive unit employing a computational simulation model of the process.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an artificial wave generating device that permits a control of the wave generation process in an efficient manner avoiding prior art problems such as stratification, detention, and / or reversal of water flow.

[0019] Finally, another objective of the invention is to provide a method for the generation of artificial waves.

[0020] These objectives are achieved by means of an artificial wave generating device of the present invention as will be described below.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The artificial wave generating device possesses modular features and is configured as a plurality of trigger units. Each trigger unit of said plurality of trigger units comprises at least one pressurized air storage tank in fluid communication with a water chamber which is configured as an elongated tubular chamber or trigger gun projecting horizontally, a plurality of control valves whose opening and closing cycle is operated and controlled by means of a remote control and drive unit including a computational numerical simulation model, so that it is possible to generate efficiently and at low cost quality artificial waves of various frequencies, sizes and shapes for the recreational practice and training of water sports, such as surfing, or for fluid dynamic research.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an arrangement of a plurality of modules containing 4 functional trigger units per module in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a functional trigger unit in a first preferred configuration of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a functional trigger unit in accordance with a second preferred configuration of the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a preferred configuration of a module comprising four functional trigger units.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a rendered view of a preferred arrangement of the device of the present invention installed in a swimming pool.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a rendered view of a preferred arrangement of the device of the present invention installed in a swimming pool.

[0030] Figure 7 shows a pressure evolution graph: In dashed line the pressure evolution in the trigger tank, in solid line the pressure evolution in the trigger gun b) shows a graph of the position of the water front as a function of time, c) shows a graph of the valve area (%) as a function of time, and d) shows a composite graph where the solid line curve shows the variation of the desired wave height as a function of time, and the dashed line curve shows the variation of the flow rate injected by the trigger gun as a function of time.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In the following, the invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Particularly, Figure 1 shows a preferred modular arrangement of the artificial wave generating device according to the present invention comprising a plurality of modules containing 4 individual trigger units A according to the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 show two preferred arrangements for an individual functional trigger unit according to the present invention and Figure 4 shows a module with 4 functional trigger units arranged in parallel. The artificial wave generating device of the present invention possesses modular features and can be configured as a plurality of modules each of which is constituted by a set of individual trigger units A arranged in a parallel arrangement, as shown in Figure 1 wherein the components each trigger unit are offset from each other in a parallel arrangement to achieve a better utilization of space. Preferably, each module comprises 4 individual functional trigger units, as this is considered the minimum number necessary to generate artificial waves in an acceptable quality and quantity. However, the arrangement of the number of individual trigger units A per module may be greater or less than 4, and will be subject to limitations of assembly, transportation and geography of the installation site.

[0033] Each trigger unit A is connected to at least one pneumatic means 1 generating a flow of pressurized air, such as compressed air. Said pneumatic means 1 may be conventional means such as a compressor, blower, fan, or any means capable of generating a flow of air at the pressure required for operation. Preferably, the pneumatic means 1 is a compressor.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic means 1 is arranged for each module comprising a plurality of trigger unit A, for example, 4 trigger units A per module, such that each trigger unit connects its respective trigger tank 3 to a single compressor via a plurality of manifold pipes 13 (see Fig. 4).

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, a single pneumatic means 1 generating a pressurized air stream is arranged to be shared by several modules or several pneumatic means 1 are arranged to be shared by a plurality of modules as shown in Fig. 1 . Said at least one pneumatic means 1 capable of generating a pressurized air stream is connected in fluid communication with a pressurized air storage tank or trigger tank 3 which is fed by a pressurized air stream coming from the pneumatic means 1 through the piping 8. Said trigger tank 3 possess a given volume and are configured to receive and store compressed air at a pressure called trigger pressure of the order of 1-5 relative kg / cm2. The trigger tanks 3 are made of a high strength material capable of withstanding high pressures and adverse environmental conditions, such as might be encountered in a maritime environment. Preferably, said trigger tanks 3, are constructed of stainless steel or galvanized steel, or steel with an epoxy coating, preferably steel with an epoxy coating. Typically, the trigger tank 3 is fixed to a support surface which may coincide with the support surface of at least one pneumatic means 1 capable of generating a pressurized air flow, i.e., the pneumatic means 1 such as a compressor, blower, fan or any means capable of generating a compressed air flow, may be at the same level or at a different level than the level of the trigger tank 3. In a preferred embodiment, each trigger unit A comprises a trigger tank 3. Said trigger tank 3 is in fluid communication with a respective tubular water chamber or trigger gun 7 by means of a connecting pipe 8’. The trigger guns 7 are tubular elements, preferably of circular cross-section, having a given cross-sectional area and volume which may be variable according to the operational requirements of the wave generation process. Each trigger gun 7 possesses a first end and a second opposite end, wherein said first end is connected to at least one trigger tank 3 through a connecting pipe 8’ and said second opposite end is open to enable the loading and unloading of water within the water containment area. Conveniently, the trigger gun 7 is located within the water containment area, for example, a swimming pool, a water reservoir, lake, lagoon, ocean etc. or in an area adjacent to the water containment area as shown in Figures 5, and 6.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention between the support surface of the trigger tank 3 and the support surface of trigger gun 7 a gap is established as shown in Figure 2. This gap allows the air occluded in the trigger gun 7 not to be removed through the discharge port of the trigger gun 7 but vented through the aeration valve 6’. In this way, complete control of the process of filling and discharging water into the trigger guns 7 is achieved by actuation of the vent valve.

