Artificial snow production system, artificial snow production apparatus and method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system

Abstract

System (1) for producing artificial snow, comprising an artificial snow emission device (2), at least one supply conduit (3) capable of supplying water and / or air to the emission device (2) and at least one pressure regulating valve (4) interposed and active along the at least one supply conduit (3) to adjust the pressure of the water and / or air supplying the emission device (2). The system (1) further comprises at least one sensor (5) capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave (X) generated in the vicinity of the valve (4) and configured to generate at least one wave signal (S1) representative of the at least one mechanical wave (X), and a control unit (6) connected or connectable to the sensor (5) to receive the at least one wave signal (S1).In particular, the control unit (6) is configured to compare one or more characteristics of the at least one wave signal (S1) with one or more corresponding characteristics of at least one predefined signal (S2) and generate at least one operating signal (S3) based on this comparison.

Description

Title of the invention: Artificial snow production system, artificial snow production apparatus and method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system.

[0002] The present invention therefore falls within the technical field of artificial snowmaking equipment.

[0003] Generally, artificial snow production systems comprise a snow cannon, lance or other such apparatus, capable of generating artificial snow from a quantity of water supplied to it by means of a suitable supply conduit. These systems also provide a supply of compressed air, which may be generated on site, by means of a compressor, or which may be supplied centrally by means of an air supply conduit provided for this purpose. In the latter case, the artificial snow production systems also comprise an air valve interposed along this supply conduit.

[0004] In particular, with reference to the water supply, the snow gun may require a variable quantity of water depending on the conditions and parameters (air temperature, humidity, water temperature, desired snow quality, etc.) where the system is operating.

[0005] Therefore, these systems include a pressure or flow regulating valve capable of regulating the pressure with which the water is delivered to the barrel.

[0006] In particular, the valve can be configured to guarantee a wide range of water flow values, for example from less than 1 liter / second to more than 10 liters / second in a wide pressure range, for example from 20 to 100 bars at the water inlet and from 5 to 50 bars at the water outlet (towards the snow gun).

[0007] Disadvantageously, the aforementioned pressure regulating valves may become stuck or broken, resulting in malfunction of the entire system.

[0008] For example, a high pressure difference between the water inlet and outlet as well as the use of low water flow rates can lead to cavitation phenomena resulting in damage or very significant wear of the valve. In addition, the accumulation of dirt and any deformations that the valve may have undergone during operation may only result in a partial closure of the valve and therefore a reduction in the efficiency of the system as well as a certain risk of damage to the ski slope.

[0009] Disadvantageously, these systems are not able to detect the presence of the aforementioned malfunctions and their persistence over time can lead to unexpected breakdowns with subsequent equipment downtime.

[0010] The same problems can arise at the level of the valves intended for managing the air supply to the artificial snow production system.

[0011] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system which overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the known technique.

[0012] In particular, the present invention aims to provide an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system which make it possible to detect the occurrence of malfunction conditions, in particular with regard to the water and / or air valves.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system which ensure increased operational efficiency and reliability.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system having great operational flexibility.

[0015] The specified technical objective and the specified aims are essentially achieved by an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0016] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on the basis of the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description which relates to a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a detection method of a malfunction of an artificial snow production system presented in the attached drawings, including:

[0018] [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4] are a plurality of views in accordance with a respective plurality of possible embodiments of an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method for detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of operation of an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method of detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of operation of an artificial snow production system, an artificial snow production apparatus and a method of detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] With reference to the accompanying figures, an artificial snow production system has been designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1, which will subsequently be indicated as system 1.

[0022] The system 1 comprises an artificial snow emission device 2 and at least one supply conduit 3 connected to the emission device 2.

[0023] In particular, the at least one supply conduit 3 is capable of supplying water and / or air to the emission device 2.

[0024] Preferably, the emission device 2 may comprise at least one snow cannon and / or a snow lance and / or other equipment suitable for generating artificial snow not expressly described herein.

[0025] Furthermore, the system 1 comprises at least one pressure and / or flow regulating valve 4 interposed and / or active along at least one supply conduit 3 to regulate the pressure and / or flow rate of the water and / or air supplied to the emission device 2.

[0026] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one sensor 5 capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave “X” ([Fig.5]) generated in the vicinity of the valve 4 and configured to generate at least one wave signal “S1” representative of the at least one mechanical wave “X”.

[0027] It should be noted that such mechanical waves may be indicative of a possible malfunction of the valve, for example defective closures of the valve 4, and / or the presence of cavitation phenomena.

[0028] By way of purely non-limiting example, the sensor 5 may be configured to detect at least one sound wave. In other words, mechanical foundation “X” mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a sound wave.

[0029] The system 1 further comprises a control unit 6 connected or connectable to the sensor 5 to receive the at least one “SI” wave signal.

[0030] In particular, the control unit 6 is configured to compare one or more characteristics of the at least one wave signal “S1” with one or more corresponding characteristics of at least one predefined signal “S2” and generate at least one operating signal “S3” as a function of this comparison.

