Snowmaking automation systems and modules

Abstract

A snowmaking system includes a snowmaking module with a snowmaking gun operable to generate snow and at least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun. The snowmaking gun includes a control box operable to control one or more actuators. The snowmaking system includes a water source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via a water conduit. Operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within the water conduit. The snowmaking system includes an air source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via an air conduit. Operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within the air conduit. At least one of height and angle of rotation of the snowmaking gun is adjustable based on external environment data from a weather station.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 753,325, filed on Feb. 3, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to snowmaking automation systems and modules. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to automated operation of snowmaking guns, snowmaking hydrants, feed lines providing water and / or air to the snowmaking guns and hydrants, and modules in communication with the snowmaking guns and hydrants.BACKGROUND

[0003] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present inventive subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Snowmaking equipment is commonly used at ski resorts to supplement natural snowfall to adequately cover ski slope terrain otherwise covered with dirt, surface plants, gravel, rocks, and other debris that prevents safe skiing or boarding on snow. Snowmaking equipment requires a source of water from which snow (e.g., a form a solid water) may be created using atomized mists of water droplets that may, or may not, be seeded with nucleating ice crystals. Some snowmaking equipment requires electricity to run fans or operate equipment controls, data logging, or other purposes. Still other snowmaking equipment may require a source of compressed air used to accelerate atomized mists of water droplets and optionally the nucleating ice crystals into the atmosphere so that the water droplets can freeze in the air before falling to the surface intended for the artificial snow.

[0005] Snowmaking guns typically require a source of water and a source of compressed air to operate. The water source may be a physical pipeline or conduit that has been installed to a key location on a ski slope for the purpose of snowmaking. A well, temporary pipe, water hose, or any

[0006] other suitable water source may alternatively be used for snowmaking. Some conventional water sources may be a creek, reservoir or well from which water may be extracted and pumped, typically at a pump house, through a fixed (i.e., buried or above-ground) pipeline or conduit up along a ski run with periodic hydrants (e.g., vertical pipes) that provide water for snowmaking. Typically, however, the water source must be pressurized to deliver it to a particular elevation and for use in pressurizing or charging the snowmaking gun.

[0007] Similarly, the compressed air source may be a compressed air pipeline or conduit, air hose, air compressor, or other suitable compressed air source that has been located adjacent to or near the desired location for snowmaking. Some conventional snowmaking systems have compressed air pipelines or conduits (i.e., buried or above-ground) that may parallel the water pipelines or conduits, e.g., 2-3 feet apart up a ski slope. Pressurized air discharged from an air compressor is generally too hot (e.g., at about 180-200° F) for use in snowmaking. As such, the heated compressed air may be initially cooled by a primary cooling device known as an aftercooler. The aftercooler may consist of pipes surrounded by cold water through which the air passes and cools. The cooling of the air may also cause condensation of the air's moisture, which must be removed to prevent frosting of the air hoses used subsequently to deliver pressurized air to a snow gun. As such, the cooled air with some moisture removed leaves the aftercooler and may enter a secondary cooling device, known as a stripping tower. The stripping tower in essence freeze dries the cooled air and further removes moisture. The colder compressed air leaving the stripping tower may have dropped in temperature to a range of about 45-55° F. The compressed air and pressurized water pipelines or conduits may also serve to further reduce the temperature of both to a temperature range of about 34-35° F, and may further dry the compressed air, if uninsulated pipes are used. However, a water droplet passing through a conventional snow gun may range from 34-44° F. depending on how the water is sourced.

[0008] The snowmaking gun used to make artificial snow may also be used in combination with a hydrant for controlling the water source and for controlling the compressed air source. Conventional hydrants and their associate valving, if not properly drained when not in use, can become dangerous. In addition, conventional snowmaking guns and hydrants are typically manually operated by snowmaking staff at a ski resort. It is generally time-consuming for ski resort staff (e.g., technicians, and the like) to travel to any and all of the various locations on a given mountain where snowmaking equipment is located. Additionally, the ideal time to operate

[0009] snowmaking equipment may be anytime during the day or night as long as the ambient temperature and snowmaking conditions are correct, potentially increasing the risk of danger to the technician servicing the snowmaking equipment. Consequently, there may be undesirable labor costs and / or risks associated with snowmaking.

[0010] However, these are not the only problems associated with conventional snowmaking systems and prior attempts at automating the snowmaking process. Another problem with conventional fixed location snowmaking automation is that it may rely on buried or above-ground power to operate the system and actuators. Such automation is “fixed” because it is tied to the fixed location of the buried or above ground power source used to operate the system. The cost of electrical infrastructure necessary to automate every possible location where snowmaking is desired on the mountain of a ski resort is expensive and invasive to the environment. In addition, conventional fixed location automation used by ski resorts typically only runs an average of 110-160 hours per season. Depending on the cost of such fixed automation, this may result in a long duration (perhaps years) before reaching a return on the investment. As such, many snowmaking guns at ski resorts do not have such electrical infrastructure.

[0011] Further, conventional fixed location automation systems typically require repair and maintenance to be carried out in the field, i.e., on the mountain. Additionally, resorts may not have trained or experienced staff to troubleshoot and repair fixed snowmaking automation systems. There is a significant labor cost associated with hiring, training, and maintaining qualified staff, or hiring outside technicians to troubleshoot and repair fixed snowmaking automation systems. There will always be a need to troubleshoot and repair snowmaking automation over time during actual use. For example, any kind of snowmaking equipment may be subject to malfunction from electrical (lightning strikes) during storms or mechanical (frozen pipes, avalanches, and the like).