[0037] This slope can range from a few centimeters to several meters, for example, from 0.50 meters to 3 meters, however, the slope can be variable and will depend on the characteristics of the installation site, especially the geometry of the water containment area.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the unevenness between the trigger tank 3 and the trigger gun 7 is nil so that the connecting pipe 8’ communicating the trigger tank 3 with the trigger gun 7 is arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trigger gun 7 as shown in Figure 3. In this way the trigger tank 3, the connecting pipe 8’ and the trigger gun 7 are installed at the same level. The latter arrangement is possible, according to the present invention, when a movable physical barrier capable of preventing contact between the gaseous phases (compressed air) and the liquid phase (water) is introduced in the trigger gun 7 to avoid possible stratification effects as will be described below. In both arrangements (unevenness other than 0, or unevenness equal to 0) it is always required that the trigger gun 7 or at least the discharge mouth thereof be at least partially submerged in the body of water present in the water containment area.

[0039] In a preferred arrangement of the invention, the trigger guns 7 are arranged within the water containment area completely submerged. In another still more preferred embodiment of the invention, the trigger guns 7 are located outside the water containment area, in a dry installation area preferably adjacent to the water containment area, to avoid the effects of surge and corrosion from the water. In the latter preferred arrangement, the water containment area is separated by a physical dividing means 14 from the dry installation area such that the discharge port of each respective trigger gun 7 passes through said physical dividing means. The physical dividing means 14 may be at least one wall, partition, or vertical wall that divides the installation area of the trigger guns 7 from the water containment area. For example, the wall, partition or vertical wall may be a vertical wall of the water containment area itself, e.g., a vertical wall of a swimming pool, or a wall, partition or retaining wall constructed for that purpose adjacent to the pool as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this manner the trigger guns 7 are disposed in a dry installation area, while each of the free loading and unloading ends of the respective trigger guns 7 is recessed into the physical dividing means 14 which officiates as a support and containment thereof, and traverses it to at least partially submerge into the body of water of the water containment area allowing the same to enter the interior of said trigger guns 7.

[0040] Each trigger gun 7 is arranged horizontally in a parallel arrangement with respect to the adjacent gun within the installation area as shown in Figure 1 , 5 and 6. As indicated above, the open end of each trigger gun 7 are arranged below the surface of the water so that it is possible for water to enter the interior of the trigger gun 7 so that it is flooded.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unevenness between the supporting surface of the trigger tank 3 and the supporting surface of the trigger gun 7 is from 0.5 to 3 meters, preferably, 2 meters.

[0042] To achieve the required unevenness the connecting pipe 8’ present two well defined sections, a first horizontal section and a second section with a downward inclination of about 10 to 90 degrees, more preferably, 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the slope between the trigger tank 3 and the trigger gun 7 is nil, so that the connecting pipe 8’ is arranged horizontally aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the trigger gun 7. To implement this embodiment, it requires the inclusion of a movable physical barrier separating the gaseous phase from the liquid phase as will be described in detail below.

[0044] Preferably, the connecting pipe 8’ has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the trigger gun 7. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting pipe 8’ has a diameter between 15.24 cm - 30.48 cm (6”-12”), and a length ranging between 1-5 m, while the trigger gun 7 has a diameter 76.2 cm - 121.92 cm (30”-48”) and a length between 8-12 m. Each trigger gun 7 is fixed to the floor of an installation area by suitable fixing means, or on a platform designed for this purpose. Preferably, a concrete platform or any material that can be submerged in water and withstand environmental conditions.

[0045] The trigger tank 3 is connected in fluid communication with at least one pneumatic means 1 located upstream of the trigger tank 3, by means of the connection pipe 8, while downstream thereof it is connected in fluid communication with at least one trigger gun 7 by means of the connection pipe 8’ as already indicated. Said connecting pipe 8 may be made of the same or different material than the connecting pipe 8’ and have dimensions equal to or different from those of the connecting pipe 8’. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said connecting pipe 8 may be connected in fluid communication with a plurality of manifold pipes 13 which are connected with a plurality of trigger units. This arrangement is particularly useful when several functional trip units are connected to the same compressor 1 (see Figure 4). Said manifold pipes incorporate at least one charging valve, preferably of the butterfly valve.

[0046] Preferably, in a same module each trigger gun 7 is arranged one parallel to the other and equidistant from each other in an approximately horizontal direction, and perpendicularly to physical dividing means 14 separating the water containment area from the installation area of the artificial wave generating device. This horizontal and parallel configuration is maintained between modules when the wave generating device comprises an arrangement of more than one module (see Figure 4).