[0031] These characteristics may include, for example, the background frequency, the background amplitude and / or the phase of the signal.

[0032] By way of purely non-limiting example, the at least one predefined signal “S2” may be representative of correct operation of the valve 4, for example of a normal operating condition.

[0033] Preferably, the control unit can be configured to compare the at least one wave signal “S1” to a plurality of predefined signals “S2” and generate at least one operating signal “S3” based on this comparison.

[0034] Otherwise, the at least one predefined signal “S2” may be representative of a malfunction condition of the valve 4 and / or the appearance of cavitation phenomena.

[0035] In this way, the control unit 6 is able to monitor the proper functioning of the system 1 and / or to detect any malfunction or cavitation phenomenon.

[0036] Thus, the control unit 6 takes charge of the maintenance operations of the system 1 both from a corrective point of view, by detecting malfunctions of different types, and from a predictive point of view, thanks to the constant monitoring of the operation of the system 1 and a precise analysis of the deviations between the optimal operation of the system and the actual operation of the system 1.

[0037] Advantageously, the at least one operating signal “S3” can generate at least one alarm signal “S4” capable of indicating at least one malfunction of the at least one regulating valve 4 if the control unit 6 detects that the wave signal “SI” has one or more characteristics having values ​​deviating from the respective values ​​of the corresponding characteristics of the predefined signal “S2”.

[0038] For example, the alarm signal “S4” may indicate that the control unit 6 has detected a deviation of a predefined delta of at least one characteristic of the wave signal “SI” with respect to the same characteristic of the predefined signal “S2”.

[0039] In this way, the control unit increases the safety of the system 1 by alerting the relevant personnel in the event of a malfunction of the valve 4.

[0040] For example, the sensor 5 may be configured to detect a mechanical wave having a frequency between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The control unit 6 may be configured to perform a mechanical background frequency analysis and determine whether or not there is a valve malfunction.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one sensor 5 may be mounted on the valve 4 and / or in proximity to the valve 4 in order to more effectively detect the mechanical waves emitted, for example, by the interaction between the valve 4 and the water and / or air passing through it.

[0042] According to another advantageous aspect, the at least one sensor 5 may comprise at least one microphone.

[0043] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 5 may comprise at least one knock sensor (or a knock sensor).

[0044] The at least one sensor 5 may, in addition, comprise at least one acoustic emissions sensor.

[0045] By way of purely non-limiting example, the system 1 may comprise a plurality of sensors 5. In particular, each of these sensors 5 may be capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave “X” and configured to generate at least one wave signal “SI” representative of at least one mechanical wave “X”.

[0046] In this way, the plurality of sensors 5 makes it possible to increase the precision and efficiency of monitoring the operating conditions of the system 1.

[0047] According to another aspect, the at least one supply conduit 3 may be configured to supply only water to the emission device 2.

[0048] According to other possible embodiments of the present invention, the at least one supply duct 3 may be configured to supply only air to the emission device 2.

[0049] According to certain possible embodiments and as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the at least one supply conduit 3 may comprise at least a first conduit 31, configured to supply only water to the emission device 2, and at least a second conduit 32, configured to supply only air to the emission device 2. Furthermore, the system 1 may comprise at least a first pressure regulating valve 41 and a second pressure regulating valve 42 respectively active on the first supply conduit 31 and on said second supply conduit 32 to regulate the pressure and / or the flow rate of the water and air supplied to the conduits. In particular, the system 1 may comprise a first sensor 51 capable of detecting at least a first mechanical wave “XI” generated in the vicinity of the first valve and configured to generate at least a first wave signal “SI 1” representative of the at least a first mechanical wave “XI”.Furthermore, the system 1 may comprise a second sensor 52 capable of detecting at least a second mechanical wave “X2” generated in the vicinity of the second valve. 42 and configured to generate at least one second wave signal “S12” representative of at least one second mechanical wave “X2”.

[0050] At this stage, the control unit 6 is configured to generate an operating signal “S3” and a subsequent alarm signal “S4” based on the comparison of at least one of the wave signals “SU” or “S12” with the predefined signal “S2” which contains information relating to the references to both air and water.

[0051] In any event, the control unit 6 may be further configured to detect and / or acquire and / or process a plurality of historical wave signals “SC” which succeed one another in time during a reference historical period. For example, these historical wave signals “SC” may refer to an isolated reference historical period or to the entire operating period of the system 1 or a part thereof. Furthermore, the control unit 6 may be configured to generate and / or modify at least partially the at least one predefined signal “S2” as a function of the aforementioned historical wave signals “SC” and / or a combination thereof.

[0052] In this way, the control unit 6, by essentially performing “self-learning”, guarantees a continuous improvement in the effectiveness of the monitoring of the system 1.