[0012] Further still, conventional snowmaking automation tends to be proprietary as it is made for a particular type (e.g., gun or fan) and brand of snowmaking gun. Thus, implementing snowmaking automation at a given resort becomes costly and difficult because the conventional snowmaking automation systems are generally tied to the particular guns already installed. Snowmaking automation is also expensive when replacing existing equipment with new equipment that supports the desired automation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] As such, there exists a need for improved snowmaking automation systems and modules. The improved snowmaking automation systems and modules should automatically generate artificial snow using hydrants and snowmaking guns that reduce ski resort labor costs, solves at least some of the above-identified problems with conventional fixed automation systems, and provides greater control over the snowmaking process. The improved systems and modules should provide for increased automated operation of snowmaking guns, snowmaking hydrants, feed lines providing water and / or air to the snowmaking guns and hydrants, and modules in communication with the snowmaking guns and hydrants, reducing costs and risks (e.g., danger to technicians, and the like) associated with non-operation or failure of components.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to automation of water and / or air feed lines to prevent freezing. In particular, the automation may reduce the possibility of water feed lines freezing by introducing positive water flow when a particular pre-determined temperature threshold is met. In addition, the automation may reduce the possibility of condensate in air feed lines freezing by introducing positive air flow when a particular pre-determined moisture content threshold is met. The automation of the water and / or air feed lines may occur at respective sources, at the snowmaking gun or hydrant, and / or at intermediate locations along the feed lines therebetween.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to automation of the snowmaking guns and / or hydrants. In particular, the automation may raise or lower the snowmaking gun and / or hydrant, instead of relying on a manual cranking operation applied by ski resort staff (e.g., a technician, or the like). In addition, the automation may rotate to adjust one or more angles of spray (e.g., relative to a ground surface) by the snowmaking gun, to increase an area to which snow is applied by the snowmaking gun.

[0016] A first aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a snowmaking system. The snowmaking system includes a snowmaking module. The snowmaking module includes a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water, the snowmaking gun comprising a control box operable to control one or more actuators. The snowmaking module includes at least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun. The snowmaking system includes a water source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via a water conduit. Operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received

[0017] from sensors that monitor water within at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module. The snowmaking system includes an air source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via an air conduit. Operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module.

[0018] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include, optionally, that the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant for the water conduit and a separate air hydrant for the air conduit.

[0019] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, a water drain including a water valve driven by an actuator. When the water data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

[0020] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the water conduit.

[0021] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the positive flow passes through the water drain until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

[0022] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, an air drain including an air valve driven by an actuator. When the air data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

[0023] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the air conduit.

[0024] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the draining of the air conduit occurs until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

[0025] The snowmaking system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, a weather station operable to determine external environment data. The snowmaking gun is able to receive at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box, and adjust one or more parameters of the snowmaking gun including height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

[0026] A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a snowmaking system. The snowmaking system includes a weather station operable to determine external environment data. The snowmaking system includes a snowmaking module. The snowmaking module includes a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water. The snowmaking gun includes a control box operable to control one or more actuators. The snowmaking module includes at least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun. The snowmaking gun is able to receive at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box, and adjust parameters of the snowmaking gun including one or more of height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

[0027] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include, optionally, a water source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via a water conduit. Operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module. The snowmaking system further comprises an air source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via an air conduit. Operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module.

[0028] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant for the water conduit and a separate air hydrant for the air conduit.

[0029] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, a water drain including a water valve driven by an actuator. When the water data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

[0030] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the water conduit. The positive flow passes through the water drain until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

[0031] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, an air drain including an air valve driven by an actuator. When the air data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

[0032] The snowmaking system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the air conduit. The draining of the air conduit occurs until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

[0033] A third aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for operating a snowmaking system. The method of the third aspect may include, but is not limited to, providing a snowmaking module of the snowmaking system. The snowmaking module includes a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water. The snowmaking gun includes a control box operable to control one or more actuators. The snowmaking module includes at least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun. The method may include, but is not limited to, acquiring data in at least one conduit that is in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant and at least one fluid source. The method may include, but is not limited to, when the data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, opening a valve of at least one drain in fluid communication with the at least one conduit.

[0034] The method of the third aspect may include, optionally, that the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant. The at least one conduit includes a water conduit. The snowmaking system includes a water source in fluid communication with the water hydrant via the water conduit. Operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within the at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module. The at least one drain includes a water drain with a water valve driven by an actuator. When the water data at least meets the pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

[0035] The method of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the at least one hydrant includes an air hydrant. The at least one conduit includes an air conduit. The snowmaking system includes an air source in fluid communication with the air hydrant via the air conduit. Operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within the at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module. The at least one drain includes an air drain with an air valve driven by an actuator. When the air data at least meets the pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

[0036] The method of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the snowmaking system comprises a weather station operable to determine external environment data. The method may further include, but is not limited to, receiving at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box. The method may further include, but is not limited to, adjusting parameters of the snowmaking gun including one or more of height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

[0037] To further support the written description requirement, example embodiments of snowmaking guns and hydrants are provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0290699, published on Oct. 6, 2016; U.S. Patent No. 11,466,915, issued Nov. 14, 2023; and U.S. Patent No. 11,892,222, issued Feb. 6, 2024, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties. In addition, example embodiments of snowmaking guns and hydrants are provided in U.S. Patent No. 9,722,134, issued Sep. 26, 2017; and U.S. Patent No. 10,557,658, issued Feb. 11, 2020, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0038] The phrases “at least one,”“one or more,” and “and / or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,”“one or more of A, B, and C,”“one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0039] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” or “approximately.” As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “about,”“approximately,” etc., when used in relation to numerical limitations or ranges, mean that the recited limitation or range may vary by up to 10%. By way of non-limiting example, “about 750” can mean as little as 675 or as much as 825, or any value therebetween. When used in relation to ratios or relationships between two or more numerical limitations or ranges, the terms “about,”“approximately,” etc. mean that each of the limitations or ranges may vary by up to 10%; by way of non-limiting example, a statement that two quantities are “approximately equal” can mean that a ratio between the two quantities is as little as 0.9:1.1 or as much as 1.1:0.9 (or any value therebetween), and a statement that a four-way ratio is “about 5:3:1:1” can mean that the first number in the ratio can be any value of at least 4.5 and no more than 5.5, the second number in the ratio can be any value of at least 2.7 and no more than 3.3, and so on.

[0040] The use of “substantially” in the present disclosure, when referring to a measurable quantity (e.g., a diameter or other distance) and used for purposes of comparison, is intended to mean within 5% of the comparative quantity. The terms “substantially similar to,”“substantially the same as,” and “substantially equal to,” as used herein, should be interpreted as if explicitly reciting and encompassing the special case in which the items of comparison are “similar to,”“the same as” and “equal to,” respectively.

[0041] The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

[0042] The use of “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein. The use of “engaged with” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass any direct or indirect connections between components.

[0043] It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Abstract, and claims themselves. Moreover, any Appendices enclosed herein are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0044] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, references made herein to “the present disclosure” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

[0045] It is to be appreciated that any feature or aspect described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) or aspect(s) as described herein, regardless of whether the features or aspects come from the same described embodiment.