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the artificial wave generating device of the present invention has a mechanically independent modular configuration, which supports arrangements of several individual trigger units, for example, 4 or more trigger units per module. Each trigger unit in a module comprises a trigger tank 3, connecting pipes 8, 8’, 14, fluid flow control means 2, 4, 5, 6, data acquisition means comprising sensors 9, 10, 11 , and a trigger gun 7, as shown in Figure 2 and 3 wherein said fluid flow control means 2, 4, 5 and 6 and said data acquisition means comprising sensors 9, 10 and 11 are connected to a remote control and drive unit not depicted.

[0048] A modular arrangement among other things, facilitates the relocation and on-site installation of the artificial wave generating device, but in turn ensures the minimum number of trigger units required to generate waves of a given characteristic, since the inclusion or removal of modules will have a direct effect on the generated wave features.

[0049] While an arrangement of 4 trigger units per module is preferred, varied arrangements are possible that may include more than 4 trigger units per module or less than 4 trigger units per module, whereas, the upper limit of trigger units per module will be determined by moving and installation constraints, and the geography of the installation area such as the water containment area. Thus each artificial wave generating device will consist of a plurality of modules which will also depend on the width of the desired wave front and the duration of the wave breaking in the water containment area. For example, the artificial wave generating device of the present invention requires at least 2 modules of 4 trigger units A each arranged in parallel to generate a surfable wave.

[0050] Each trigger unit has a trigger tank 3, the pressure of which is monitored by data acquisition means including at least one pressure sensor, and optionally, a temperature sensor wired or wirelessly connected to a remote control and drive unit.

[0051] A charging valve 2 is located upstream of the trigger tank 3, between the trigger tank 3 and the pneumatic means 1 , such as a compressor, or any means capable of generating a flow of compressed air.

[0052] Additionally, the trigger tank 3 includes a relief valve 4, which discharges to the atmosphere allowing the pressure in the trigger tank 3 to be released in the event of overpressure or venting of the trigger tank 3.

[0053] Downstream of the trigger tank 3 is located a trip valve 7, in particular, a butterfly valve actuated by the control and drive unit.

[0054] Said charging valves 2 and discharging valves 4 and said trip valve 7 are actuated by means of a remote control and drive unit including an algorithm configured to receive and process a plurality of data acquired by means of data acquisition means including sensors 9, 10 and 11 and to execute a preset sequence of valve closing and opening cycles as will be described below for the complete execution and control of the wave generation process.

[0055] By means of said trip valve 5, it is possible to control the flow rate and pressure flow of pressurized air injected from the trigger tank 3 into the trigger gun 7.

[0056] Operation

[0057] In a first stage, the trigger gun 7 is filled with water, when the trip valve 5 is opened a volume of compressed air is injected at high pressure from the trigger tank 3 into the trigger gun 7 so that the evolution of the compressed air inside the trigger gun 7 causes a displacement of the water front towards the open end of the trigger gun 7, which results in the generation of a water wave within the body of water present in the water containment area, for example, a swimming pool, a water reservoir, lagoon, lake, sea etc.

[0058] In a second stage, once the volume of water in the trigger guns 7 has been displaced by the effect of the injected pressurized air, it is necessary to enable the refilling of the guns 7 with water by means of the controlled opening of the aeration valve 6. Said aeration valve 6 is located downstream of the trip valve 5 on the connecting pipe 8’ connecting the trigger tank 3 with the respective trigger gun 7, and is also actuated by the remote control and drive unit.

[0059] With the artificial wave generating device of the present invention a precise control of the various process variables is possible and with it, the generation of quality waves and controlled predetermined profiles. Thanks to the modular configuration of a plurality of trigger units arranged in parallel one adjacent to the other, and the control of the closing and opening cycles of the fluid control valves, as well as the control of the pressures in each of the trigger tanks 3, it is possible to generate an infinite variety of waves of predetermined sizes and profiles.

[0060] When the artificial wave generating device of the present invention is used as a fluid dynamic or other research facility, it may include additional or safety sensors to those necessary for its operation as an artificial wave generator for sports practice, such as, for example, when validation of theoretical models is required.

[0061] In such a case, the device of the present invention may include data acquisition means including air / water interface position sensors, flow sensors (flowmeters) disposed on the trigger guns 7, temperature sensors, trip valve positioner sensors, and trip valve limit switch detectors. Wave profile sensors may also be incorporated in the water containment area (such as a pool) and video acquisition means, for example, within the water containment area.

[0062] The precise control of the variables of the artificial wave generation process, the ability to acquire data for research, and the control of the actuation of each of the valves in the system make it possible for the artificial wave generating device to generate waves suitable for surfing or for scientific research, in such cases the device is configured as basic modules or as research modules.

[0063] Between both basic or research modes the number of arranged trigger units of the artificial wave generating device is the same, but different number and type of sensors are provided.

[0064] For example, in the research module configuration a larger number of sensors are required in the connecting pipelines, while the control and drive unit includes, in addition, a PLC module, and a high-speed acquisition module.

[0065] Also, the research module configuration comprises means for rapid installation and removal of system components, such as trip units or various fluid control valves, or sensors. Such means may be flanged connections, clamp systems or tensioning straps, or any means known to one skilled in the art for these purposes.