[0053] By way of purely non-limiting example, the control unit 6 can generate and / or modify the at least one predefined signal “S2” as a function of an average of the aforementioned historical wave signals “SC”.

[0054] According to another advantageous aspect, the control unit 6 may comprise a memory module “M” capable of storing at least one predefined signal “S2” and / or at least one historical signal “SC”.

[0055] According to another aspect, the present invention refers to an apparatus 100 for producing artificial snow comprising at least one system 1 in accordance with what has been described previously, and at least one well 101 capable of at least partially housing the at least one system 1.

[0056] Preferably, the sensor 5 of the at least one system 1 is at least partially housed in the at least one well 101.

[0057] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of detecting a malfunction of an artificial snow production system is also described.

[0058] The method comprises the steps of predisposing at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave generated near a water and / or air pressure regulating valve supplying the artificial snow production system.

[0059] Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting of carrying out at least one detection of at least one mechanical wave at least during the operation of the artificial snow production system, and the step of performing at least one comparison between one or more characteristics of the at least one wave signal and one or more corresponding characteristics of at least one predefined signal.

[0060] Furthermore, the method comprises a step of generating at least one alarm signal based on said comparison.

[0061] In this way, the method makes it possible to monitor the operation of the system and to detect possible malfunctions or cavitation phenomena.

[0062] Preferably, the method is carried out with a system 1 in accordance with what has been described previously.

[0063] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention achieves the proposed aims by providing a particularly reliable artificial snow production system capable of detecting the occurrence of malfunction conditions thanks to the presence of at least one sensor and a control unit configured to compare at least one wave signal from the sensor to at least one predefined signal and generate at least one operating signal as a function of this comparison.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for producing artificial snow, comprising: - an emission device (2) for artificial snow; - at least one supply conduit (3) connected to said emission device (2), said at least one supply conduit (3) being capable of supplying water and / or air to said emission device (2); - at least one pressure and / or flow regulating valve (4) interposed and active along said at least one supply conduit (3) to regulate the pressure and / or flow rate of the water and / or air supplied to said emission device (2); characterized in that it comprises: - at least one sensor (5) capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave (X) generated in the vicinity of said valve (4) and configured to generate at least one wave signal (SI) representative of said at least one mechanical wave (X);and - a control unit (6) connected or connectable to said sensor (5) for receiving said at least one wave signal (SI), said control unit (6) being configured to compare one or more characteristics of said at least one wave signal (SI) with one or more corresponding characteristics of at least one predefined signal (S2) and generate at least one operating signal (S3) as a function of said comparison.;

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said at least one operating signal (S3) comprises at least one alarm signal (S4) capable of indicating at least one malfunction of said at least one regulating valve (4) if said control unit (6) detects that said wave signal (SI) has one or more characteristics having values ​​which deviate from the respective values ​​of the corresponding characteristics of said predefined signal (S2), at least by a predefined delta.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sensor (5) is configured to detect at least one sound wave.

4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor (5) is configured to detect a mechanical wave (X) having a frequency between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

5. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sensor (5) is mounted on said valve (4) and / or in proximity to said valve (4).

6. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sensor (5) comprises at least one microphone.

7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sensor (5) comprises at least one knock sensor.

8. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of sensors, each of said sensors being capable of detecting at least one mechanical wave (X) and configured to generate at least one wave signal (SI) representative of said at least one mechanical wave (X).

9. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one supply conduit (3) is configured to supply only water to said emission device (2).

10. System according to one or more of claims 1-8, wherein said at least one supply conduit (3) is configured to supply only air to said emission device (2).

11. System according to one or more of claims 1-8, wherein said at least one supply conduit (3) comprises at least a first conduit configured to supply only water to said emission device (2) and at least a second conduit configured to supply only air to said emission device (2); wherein said system comprises a first pressure regulating valve (41) and a second pressure regulating valve (42) active, respectively, on said first supply conduit (31) and said second supply conduit (32) to adjust the pressure of the water and air supplied to said conduits; wherein said system comprises a first sensor (51) capable of detecting at least a first mechanical wave (XI) generated in the vicinity of said first valve (41) and configured to generate at least a first wave signal (SI 1) representative of said at least a first mechanical wave (XI);and wherein said system comprises a second sensor (52) capable of detecting at least one second mechanical wave (X2) generated in the vicinity of said second valve (42); and configured to generate at least one second wave signal (S 12) representative of said at least one second mechanical wave (X2).

12. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said emission device (2) comprises at least one snow cannon and / or a snow lance.

13. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (6) is further configured to: - detect a plurality of historical wave signals (SC) succeeding one another over time in a reference historical period; - generate and / or at least partially modify said at least one predefined signal (S2) as a function of said historical wave signals (SC).

14. Apparatus (100) for producing artificial snow, comprising: - at least one system according to one or more of the preceding claims; - at least one well (101) capable of at least partially housing said at least one system; and wherein said at least one sensor (5) is at least partially housed in said at least one well (101).

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