[0046] Any one or more aspects described herein can be combined with any other one or more aspects described herein. Any one or more features described herein can be combined with any other one or more features described herein. Any one or more embodiments described herein can be combined with any other one or more embodiments described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a snowmaking system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 2 is an exemplary actuation system for the snowmaking system of FIG. 1; and

[0051] FIG. 3A is a water drain for the snowmaking system of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 3B is an air drain for the snowmaking system of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 3C is a schematic of a portion of the snowmaking system of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 4A is a process flow diagram for the operation and use of the water drain of the snowmaking system of FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 4B is a process flow diagram for the operation and use of the air drain of the snowmaking system of FIG. 3B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0056] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram for the operation and use of the snowmaking system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0058] In the figures:REFERENCE NUMBER ELEMENT100 System

[0060] 102 Snowmaking Module

[0061] 104 Snowmaking Gun

[0062] 106 Water Hydrant

[0063] 108 Air Hydrant

[0064] 110 Water Source

[0065] 112 Water Conduit

[0066] 114 Water Drain

[0067] 116 Air Source

[0068] 118 Air Conduit

[0069] 120 Air Drain

[0070] 122 Base Station

[0071] 124 Control System

[0072] 126 Processor

[0073] 128 Memory

[0074] 130 Data Transmission Unit

[0075] 132 Mobile Base Station

[0076] 134 Weather Station

[0077] 136 Sensors

[0078] 138 Repeater Node

[0079] 200 Actuator

[0080] 202 Control Box

[0081] 300 Water End Cap

[0082] 302 Water Valve

[0083] 304 Water Actuator

[0084] 306 Water Control Box

[0085] 308 Water Sensor

[0086] 310 Air End Cap

[0087] 312 Air Valve

[0088] 314 Air Actuator

[0089] 316 Air Control Box

[0090] 318 Air Sensor

[0091] 320A, 320B, 320C Processors

[0092] 322A, 322B, 322C Memory

[0093] 324A, 324B, 324C Data Transmission Unit

[0094] 326A, 326B, 326C Solar Panel

[0095] 328A, 328B, 328C Battery

[0096] 330A, 330B, 330C Sensors

[0097] 332 Control Box

[0098] 400 Process Flow Diagram

[0099] 402 Acquire Water Data in Water Conduit

[0100] 404 Transmit Water Data

[0101] 406 Receive Instructions to Operate Water Valve

[0102] 408 Operate Water Valve

[0103] 410 Process Flow Diagram

[0104] 412 Acquire Air Data in Air Conduit

[0105] 414 Transmit Air Data

[0106] 416 Receive Instructions to Operate Air Valve

[0107] 418 Operate Air Valve

[0108] 500 Process Flow Diagram

[0109] 502 Acquire External Environment Data

[0110] 504 Transmit Snowmaking Gun Configuration

[0111] 506 Receive Instructions to Operate Snowmaking Gun

[0112] 508 Operate Snowmaking GunDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The Detailed Description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the snowmaking systems and modules since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, any combination of features shown in the various figures can be used to create additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, dimensions, aspects, and features of one embodiment of the snowmaking systems and modules can be combined with dimensions, aspects, and features of another embodiment of the snowmaking systems and modules to create the claimed embodiment.

[0114] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to snowmaking systems and modules. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a snowmaking system including snowmaking modules with snowmaking guns and hydrants, to water and air sources in fluid communication with the snowmaking modules, to base stations, to weather stations, and to repeater nodes. The various components of the snowmaking system may be in communication with one another to transmit and receive data related to external environment data and internal (e.g., onboard-component) operation data, and / or to transmit and receive instructions to adjust or modify operation of the various components of the snowmaking system.

[0115] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to automation of the snowmaking guns and / or hydrants. In particular, the automation may raise or lower the snowmaking gun and / or hydrant, instead of relying on a manual cranking operation applied by ski resort staff (e.g., a technician, or the like). In addition, the automation may rotate to adjust one or more angles of spray (e.g., relative to a ground surface) by the snowmaking gun, to increase an area to which snow is applied by the snowmaking gun.

[0116] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a snowmaking system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 may be used to generate snow that supplements (or replaces) natural snowfall on a terrain including winter sports surfaces such as, but not limited to, downhill slopes, cross-country or alpine runs, obstacles courses, halfpipes, long jumps, and the like for skiing and snowboarding.

[0117] In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 includes a snowmaking module 102. The snowmaking module 102 includes a snowmaking gun 104 in fluid communication with one or more hydrants. For example, the one or more hydrants may include a water hydrant 106 and / or an air hydrant 108. It is noted that the water hydrant 106 and the air hydrant 108 may be separate hydrants with separate feed sources, or may a single hydrant with separate feed sources, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0118] With the providing of water, and optionally air, to the snowmaking gun 104, the snowmaking gun 104 is capable of expelling at least one of liquid water or solid water (e.g., in the form of snow or ice crystals). For example, liquid water may be expelled which freezes in the external environment air prior to or immediately after contact with a ground surface. By way of another example, solid water (e.g., in the form of snow, or nucleated ice crystals within liquid water) may be expelled to accumulate on the ground surface.

[0119] In embodiments, where the snowmaking module 102 includes a water hydrant 106, the snowmaking system 100 includes a water source 110 in fluid communication with the water hydrant 106 via a water conduit 112 (e.g., a pipeline, tube, or other device operable to deliver a fluid). In some embodiments, the water conduit 112 includes a water drain 114. In some examples, the water drain 114 is in line with the water conduit 112. In other examples, the water drain 114 is on an offshoot or branch from the water conduit 112.

[0120] In embodiments, where the snowmaking module 102 includes an air hydrant 108, the snowmaking system 100 includes an air source 116 in fluid communication with the air hydrant 108 via an air conduit 118 (e.g., a pipeline, tube, or other device operable to deliver a fluid). In some embodiments, the air conduit 118 includes an air drain 120. In some examples, the air drain 120 is in line with the air conduit 118. In other examples, the air drain 120 is on an offshoot or branch from the air conduit 118.

[0121] In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 includes a base station 122. For example, the base station 122 is a building or other structure that includes a control system 124. The control system 124 may include processors 126 and memory 128 (e.g., a memory medium, memory device, non-transitory computer readable medium, or the like) operable to provide instructions to the snowmaking module 102 (and / or components 104, 106, 108 thereof), the water source 110, the air source 116, and the like.

[0122] The one or more processors 126 may be configured to execute program instructions maintained on or stored in the memory 128. The one or more processors 126 of the control system 124 may execute any of the various method or process steps necessary to operate the system 100, and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100. In this regard, at least a portion of the disclosure may be understood as being directed to a computer-implemented method, as at least a portion of the disclosure may be understood as being directed to a computer-implemented invention.