[0066] For both configurations, the device has two types of operation: i - configuration in single-trigger mode and ii - configuration in the mode of trigger routines,

[0067] The operation of the wave generation device in the single trigger mode configuration i) is as follows: by means of an interface and microprocessor (e.g. a PC, tablet or smartphone) which is part of the control and drive unit all the trigger parameters are set which include: setting a predetermined pressure in the trigger tank 3, setting a trip valve opening time 5, setting a time between triggers. Once the trigger parameters are preset by the control and drive unit, the artificial wave generating device is in a position to start charging pressurized air from the compressor 1 into the trigger tank 3, while the charging valve 2 remains open, the discharging valve to atmosphere 4 remains closed, and the trip valve 5 remains closed. Once the required pressure is reached in the trigger tank 3, the charging valve 2 is closed and the trigger is effected by opening the trip valve 5. During this single trigger operation mode it is possible to acquire data from that particular trigger and also to obtain information about the characteristics of the wave generated under that particular trigger, which will allow to feed the control algorithm and permanently validate the simulation model used for that purpose, and if there are deviations between the actual values and those obtained by the model, the trigger parameters are adjusted.

[0068] In the trigger routines configuration ii), the parameters of a trigger multiplicity are preset for the generation of a high amount of waves, for example, for a continuous operation of the artificial wave generating device for 1 hour. In this way, the artificial wave generating device operates in an automated manner, anticipating the charging of the trigger tanks 3 and the closing and opening of the various fluid control valves at each preset trigger.

[0069] Thus, as will be appreciated, the present artificial wave generating device introduces numerous improvements over the prior art which are described in detail below: i - The guns 7 present an unevenness with respect to the level of the trigger tank 3. Unlike the prior art where similar trigger guns are disposed submerged at practically the same level with respect to the pressure tank and / or the pneumatic means capable of generating a flow of compressed air and with an upward inclination, as shown, for example in patent US5,833,393 (A). This upward inclination of the gun is intended to eliminate the air occluded inside the gun. In contrast, the present invention provides a totally different arrangement, where the guns 7 present a slope with respect to the level of the trigger tanks 3, as shown in Figure 2, so that the connecting pipe 8’ shows a downward slope to prevent the injected air from exiting through the open end of the trigger gun 7 so that the air exit is controlled by means of an aeration valve 6’ located upstream of the trigger gun 7. ii - The trigger guns 7 can be designed with variable cross-sections and volume, and preferably, is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) material instead of using metal guns. ill - A control and drive unit that includes a control algorithm based on a computational model (computational twin) to reliably and accurately simulate the complete process of water impulsion and wave generation, based on a plurality of data acquired by the different sensors and image capturing means, whereby the remote control and drive unit is able to execute controlled closing and opening cycles of the respective valves depending on the required wave profile.

[0070] The variety of waves generated and the ability to precisely preset the desired wave profile to be generated will depend on numerous structural aspects and operating variables of the system such as device geometry including the dimensions of trigger tanks 3, the dimensions of trigger guns 7 and fluid flow control valves 2, 4, 5, 6, and 6’ among others, the ability to control pressure at the air-water drive front, the ability to avoid gas / liquid stratifications within the trigger guns 7, and other variables such as ambient temperature and available water flow rates, including the geometry of the water containment area (pool bathymetry, for example).

[0071] The control algorithm that runs the control and drive unit uses a numerical model that considers the different processes involved in the generation of waves, such processes involve the expansion of air through a controlled dynamics valve, the variation of the flow through the impulsion of water housed in guns 7 towards a water containment area, the generation of waves in the water containment area through the injection of a water flow through the trigger gun 7, and the controlled breaking of waves of variable profiles on bottoms of defined bathymetry, among others.

[0072] Therefore, the simulation algorithm considers the following system parameters for its execution:

[0073] - volumes, pressures and air temperatures in:

[0074] - trigger tanks 3’

[0075] - connection pipes 8, 8’,

[0076] - guns 7

[0077] - length and diameter of the trigger guns 7

[0078] - transient opening and closing position of trip valve 5 as a function of time,

[0079] - openings and closings of all valves 2, 4, 6, and 7,

[0080] - position and velocity of the air-water front,

[0081] - water flow rate along trigger gun 7,

[0082] - separation between trigger guns and number of trigger guns, - slopes, channels, dimensions and heights of plains, angles of attack and incidence of bottom bathymetries.

[0083] Therefore, by means of the proper design of the geometry of the artificial wave generation device of the present invention, which includes the design of sections and volumes of the trigger guns 7, the number and the spacing thereof, the sizing of the trigger tanks and actuating valves; the control of the opening and closing cycles of the fluid flow control valves, and a reliable computational simulation model, the device of the present invention manages to control the injection rate of the water mass so that the volume of water injected into the water containment area, (pool, for example) matches the volume of the generated wave and so that the volumes of water injected are effectively converted into different wave profiles generated under the control of the control and drive unit.

[0084] In other words, with the device of the present invention it is possible to obtain a “harmonic” injection of a reduced volume of water for the controlled generation of artificial waves. In this way, it is also possible to reduce the energy loss due to viscous drag during the injection of a volume of water, to reduce the operating pressures (e.g. compressed air pressure), thus reducing the constructive and energetic costs of the device, to improve the quality of the wave (aesthetics / comfort, for example, that the wave is surfable avoiding turbulence zones, and achieving to simulate conditions similar to those of a natural marine environment) allowing to generate waves of very varied shapes and sizes by means of the use of a fixed artificial wave generator device and a determined pool bottom.