[0123] In embodiments, the control system 124 may be coupled (e.g., physically coupled, electrically coupled, communicatively coupled, or the like) to a user interface. For example, the user interface may be a separate device coupled to the control system 124. By way of another example, the user interface and the control system 124 may be located within a common or shared housing.

[0124] In embodiments, the user interface may include one or more displays and / or one or more user input devices. Where communication is wired, the user interface may include one or more port connectors (e.g., for the transmitting and / or receiving of power and / or data, and the like).

[0125] Generally, any component of the system 100) may include one or more sensors coupled (e.g., physically coupled, electrically coupled, communicatively coupled, or the like) to the control system 124. The one or more sensors may be operable to determine various operational, physical, and / or environmental parameters of the system 100, the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100, and / or the control system 124; the environment surrounding the system 100, the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100, and / or the control system 124; and the like.

[0126] In embodiments, the control system 124 may include data transmission units 130 (e.g., transmission (Tx), reception (Rx), and / or Tx / Rx units) that operate on satellite, cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless protocols. The one or more transmitters and / or receivers may be coupled (e.g., physically coupled, electrically coupled, communicatively coupled, or the like) to or integrated in the control system 124, the system 100, and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100. The one or more transmitters and / or receivers may be configured to transmit data and / or receive data for the system 100 and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100 (e.g., from sensors installed within the system 100 and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100) or from external third-party control units (e.g., controllers, servers, or the like) either via wired connections or wireless connections, which may be configured as transmitting (Tx) units, receiving (Rx) units, or combination Tx / Rx units.

[0127] The control system 124 may be configured to monitor the system 100 and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100 via received and / or transmitted data. The control system 124 may be configured to generate control signals to adjust one or more components of the system 100 and / or the subassemblies and / or components of the system 100 via a feedback loop or a feed forward loop based on the received and / or transmitted data, either automatically (or substantially automatically) or following an input from a user. The control system 124 may be configured to receive and / or transmit data in a standardized format and / or a non-standardized format. Where the data is in a non-standardized format, the data may be converted to a standardized format upon receipt and / or prior to transmission to sensors, third-party control units, or the like.

[0128] In some configurations, automation and artificial intelligence may be provided to (or within) the control system 124. The control system 124 can incorporate predictive analytics (e.g., forecasting outdoor temperatures and snow generation load profiles) to enhance automated snow generation and system maintenance or management, and reduce manual intervention.

[0129] In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 includes a mobile base station 132. For example, the mobile base station 132 may be a control system (e.g., a laptop, smartphone, or other control unit) with processors, memory, and / or data transmission units operable to provide instructions to the snowmaking module 102 (and / or components 104, 106, 108 thereof), the water source 110, the air source 116, and the like. It is noted that the snowmaking system 100 and components thereof may be individually controlled (or controlled as in a particular group or set of components, including system-wide control) by the control system 124 in the base station 122 and / or by the mobile base station 132. As such, it should be understood that the mobile base station 132 may be configured to provide the same, similar, or different control functionality to the system 100 as the control system 124 within the base station 122, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 includes a weather station 134. The weather station 134 may include one or more sensors 136 operable to determine external environment data (e.g., for data transmission to external control systems and / or for onboard changes of operation in response to the external environment data). For example, the external environment data may include temperature, air pressure, wind direction, wind speed, amount of sunlight and / or cloud cover, precipitation, snow conditions (e.g., depth, moisture content for “wet” snow versus “dry” snow or powder), and other information related to weather and / or snow conditions at the location of installation. It should be understood that the base station 122 and / or the mobile base station may similarly include sensors 136, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] The weather station 134 may be positioned proximate to the snowmaking module 102, the water source 110, the air source 116, the base station 132, or at another location at the ski resort or other location where the snowmaking system 100 is installed. In general, the weather station 134 may be positioned anywhere it is desirable to collect weather and / or snow conditions.

[0132] It is noted that the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 134 may include control systems with processors, memory, and / or Tx / Rx units in addition to (or instead of) the control system 124 of the base station 122 and / or the mobile base station 132, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the snowmaking module 102 (e.g., globally, or individually for one or more of the snowmaking gun 104, the water hydrant 106, and the air hydrant 108), the water source 110 with optional water drain 114, the air source 116 with optional air drain 120, and / or the weather station 134 may transmit and / or receive data within the snowmaking system 100 via wireless communications through the data transmission units (e.g., as illustrated by the concentric arcs in FIG. 1).Although not explicitly shown, it is noted that wired communications may be run between various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 124 of the snowmaking system 100, either in addition to or instead of the wireless communications, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0133] In embodiments, the snowmaking system 100 optionally includes one or more repeater nodes 138 that operate on wireless and / or wired communication protocols. For example, the various components of the snowmaking system 100 may be in communication with the one or more repeater nodes 138 to transmit and / or receive data. The one or more repeater nodes 138 may additionally include a control system with processors, memory, and / or Tx / Rx units, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] It is contemplated that the one or more repeater nodes 138 may increase the footprint of the snowmaking system 100 to cover a portion (or all) of the terrain including the winter sports surfaces on which snow is generated by the snowmaking system 100 by increasing the range of communication between the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 124, 132, 138 via wireless and / or wired communications.

[0135] It is noted that the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 124, 132, 138 may include sensors to acquire external environment data (e.g., for data transmission to external control systems and / or for onboard changes of operation in response to the external environment data), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Alternatively or in addition, the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 124, 132, 134, 138 may include sensors to acquire internal operation data (e.g., for health monitoring and / or data transmission about possible failure of the various components), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although the sensors are separated into external environment data and internal operation data, it is contemplated that similar types of data (e.g., temperature measurements, and the like) may be acquired by the various sensors.

[0136] It is noted that the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 132, 134, 138 may include one or more control components that are manually-driven or electrically-driven (e.g., with servo motors). The various control components may adjust height relative to a ground surface on / in which the component is installed, a base camp or base station altitude, sea level, or the like. The various control components may adjust a direction of orientation relative to magnetic north, relative to a snow surface, relative to another part on the same component of the snowmaking system 100, relative to another component of the snowmaking system 100, or the like. The various control components may adjust an angle of orientation relative to a snow surface, relative to another part on the same component of the snowmaking system 100, relative to another component of the snowmaking system 100, or the like.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 2, in one example embodiment the snowmaking gun 104 of FIG. 1 includes one or more actuators 200. The one or more actuators 200 may be control components that are manually-driven or electrically-driven (e.g., with servo motors). For example, a particular actuator 200 may set a height relative to a ground surface (e.g., by raising or lowering) for components of the snowmaking gun 104 (e.g., nozzles, and the like). By way of another example, a particular actuator 200 may set a direction of orientation relative to the ground surface for components of the snowmaking gun 104 (e.g., nozzles, and the like). By way of another example, a particular actuator 200 may set an angle of orientation relative to the ground surface for components of the snowmaking gun 104 (e.g., nozzles, and the like). For instance, the snowmaking gun 104 may be able to oscillate between an angle up to 180 degrees. It is noted that the set height, direction of orientation, angle of orientation, and the like may be dependent on external environment data and / or internal operation data, to ensure optimal snow generation occurs with the snowmaking gun 104 on the snow surface.

[0138] The snowmaking gun 104 includes a control box 202. The control box 202 may be a control system (as previously described herein) that optionally includes processors, memory, data transmission units, solar panels, batteries, and / or other components necessary to operate components of the snowmaking gun 104. The control box 202 may be in wireless or wired communication with the actuator 200.

[0139] It is noted that control box 202 may be in communication with the base station 122, the mobile base station 132, and / or the weather station 134 within the snowmaking system 100, either directly or indirectly via the one or more repeater nodes 138. For example, the control box 202 may receive instructions from the base station 122 and / or the mobile base station 132 to adjust the snowmaking gun 104 height, direction of orientation, angle of orientation, and the like based on the data from the weather station 134. By way of another example, the control box 202 may be able to determine and perform onboard adjustments to the snowmaking gun 104 height, direction of orientation, angle of orientation, and the like based on the data from the weather station 134, received from the weather station 134 or relayed as part of the instructions from the base station 122 and / or the mobile base station 132.

[0140] In one non-limiting embodiment, the snowmaking gun 104 includes an automation package (e.g., housed within and / or a portion of a control system) to raise, lower, and rotate the snowmaking gun 104 along one or more axes using the same solar battery platform as what powers and control the production of snow. The raising and lowering feature may be associated with a local weather station 134, so in the event of strong winds the snowmaking gun 104 can be lowered automatically in order to assure the snow being made is deposited on the ski run or other snow surface. The rotating feature may be associated with a local weather station 134, so when the wind changes direction the snowmaking gun 104 will turn to the new direction and / or have a new angle of spray. It is also contemplated that the snowmaking gun 104 may be programmed to turn a set number of degrees over a given time in order to spread the snow and aid in curing time, in an oscillating fashion.

[0141] Referring again to FIG. 1, it is noted that the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 132, 134, 138 may include rechargeable technology such as rechargeable batteries, solar panels for charging the rechargeable batteries (and / or operating the internal electrical components of the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 120, 132, 134, 138), and the like. It is noted that the solar panels may be raised or lowered as needed relative to a control system on the same component of the snowmaking system 100 on which the solar panel is installed, to reduce possible damage to the solar panel by weather events including, but not limited to, strong winds.

[0142] Although the snowmaking system 100 only includes a single instance of the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 138, it should be understood that the snowmaking system 100 may include multiples of any of the various components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 138 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the base station 122 may be in communication with multiple snowmaking modules 102 and / or multiple weather stations 134, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring now to the water supply of the snowmaking system 100 in FIG. 1, depending on the surrounding ground temperature or air temperature and various other environmental conditions, water within the water conduit 112 may be at risk of freezing. This freezing could plug and, in some instances, rupture the water conduit 112. As such, the water conduit 112 between the water source 110 and the water hydrant 106 may be buried or above-ground.

[0144] To reduce the possibility of freezing within the water conduit 112, a positive flow may be introduced into the water conduit 112 at times where the water would otherwise be stagnant (i.e., when the water hydrant 106 (and the snowmaking gun 104) is not running). FIG. 3A illustrates the water drain 114 of the water conduit 112. The water drain 114 is illustrated on an end cap 300 that is an offshoot or branch from the water conduit 112, such that parameters and conditions (e.g., pressure, flow rate, etc.) of the water conduit 112 are similarly observed in the offshoot or branch. However, it is noted that the water drain 114 may be installed at the water source 110, at any location directly along the water conduit 112, and / or at the water hydrant 106 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates the water drain 114 being installed in-line with the water conduit 112.

[0145] In embodiments, the water drain 114 includes a valve 302 that is controlled by an actuator 304. For example, the actuator 304 may be electrically-driven (e.g., a servo motor). By way of another example, the actuator 304 may be manually-driven (e.g., a crank arm operable by a technician). In general, the valve 302 may include a solenoid valve, a gate valve, a ball valve, or another valve capable of closing and opening an amount between approximately 0% and 100%, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] In embodiments, the water drain 114 includes a control box 306. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the control box 306 may be a control system that optionally includes processors 320A, memory 322A, data transmission units 324A, solar panels 326A, batteries 328A, sensors 330A, and / or other components necessary to operate components of the water drain 114. For example, the control box 306 may be in wireless and / or wired communication with the actuator 304 for the valve 302. It should be understood that embodiments directed to the processor 126, the memory 128, the data transmission units 130, and the sensors 136 may similarly read on respective embodiments directed to the processor 320A, the memory 322A, the data transmission units 324A, and the sensors 330A, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted that the sensors 330A may be the same or different as the sensors 308 on the water drain 114, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0147] Where the control box 306 includes (or is in communication with) solar panels 326A, the solar panels 326A may be mounted directly or indirectly (e.g., via fasteners, intervening brackets, and the like) to the exterior of the control box 306 and / or to the end cap 300, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is noted that the control box 306 in FIG. 3A is shown with solar panels 326A but that the solar panels 326A are optional similar to the control box 316, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0148] In embodiments, the water drain 114 includes sensors 308 (e.g., temperature, water pressure, and the like) that monitor the water within the water conduit 112. For example, where data from the sensors 308 is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold (e.g., low pressure, low temperature, and the like), the control box 306 may transmit the readings and receive instructions to open the valve 302 with the actuator 304 to introduce a positive flow into the water conduit 112. By way of another example, where data from the sensors 308 is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold (e.g., low pressure, low temperature, and the like), the control box 306 may be able to determine via onboard processors to open the valve 302 with the actuator 304 to introduce a positive flow into the water conduit 112.