[0085] Additionally, to improve the harmonic injection of a volume of water in the water containment area (e.g., a pool) described above, it is also important to eliminate the vacuum period that is generated when a volume of water is propelled by the effect of a flow of compressed air injected from the trigger tank 3 into the trigger gun 7 in order to propel the water front towards the outlet of the trigger gun, which causes the mass of water to acquire an inertia once the trip valve 5 is closed.

[0086] The vacuum generated in the gun 7 adversely affects the wave motion, consuming the energy that was given to the system and, consequently, its inertia. To improve both injection quality and energy efficiency, the artificial wave generating device of the present invention incorporates a vacuum valve 6 disposed downstream of the trip valve 5, preferably, on the connecting pipe 8’, which is actuated by the remote control and drive unit upon detecting vacuum inside the trigger gun 7 by means of a respective pressure sensor located therein.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the artificial wave generating device incorporates one and the same valve for two different purposes: it combines the functionality of a vacuum valve 6 (Vv) with the functionality of an aeration valve 6’ (Va). Preferably, such valves are butterfly type valves.

[0088] Figures 2 and 3 show the arrangement of the dual valve 6, 6’ (W vacuum valve, VA aeration valve), which allows, on the one hand, the entry of ambient air into the interior of the trigger gun 7 when vacuum generation is detected during the stage of impulsion of a volume of water towards the outlet of the trigger gun 7, and on the other hand, the exit of air accumulated inside the gun 7, during the stage of refilling with water from the same.

[0089] Figure 7 a) plots the evolution of the pressure inside the trigger tank 3) and in the trigger gun 7 as a function of time, and it can be seen how after an abrupt pressure increase due to the pressurized air injection, a vacuum is generated inside the trigger gun 7 and then the initial conditions are reestablished. The vacuum is generated because the body of water in the gun acquires inertia increasing its displacement velocity towards the outlet, this means that the volume of injected air expands progressively while the air / water front advances towards the outlet, generating a significant pressure drop inside the perforating gun 7 as can be seen in Figure 7 a).

[0090] In accordance with obtaining a harmonic injection of a volume of water as described above, and in order to achieve greater control over the profile of the waves generated, the device of the present invention also addresses the layering problem observed in devices of the prior art.

[0091] Harmonic injection as described above makes it possible to achieve waves of widely varying desired profile and quality at low compressed air pressures, however, it has been observed that as injection flow rates are lowered the stratification of the airwater front becomes incipient. To avoid the negative effect of stratification, the present invention incorporates a physical barrier (not depicted) between the gaseous phase (compressed air) and the liquid phase (water) which is adapted to move freely within the trigger gun 7. This physical barrier is intended to prevent contact of the gaseous phase (compressed air) with the liquid phase (water) and with it, the stratification of the air-water front, so that the artificial wave generation device behaves like a large piston. In such circumstances it would not even be necessary to maintain a difference in level between the trigger tank level 3 and the trigger gun 7, the situation being that the connecting pipe 8’ and the trigger gun 7 are coaxially aligned horizontally.

[0092] To achieve this effect, a movable physical barrier, such as a flexible and resilient element that can be displaced within the gun by the effect of water movement, is introduced into the trigger gun 7. Such a flexible and resilient element may be configured as an inflatable sphere, or an inflatable bladder or elongated plug of flexible material that conforms to the inner walls of the gun, but can be displaced within the gun by the effect of the momentum of compressed air acting as a large piston due to the pressure differential present in the trigger gun 7.

[0093] Once the flexible and resilient element is introduced inside the trigger gun 7, it moves alternately towards the outlet of the gun when compressed air is injected for the impulsion of the water volume contained inside the trigger gun towards the water containment area, and in the opposite direction during the refilling of the trigger guns 7 with water. In this way it is possible to isolate the gaseous phase (air) from the liquid phase (water) at all times, allowing operation at low compressed air pressures. In this way, it is possible to control the water injection flow rate more efficiently, achieving greater control over the wave profiles generated by avoiding the stratification of the air / water front, allowing the use of low compressed air pressures and thus achieving a significant improvement in the energy efficiency of the overall system.

[0094] Additionally, the incorporation of a physical barrier inside the trigger gun 7, allows to achieve a more harmonic water injection, a substantial reduction of bubble formation and a reduction of viscous drag, eliminating the possibility of air / water front stratification under any operating condition, while reducing the injection flow rates to levels that exceed the threshold allowed to avoid stratification.

[0095] On the other hand, the use of a physical barrier brings other advantages such as i - reduction of contamination between both gas / liquid media due to the entrainment of oil droplets present in the compressed air coming from the pneumatic means used to drive the water, such as a compressor, or any means capable of generating a high-pressure air flow. ii- avoids the contact of water with internal components of the artificial wave generating device, particularly when the water containment area contains salt water which even in the form of water vapor can damage internal elements of the wave generating device.