[0149] In some configurations, positive flow within the water conduit 112 and through the water drain 114 when the valve 302 is at least partially open may be generated by a pump or other device operable to assist in purging water from the water drain 114 in fluid communication with the water conduit 112. Alternatively or in addition, positive flow within the water conduit 112 and through the water drain 114 when the valve 302 is at least partially open may be generated through a gravity-fed operation, where the water conduit 112 is inclined or sloped to utilize the potential energy of gravity when supplying water to the water hydrant 106 from the water source 110. Further, positive flow within the water conduit 112 and through the water drain 114 when the valve 302 is at least partially open may be generated by pressure elsewhere within the snowmaking system 100, including but not limited to pressurized water within a water reservoir with an optional pump installed on the water reservoir.

[0150] In this regard, the monitoring and maintenance of the water conduit 112 may be automated with the inclusion of sensors 308 and electrically-driven actuators 304 coupled to valves 302. This increase in automation may reduce the possibility of freezing (e.g., due to low temperatures) within the water conduit 112, thus reducing the possibility of plugging and potential rupturing. Reducing the possibility of these types of failures in the snowmaking system 100 may reduce maintenance and labor costs, while also reducing the risk of danger to ski resort workers (e.g., system technicians, and the like) and / or ski resort patrons.

[0151] Referring now to the air supply of the snowmaking system 100 in FIG. 1, depending on the surrounding ground temperature or air temperature, condensate that forms in the air conduit 118 (e.g., during cooling processes) may similarly be at risk of freezing. This freezing could plug and, in some instances, rupture the air conduit 118. As such, the air conduit 118 between the air source 116 and the air hydrant 108 may be buried or above-ground.

[0152] To reduce the possibility of freezing within the air conduit 118, the air conduit 118 may be blown out, flushed, evacuated, purged, or otherwise drained to remove the accumulated condensate. FIG. 3B illustrates the air drain 120 of the air conduit 118. The air drain 120 is illustrated on an end cap 310 that is an offshoot or branch from the air conduit 118, such that parameters of the air conduit 118 are similarly observed in the offshoot or branch. However, it is noted that the air drain 120 may be installed at the air source 116, at any location directly along the air conduit 118, and / or at the air hydrant 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates the air drain 120 being installed in-line with the air conduit 118.

[0153] In embodiments, the air drain 120 includes a valve 312 that is controlled by an actuator 314. For example, the actuator 314 may be electrically-driven (e.g., a servo motor). By way of another example, the actuator 314 may be manually-driven (e.g., a crank arm operable by a technician). In general, the valve 312 may include a solenoid valve, a gate valve, a ball valve, or another valve capable of closing and opening an amount between approximately 0% and 100%, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0154] In embodiments, the air drain 120 includes a control box 316. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the control box 316 may be a control system that optionally includes processors 320B, memory 322B, data transmission units 324B, solar panels 326B, batteries 328B, sensors 330B, and / or other components necessary to operate components of the air drain 120. For example, the control box 316 may be in wireless and / or wired communication with the actuator 314 for the valve 312. It should be understood that embodiments directed to the processor 126, the memory 128, the data transmission units 130, and the sensors 136 may similarly read on respective embodiments directed to the processor 320B, the memory 322B, the data transmission units 324B, and the sensors 330B, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted that the sensors 330B may be the same or different as the sensors 318 on the air drain 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0155] Where the control box 316 includes (or is in communication with) solar panels 326B, the solar panels 326B may be mounted directly or indirectly (e.g., via fasteners, intervening brackets, and the like) to the exterior of the control box 316 and / or to the end cap 310, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is noted that the control box 316 is not shown with solar panels 326B in FIG. 3B merely to illustrate the optional nature of solar panels 326B on the control box 316, but that the control box 316 may include solar panels 326B similar to the control box 306, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] In embodiments, the air drain 120 includes sensors 318 (e.g., temperature, air pressure, moisture content, and the like) that monitor the air within the air conduit 118. For example, where data from the sensors 318 is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold (e.g., low pressure, low temperature, high moisture content, and the like), the control box 316 may transmit the readings and receive instructions to open the valve 312 with the actuator 304 and allow the air conduit 118 to be blown out. By way of another example, where data from the sensors 318 is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold (e.g., low pressure, low temperature, high moisture content, and the like), the control box 316 may be able to determine via onboard processors to open the valve 312 with the actuator 314 and allow the air conduit 118 to be drained.

[0157] In some configurations, the draining of the air conduit 118 through the air drain 120 when the valve 312 is at least partially open may be generated by a pump or other device operable to assist in purging air from the air drain 120 in fluid communication with the air conduit 118. It is contemplated, however, that the air source 116 may be modified to allow for the supplying of air and the draining of the air conduit 118 when the valve 312 is at least partially open through a gravity-fed operation, where the air conduit 118 is inclined or sloped to utilize the potential energy of gravity when supplying air to the air hydrant 108 from the air source 116, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is contemplated that the air source 116 may be modified to allow for the supplying of air and the draining of the air conduit 118 when the valve 312 is at least partially open which is generated by pressure elsewhere within the snowmaking system 100, including but not limited to pressurized air within an air reservoir with an optional pump installed on the air reservoir.

[0158] FIG. 3C illustrates portions of the snowmaking system 100 to clarify aspects of the electronics within the water drain 114 and the electronics within the air drain 120, for purposes of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the water drain 114 has the control box 306 and the air drain 120 has the control box 316. In addition, the snowmaking module 102 includes one or more control boxes 332. For example, the snowmaking module 102 may include a single control box 332 for the snowmaking gun 104, the water hydrant 106, and the air hydrant 108. By way of another example, one or more of the snowmaking gun 104, the water hydrant 106, and the air hydrant 108 may have separate control boxes 332.

[0159] The control boxes 306 may be control systems that optionally include processors 320C, memory 322C, data transmission units 324C, solar panels 326C, batteries 328C, sensors 330C, and / or other components necessary to operate components of the snowmaking module 102 and / or subcomponents 104, 106, 108. It should be understood that embodiments directed to the processor 126, the memory 128, the data transmission units 130, and the sensors 136 may similarly read on respective embodiments directed to the processor 320C, the memory 322C, the data transmission units 324C, and the sensors 330C and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure

[0160] Where the control box 332 includes (or is in communication with) solar panels 326C, the solar panels 326C may be mounted directly or indirectly (e.g., via fasteners, intervening brackets, and the like) to the exterior of the control box 332 and / or to the another surface of the snowmaking module 102 and / or subcomponents 104, 106, 108, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0161] In this regard, the monitoring and maintenance of the air conduit 118 may be automated with the inclusion of sensors 318 and electrically-driven actuators 314 coupled to valves 312. This increase in automation may reduce the possibility of freezing within the air conduit 118 (e.g., due to moisture content), thus reducing the possibility of plugging and potential rupturing. Reducing the possibility of these types of failures in the snowmaking system 100 may reduce maintenance and labor costs, while also reducing the risk of danger to ski resort workers (e.g., system technicians, and the like) and / or ski resort patrons.