[0096] As already indicated, the flexible and resilient element can be configured as an inflatable sphere or bladder, in which case, commercially available products that are mostly used for cleaning large pipes, for example, in city infrastructures carrying sewage and storm drains, or as a sealing element for hydrocarbon lines such as oil, gasoline and natural gas, could be useful.

[0097] Conveniently, the artificial wave generating device includes position sensors to detect the exact position of the moving physical barrier, allowing real-time control of the flow profile through a closed loop communication with the pneumatic means of compressed air generation 1 via PLC control. The physical barrier position sensor, which may be a capacitive sensor, determines what percentage of the gun is filled with water and therefore what percentage of the gun volume contains air and thus allows estimating the position of the air-water front. Then, if this position does not match the desired position for a given wave profile, the trip valve 5 and aeration valve 6 can be controlled to increase or decrease the pressure in the trigger gun 7, accelerating or decelerating the water volume inside the gun to match the flow profile needed to achieve a desired wave profile.

[0098] With this movable physical barrier position sensor, or separator, it is possible to achieve optimal filling of trigger guns 7 with water. This is because the physical separation of the gaseous phase (air) from the liquid phase (water) prevents the formation of air bubbles and the loss of effective volume of the trigger guns 7, so that the entire volume of water downstream of the physical barrier is effective wave volume.

[0099] In turn, by controlling the position of the movable physical barrier, for example, an inflatable sphere, it is possible to control at what time it is desired to generate the next wave knowing the available volume of water to be injected into the gun 7.

[0100] Likewise, the physical barrier acts as a shutter of the trigger gun 7 making it possible to install the artificial wave generating device without risk of flooding.

[0101] As indicated, the trigger gun 7 has a plurality of position sensors for detecting the position of the movable physical barrier element present inside it. Said sensors are arranged along the length of the trigger gun 7 and in diametrically opposite positions, and may be of the inductive, capacitive, resistive, optical, magnetic or other similar type, capacitive sensors being preferred.

[0102] The position of the movable physical barrier element is relayed at all times and used in a closed control loop (PLC) with the pneumatic means 1 compressed air generators, to control the profile of the water flow entering the water containment area.

[0103] The gun has end stops to prevent the movable physical barrier element from being ejected from inside the gun 7.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the movable physical barrier element is an inflatable body constructed of an elastomeric material such as a plug or bladder sphere and has a nozzle for inflation.

[0105] The barrier element is advanced toward the outlet of the trigger gun by a positive pressure differential generated by the injection of compressed air that propels a volume of water into the water containment area (e.g., a pool) at a precisely controlled flow rate. Conversely, the movable physical barrier element recoils during refilling of the trigger gun 7 due to an opposing pressure differential that can be generated either by the pressure of the incoming water column in the trigger gun 7 or by a depression of the atmospheric air inside the gun 7 on the gaseous phase (air) side due to: an external vacuum source, the vacuum generated by the inertial advance of the movable physical barrier element, or a combination thereof.

[0106] In order to control the wave profile, the pressure evolution in the trigger tank 3 must be controlled, understood as the initial pressure of the tank 3 and its evolution during the compressed air triggering, and then the opening of the trip valve 5 must be modulated in a controlled manner by means of a servomotor.

[0107] The position of the air / water front must also be known at the beginning to know the mass of water to be moved and the availability of water, as well as the percentage of the gun with water, in order to generate the wave.

[0108] The basic control logic of the artificial wave generating device according to the present invention is detailed below: i - Check system operation

[0109] - check pressure of trigger tank 3,

[0110] - check correct charge of trigger tank 3 by opening charge control valve 2,

[0111] - check correct forced discharge of trigger tank 3 by opening discharge control valve 4,

[0112] - consider tolerance ranges to avoid erratic behavior,

[0113] - verify the initial positions of all valves,

[0114] - all valves in the device must be closed at start of operation,

[0115] - all trigger tank 3 bleed valves must be closed at start of operation,

[0116] - all main line charging valves 13 open, ii - Execution of the trigger sequence according to the following steps:

[0117] - pre-verification of correct initial positions of all valves,

[0118] - verification of correct initial positions of all valves.

[0119] - verification of proper trigger pressure in the trigger tank 3,

[0120] - opening signal of the trip valves 5,

[0121] - control of the trip valve 5 opening profile according to the acquired data of the airwater front position inside the trigger gun 7 by closed or open-loop communication,

[0122] - initiation of valve opening cycles 5 by controlled delays,

[0123] - aeration valve opening pulse,

[0124] - controlled delay from the opening of the corresponding trip valve 5,

[0125] - pulse width controlled according to open loop or closed loop in communication with air-water front position within the trigger gun 7. Accordingly, the method of generating artificial waves may be defined by the following essential steps:

[0126] A method for generating artificial waves employing the artificial wave generation device according to one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: i - presetting a set of trigger parameters by means of an interface and a microprocessor forming part of the remote control and drive unit, wherein said trigger parameters include: the pressure in the trigger tank (3), the trip valve opening time (5), and the time between triggers, ii - actuate the charging valve (2) to supply a pressurized air flow from the compressor (1) to the trigger tank (3), until reaching a pressure required to perform a trip, ill - close the charging valve (2), iv - make a trigger of compressed air by opening the trip valve (5), v - acquire data by means of a plurality of sensors to determine the pressure profile, the flow profile, the position of the air / water front in the trigger gun (7), and the height profile of the wave generated as a function of time under the parameters of that particular trigger, vi - receive and process such acquired data by means of a control algorithm of the control and drive unit, vii - validate the numerical simulation model used, if there is a deviation between the modeled wave profile and the real profile, viii - modulate the opening of the fluid control valves (2, 5, 6, 6’) to increase or decrease the pressure in the trigger gun (7), and ix - correct the injected flow rate so that the generated wave is the desired one.