[0162] Depending on proximity of the water drain 114 and the air drain 120, the control boxes 306, 316 may be a single integrated control box. For example, the single control box may be able to control both the actuator 304 for the valve 302 for the water drain 114, and additionally may be able to control both the actuator 314 for the valve 312 for the air drain 120. In this regard, it should be understood that the multiple control boxes 306, 316 are not intended on being limiting for the present disclosure.

[0163] Depending on proximity of the water drain 114 and the air drain 120, the control boxes 306, 316 may be powered by a single set of solar panels. For example, the single set of solar panels may be able to supply power to both the control box 306 for the water drain 114, and additionally the control box 316 for the air drain 120. The single set of solar panels may be mounted on the end cap 300, the control box 306, the end cap 310, or the control box 316, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0164] FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a method or process 400 illustrating the use of the snowmaking system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While a general order for the actions of the method or process 400 is shown in FIG. 4A, the method or process 400 can include more or fewer actions or can arrange the order of the actions differently (including simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or sequentially) than those shown in FIG. 4A. It is noted that the method or process 400 shall be explained with reference to the components, devices, subassemblies, environments, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3C. For example, it is noted that the embodiments as illustrated in at least FIG. 3A should be understood as reading on the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 4A, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the snowmaking system 100 has been previously installed prior to (or is currently undergoing installation during) the performing of the method or process 400.

[0165] In embodiments, water data in a water conduit is acquired 402. The water conduit 112 includes the water drain 114 that operates as a water check flow location. The water drain 114 includes sensors 308 that acquire data for the water within the water conduit 112. Alternatively, the sensors 308 may be positioned at any point at the water source 110, the water hydrant 106, or on the water conduit 112 therebetween without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0166] In embodiments, the water data is transmitted 404. For example, the water data may be transmitted to a base station 122, 132. The water data may include water temperature, water pressure, and the like.

[0167] In embodiments, instructions are received 406 to operate a water valve. For example, the water data may meet or exceed pre-determined thresholds (e.g., low temperature, low pressure, and the like), requiring the water valve 302 to be opened to introduce a positive flow into the water conduit 112.

[0168] In embodiments, the water valve is operated 408. The water valve 302 may be opened (e.g., by the control box 306) using automated systems including the electric actuator 304. The water valve 302 may remain open until transmitted water data indicate that thresholds are no longer met or exceeded, and / or a set pre-determined time has passed. The water valve 302 may then be closed (e.g., by the control box 306) based on the previously-received instructions, additionally-received instructions (e.g., in response to additional transmitted water data), or following an onboard determination.

[0169] It is noted that the transmitting 404 and / or the receiving406 may be optional, such as where a control box 306 (or 316, where a single control box is used) is able to make onboard determinations about the thresholds and need for introducing positive flow into the water conduit 112 and subsequent operation of the water valve 302. However, it may still be desirable to transmit the water data, even if onboard determinations about thresholds and subsequent actuation occurs via the control box 306.

[0170] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a method or process 410 illustrating the use of the snowmaking system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While a general order for the actions of the method or process 410 is shown in FIG. 4B, the method or process 410 can include more or fewer actions or can arrange the order of the actions differently (including simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or sequentially) than those shown in FIG. 4B. It is noted that the method or process 410 shall be explained with reference to the components, devices, subassemblies, environments, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3C. For example, it is noted that the embodiments as illustrated in at least FIG. 3B should be understood as reading on the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 4B, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the snowmaking system 100 has been previously installed prior to (or is currently undergoing installation during) the method or process 410.

[0171] In embodiments, air data in an air conduit is acquired 412. The air conduit 118 includes the air drain 120 that operates as an air check flow location. The air drain 120 includes sensors 318 that acquire data for the air within the air conduit 118. Alternatively, the sensors 318 may be positioned at any point at the air source 116, the air hydrant 108, or on the air conduit 118 therebetween without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0172] In embodiments, the air data is transmitted 414. For example, the air data may be transmitted to a base station 122, 132. The air data may include air temperature, air pressure, moisture content, and the like.

[0173] In embodiments, instructions are received 416 to operate an air valve. For example, the air data may meet or exceed pre-determined thresholds (e.g., low temperature, low pressure, moisture content, and the like), requiring the air valve 312 to be opened to blow out the air conduit 118.

[0174] In embodiments, the air valve is operated 418. The air valve 312 may be opened (e.g., by the control box 316) using automated systems including the electric actuator 314. The air valve 312 may remain open until transmitted air data indicate that thresholds are no longer met or exceeded, and / or a set pre-determined time has passed. The air valve 312 may then be closed (e.g., by the control box 316) based on the previously-received instructions, additionally-received instructions (e.g., in response to additional transmitted water data), or following an onboard determination.

[0175] It is noted that the transmitting 414 and / or the receiving 416 may be optional, such as where a control box 316 (or 306, where a single control box is used) is able to make onboard determinations about the thresholds and need for blowing out the air conduit 118 and subsequent operation of the air valve 312. However, it may still be desirable to transmit the air data, even if onboard determinations about thresholds and subsequent actuation occurs via the control box 316.

[0176] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method or process 500 illustrating the use of the snowmaking system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While a general order for the actions of the method or process 500 is shown in FIG. 5, the method or process 500 can include more or fewer actions or can arrange the order of the actions differently (including simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or sequentially) than those shown in FIG. 5. It is noted that the method or process 500 shall be explained with reference to the components, devices, subassemblies, environments, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3C. For example, it is noted that the embodiments as illustrated in at least FIGS. 1, 2 and 3C, should be understood as reading on the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 5, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the snowmaking system 100 has been previously installed prior to (or is currently undergoing installation during) the method or process 500.

[0177] In embodiments, external environment data is acquired 502. For example, the external environmental data may include wind direction and / or wind speed, or the like. The external environment data may be acquired by a base station 122, a mobile base station 132, and / or a weather station 134. The external environment data may be acquired by sensors onboard a snowmaking module 102 (e.g., including a snowmaking gun 104, a water hydrant 106, and / or an air hydrant 108), a water source 110, a water conduit 112, a water drain 114, an air source 116, an air conduit 118, and / or an air drain 120.

[0178] In embodiments, configurations of the snowmaking gun are transmitted 504. The external environment data (e.g., from the weather station 134) and the configurations of the snowmaking module 102 (e.g., including the snowmaking gun 104, the water hydrant 106, and / or the air hydrant 108) may be transmitted to a base stations 122, 132.

[0179] In embodiments, instructions to operate the snowmaking gun are received 506. Based on the external environment data and the current configurations of the snowmaking gun, one or more adjustments to the configuration of the snowmaking gun 104 may be determined and transmitted by the base stations 122, 132.

[0180] In embodiments, the snowmaking gun is operated 508. For example, the configuration of the snowmaking gun 104 may be adjusted (e.g., by the control box 332) based on the receiving instructions. For instance, the adjustments may raise, lower, and / or rotate the snowmaking gun 104 through operation of the one or more actuators 200.

[0181] It is noted that the transmitting 504 and / or the receiving 506 may be optional, such as where a control box 202 on the snowmaking gun 104 is able to receive the external environmental data and is able to make onboard determinations about the need for adjustment to promote increased snow generation into the water conduit 112. However, it may still be desirable to transmit the configuration of the snowmaking gun 104, even if onboard determinations about need for adjustment occurs via the control box 202.

[0182] Advantages of the present disclosure are directed to snowmaking systems and modules. In particular, advantages of the present disclosure are directed to a snowmaking system including snowmaking modules with snowmaking guns and hydrants, to water and air sources in fluid communication with the snowmaking modules, to base stations, to weather stations, and to repeater nodes. The various components of the snowmaking system may be in communication with one another to transmit and receive data related to external environment data and internal (e.g., onboard-component) operation data, and / or to transmit and receive instructions to adjust or modify operation of the various components of the snowmaking system.

[0183] Advantages of the present disclosure are directed to automation of the snowmaking guns and / or hydrants. In particular, the automation may raise or lower the snowmaking gun and / or hydrant, instead of relying on a manual cranking operation applied by ski resort staff (e.g., a technician, or the like). In addition, the automation may rotate to adjust one or more angles of spray (e.g., relative to a ground surface) by the snowmaking gun, to increase an area to which snow is applied by the snowmaking gun.

[0184] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A snowmaking system, comprising: a snowmaking module, the snowmaking module comprising: a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water, the snowmaking gun comprising a control box operable to control one or more actuators; andat least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun;a water source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via a water conduit, wherein operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module; andan air source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via an air conduit, wherein operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module.

2. The snowmaking system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant for the water conduit and a separate air hydrant for the air conduit.

3. The snowmaking system of claim 1, further comprising:a water drain including a water valve driven by an actuator,wherein when the water data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

4. The snowmaking system of claim 3, wherein the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the water conduit.

5. The snowmaking system of claim 4, wherein the positive flow passes through the water drain until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

6. The snowmaking system of claim 1, further comprising:an air drain including an air valve driven by an actuator,wherein when the air data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

7. The snowmaking system of claim 6, wherein the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the air conduit.

8. The snowmaking system of claim 6, wherein the draining of the air conduit occurs until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

9. The snowmaking system of claim 1, further comprising:a weather station operable to determine external environment data,wherein the snowmaking gun is able to:receive at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box; andadjust one or more parameters of the snowmaking gun including height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

10. A snowmaking system, comprising:a weather station operable to determine external environment data; anda snowmaking module, the snowmaking module comprising:a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water, the snowmaking gun comprising a control box operable to control one or more actuators; andat least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun,wherein the snowmaking gun is able to:receive at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box; andadjust parameters of the snowmaking gun including one or more of height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

11. The snowmaking system of claim 10, further comprising:a water source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via a water conduit, wherein operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module; andan air source in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant via an air conduit, wherein operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module.

12. The snowmaking system of claim 11, wherein the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant for the water conduit and a separate air hydrant for the air conduit.

13. The snowmaking system of claim 11, further comprising:a water drain including a water valve driven by an actuator,wherein when the water data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

14. The snowmaking system of claim 13, wherein the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the water conduit, and wherein the positive flow passes through the water drain until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

15. The snowmaking system of claim 11, further comprising:an air drain including an air valve driven by an actuator,wherein when the air data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

16. The snowmaking system of claim 15, wherein the pre-determined threshold is for a low pressure or for a low temperature that indicates ice is accumulating within the air conduit, and wherein the draining of the air conduit occurs until at least one of the pre-determined threshold is no longer met or a pre-determined amount of time passes.

17. A method for operating a snowmaking system, comprising:providing a snowmaking module of the snowmaking system, the snowmaking module comprising:a snowmaking gun operable to expel at least one of liquid and solid water, the snowmaking gun comprising a control box operable to control one or more actuators; andat least one hydrant in fluid communication with the snowmaking gun;acquiring data in at least one conduit that is in fluid communication with the at least one hydrant and at least one fluid source; andwhen the data at least meets a pre-determined threshold, opening a valve of at least one drain in fluid communication with the at least one conduit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one hydrant includes a water hydrant, wherein the at least one conduit includes a water conduit,wherein the snowmaking system includes a water source in fluid communication with the water hydrant via the water conduit, wherein operable parameters of the water conduit are adjustable based on water data received from sensors that monitor water within at least one of the water conduit and the snowmaking module,wherein the at least one drain includes a water drain with a water valve driven by an actuator, and wherein when the water data at least meets the pre-determined threshold, the water valve is opened by the actuator to introduce positive flow into the water conduit.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one hydrant includes an air hydrant, wherein the at least one conduit includes an air conduit,wherein the snowmaking system includes an air source in fluid communication with the air hydrant via the air conduit, wherein operable parameters of the air conduit are adjustable based on air data received from sensors that monitor air within at least one of the air conduit and the snowmaking module,wherein the at least one drain includes an air drain with an air valve driven by an actuator, and wherein when the air data at least meets the pre-determined threshold, the air valve is opened by the actuator to drain the air conduit.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the snowmaking system comprises a weather station operable to determine external environment data, and wherein the method further comprises:receiving at least one of the external environment data or instructions generated based on the external environment data with the control box; andadjusting parameters of the snowmaking gun including one or more of height and angle of spray via operation of the one or more actuators with the control box.

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