[0127] A specific embodiment example is described below.

[0128] Embodiment example

[0129] The evolution of the variables (pressure, flow rate, position of the air / water front, three-dimensional profile of the generated wave height) during a wave generation sequence will be given by the injection parameters (the opening profile of the valves, and the pressure of the trigger tank), the particular geometry of each wave generating machine (understood by geometry: the volume of the tanks, the volume of the trigger guns, the length of the guns, the diameter of the guns, the spacing between guns, the valve passage section, the position and insertion depth of the guns in the water containment area (e.g. the basin with respect to the static water level). To control the profile (height) of the generated waves it is necessary to control the flow profile (in time) that is injected from each trigger gun 7. In order to control this flow rate, it is necessary to control the pressure exerted by the compressed air on the volume of water inside the trigger gun 7. In order to control this pressure it is necessary to modulate the opening of the trip valve 5, knowing the pressure available in the trigger tank, and also to modulate the opening of the aeration valve 6’.

[0130] Based on numerical models from computer simulations and empirical experimentation, it is possible to know how a given geometry behaves. These behaviors are represented by:

[0131] • The pressure evolution in the guns.

[0132] • The inertia of the water inside the gun.

[0133] • The friction behaviors in the pipelines.

[0134] • The viscous drag dynamics during the injection of water into the basin, i.e. the relationship between the injected flow profile and the generated wave profile.

[0135] Thus, knowing these behaviors, it is possible to establish the flow profiles required to generate certain types of waves. Furthermore, knowing the necessary flow profiles, it is possible to determine all the process parameters necessary to achieve a given wave and thus generate a characteristic wave “recipe” for those conditions. Such parameters are the required pressure in the trigger tanks 3, the opening profile of the trip valve and the aeration valve [see Figure 7 c)] and the percentage of gun filling which can be calculated by the position of the air / water front as shown in Figure 7 b). Each wave “recipe” obtained is associated with a set of characteristic plots showing the evolution of the process variables, e.g., Figure 7a) which shows the evolution of the pressure: In dashed line the pressure evolution in the trigger tank, in solid line the pressure evolution in the trigger gun, Figure 7 b) shows a plot of the water front position as a function of time, Figure 7 c) shows a plot of the valve area (%) as a function of time, and Figure 7 d) shows a composite plot where the solid line curve shows the variation of the desired wave height as a function of time, and the dashed line curve shows the variation of the flow rate injected by the trigger gun as a function of time, also, a plot of the generated wave profile over time is included (not shown).

[0136] In the case of a deviation of the actual trigger from the predetermined wave “recipe”, it is corrected by modulating the opening of the fluid control valves (2, 5, 6, 6’) by closed-loop control, to increase or decrease the pressure in the trigger gun 7, and thus correct the flow rate injected so that the wave generated is the desired one.

Claims

CLAIMS1- An artificial wave generating device, characterized by comprising: at least one functional trigger unit, wherein said trigger unit comprises: a trigger tank (3) configured to store pressurized air, a trigger gun (7) of tubular shape, arranged horizontally, which is connected in fluid communication with said trigger tank (3) by means of a connecting pipe (8’), a trip valve (5) located on the connection pipe (8’) downstream of the trigger tank (3), an aeration / vacuum valve (6,6’) located above the connecting pipe (8’) downstream of the trip valve (5), wherein said trigger gun (7) is arranged at a level below the level where the trigger tank (3) is arranged, or at the same level, said at least one trigger unit is connected in fluid communication with at least one pressurized air generating pneumatic means (1), and a remote control and drive unit configured to actuate at least the trip valves (5) and the aeration and vacuum valve (6, 6’).2- The device according to claim 1 , characterized by possessing a modular feature and can be configured as a plurality of modules each of which is constituted by a plurality of said single functional trigger units arranged in parallel.3- The device according to claim 2, characterized in that each module comprises (4) individual functional trigger units.4- The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pneumatic means (1) generating a flow of pressurized air, is selected from a compressor, blower, fan, or any means capable of generating a flow of air at the pressure required for the operation of the device.5- The device according to claim 2, characterized in that a pneumatic means (1) is provided for each module.6- The device according to claim 2, characterized in that a pneumatic means (1) is provided for several modules.7- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each functional trigger unit is connected to at least one pneumatic means (1) by means of a plurality of manifold pipes (13).8- The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one pneumatic means (1) is connected in fluid communication with at least one trigger tank (3) of a functional unit via the piping (8).9- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said trigger tank (3) is configured to receive and store compressed air at a pressure called trigger pressure of the order of 1 to 5 relative kg / cm2.10- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said trigger tank (3) is made of a material capable of withstanding high pressures and adverse environmental conditions, preferably, stainless steel or galvanized steel, or steel with an epoxy coating.11- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pneumatic means (1) may be at the same level or at a different level than the level of the trigger tank (3).12- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said trigger gun (7) is tubular in shape, preferably, of circular section, and possesses a cross-sectional area and a volume that can be variable according to the operational requirements of the wave generation process.13- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each trigger gun (7) possesses a first end and a second opposite end, wherein said first end is connected in fluid communication with at least one trigger tank (3) through a connecting pipe (8’) and said second opposite end is open to enable the loading and unloading of water within a water containment area.14- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said trigger gun (7) is located within a water containment area, or in an area adjacent to the water containment area.15- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said trigger gun (7) has an unevenness with respect to the level of the trigger tank (7) that may range from 0.50 meters to 3 meters.16- The device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connecting pipe (8’) communicating the trigger tank (3) with the trigger gun (7) presents a section with a downward inclination of 10 to 90 degrees, more preferably, 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal.17- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the trigger guns (7) are arranged within a water containment area, or in a dry installation area adjacent to the water containment area.18- The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the water containment area is separated by a physical dividing means (14) from the dry facility area.19- The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the physical dividing means (14) may be at least a wall, a partition or a vertical wall, preferably, a vertical wall of the water containment area, or a wall, a partition or a retaining wall constructed for that purpose.20- The device according to one of claims 18 to 19, characterized in that the free water charging and discharging end of the respective trigger guns (7) is embedded in the physical dividing means (14).21- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by comprising a movable physical barrier such as an inflatable sphere, or plug or an inflatable bladder of flexible and resilient material disposed within the trigger gun (7) separating the gaseous phase (air) from the liquid phase.22- The device according to claim 21 , characterized in that the unevenness between the trigger tank (3) and the trigger gun (7) is zero.23- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the trigger gun (7) is fixed to the floor of an installation area or on a platform designed for this purpose.24- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the trigger tank (3) comprises a charging valve (2) and a discharging valve (4).25- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by further comprising data acquisition means comprising sensors (9, 10 and 11) connected in wired or wireless communication to said remote control and drive unit.26- The device according to claim 25, characterized in that said data acquisition means further comprise air / water interface position sensors, flow sensors (flow meters) arranged on the trigger guns (7), temperature sensors, trip valve positioner sensors (5), trip valve limit switch detector sensors (5), and wave profile sensors and video acquisition means in the water containment area.27- The device according to claim 26, characterized in that said air / water interface position sensors are position sensors for detecting the position of the movable physical barrier element present inside the trigger gun 7.28- The device according to one of claims 26 to 27, characterized in that said air / water interface position sensors are arranged along the length of the trigger gun (7) and in diametrically opposite positions.29- The device according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that said air / water interface position sensors may be of the inductive, capacitive, resistive, optical, or magnetic type.30- The device according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the position of the movable physical barrier element is relayed and used in a closed control loop (PLC) with the pneumatic means (1) generating compressed air.31- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that said remote control and drive unit includes a control algorithm of a computational numerical model, and is configured to receive and process a plurality of data acquired by means of the data acquisition means including sensors, and execute a preset sequence of valve (2, 4, 5, 6, 6’) closing and opening cycles according to a determined wave requirement.32- The device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized by being configured in single trigger mode or trigger routines mode.33- A method for generating artificial waves employing the artificial wave generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: i- pre-setting a set of trigger parameters by means of an interface and a microprocessor forming part of the remote control and drive unit, wherein said trigger parameters include: the pressure in the trigger tank (3), the trip valve opening time (5), and the time between triggers, ii- actuate the charging valve (2) to supply a pressurized air flow from the compressor(1) to the trigger tank (3), until reaching a pressure required to perform a trigger, iii- close the charging valve (2), iv- make a trigger of compressed air by opening the trip valve (5), v- acquire data by means of a plurality of sensors to determine the pressure profile, the flow profile, the position of the air / water front in the trigger gun (7), and the height profile of the wave generated as a function of time under the parameters of that particular trigger, vi- receive and process such acquired data by means of a control algorithm of the control and drive unit, vii- validate the numerical simulation model used, if there is a deviation between the modeled wave profile and the real profile, viii- modulate the opening of the fluid control valves (2, 5, 6, 6’) to increase or decrease the pressure in the trigger gun (7), and ix- correct the injected flow rate so that the generated wave is the desired one.34- The method for generating artificial waves employing the device according to claim 33, characterized in that the control algorithm of the remote control and drive unit considers the following system parameters for execution:- volumes, pressures and temperatures of air in the trigger tanks (3), of the connecting pipes (8, 8’), and of the trigger guns (7),- volume, length and diameter of the trigger guns (7), spacing between trigger guns (7), the position and insertion depth of the guns in the water containment area,- the passage section of the valves (2, 5, 6, and 6’),- transient position of opening and closing of the valves as a function of time,- opening and closing of all valves (2, 5, 6, and 6’),- position and velocity of the air-water front,- water flow rate along the trigger gun (7),- separation between trigger guns and number of trigger guns,- slopes, channels, dimensions and heights of plains, angles of attack and incidence of bottom bathymetry.

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