Apparatus and method for generating a surfable wave

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a surfable wave. In an apparatus (100) according to the invention for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section (146) by means of a water flow which moves in a main flow direction (S), at least one means for controlling at least part of the water flow is arranged and controllable in such a way that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction (S) of the water flow in order to generate a modifiable wave profile transversely with respect to the main flow direction (S).

Description

[0001] Apparatus and method for generating a surfable wave

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a surfable wave.

[0004] US 11 ,660,546 B2 discloses an apparatus for generating surfable individual waves in a pool. For this purpose, a number of chambers, each of which is initially filled with a discrete volume of water, are provided in a row. The respective volumes of water are subsequently displaced out of the chambers into the pool using compressed air in a predefined sequence at staggered intervals in order to generate a wave from a number of water volume movements. Generating surfable hydraulic jump waves is not described or otherwise discussed.

[0005] EP 3 606 626 B1 discloses an arrangement and a method for generating a standing wave in a standing body of water or water basin. This involves a surfable hydraulic jump wave which makes surfing possible in standing bodies of water and water basins, surfing having many common features with sea wave surfing, in particular because of the large volume of water moved.

[0006] The invention relates in particular to further development of the apparatuses described in EP 3 606 626 B1. However, it is not limited to an apparatus of this type but can also be realized on the basis of other apparatuses or on the basis of natural water flows, in particular on the basis of river or stream flows.

[0007] The realization of the invention on the basis of an apparatus which itself generates a sufficiently strong flow, in particular an apparatus as described in EP 3 606 626 B1 , has the advantage that the apparatus can be realized at virtually any location at relatively low costs - in comparison to other installations - without a natural flow being required as a basis for the realization. In addition, reference is also made to the technical features which can be seen from, and are described on, the Internet pages , retrieved on 06.07.2024. Such apparatuses are considered to be the closest prior art. These apparatuses known from the prior art usually generate a surfable hydraulic jump wave by the fact that a water flow flowing in a main flow direction is generated by use of pumps. This results in a hydraulic jump wave having a surfable region which is limited in longitudinal direction and which extends perpendicularly to the direction of longitudinal extent of the apparatus (corresponds to the main flow direction) over the width of the apparatus.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing an apparatus for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section by means of a water flow, the apparatus being functionally improved with regard to its possible uses and therefore supplying more variety to users.

[0009] The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section by means of a water flow which moves in a main flow direction, in particular to an apparatus as described in EP 3 606 626 B1 . It is pointed out once again that the water flow can be generated with the aid of a mechanical apparatus, in particular by means of pumps, and / or using a natural water flow. In an apparatus according to the invention, at least one means for controlling at least part of the water flow is arranged and controllable in such a way that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction of the water flow in order to generate a modifiable wave profile transversely with respect to the main flow direction. In this way, it is also possible to generate wave profiles of different steepness; in particular, parts which have a greater height level can have a steeper profile from the perspective of the main flow direction. "At least part of the waterflow" means that there has to be at least a partial section of the water flow which is adjustable with respect to the height level - and thus also with respect to the steepness - using the means. In the simplest case, the water flow is divided into two partial sections, with the height level of a partial section being controllable via the control means. Thus, for example, a person on a surfboard on the hydraulic jump wave may be confronted with the task of recognizing when and in which partial section a higher height level is set by said control means, in order to react accordingly, in particular by the surfing direction being selected such that the person turns away from the partial section with the higher height level and surfs in the direction of the partial section with the lower height level. In this case, people using the apparatus can train an intuitive behavior during surfing and thus improve their riding safety and the steering of the surfboard. One advantage of the invention in particular is that the surfable waves that can be generated are very similar to the surfable ocean waves that occur in nature. As a result, the apparatus according to the invention allows highly realistic and efficient training for later practice in nature.

[0010] The water flow is preferably segmented into at least 3, at least 5 or at least 10, more preferably into at least 15 and particularly preferably into at least 20, at least 25, at least 30 partial sections. Means for separately controlling the height level are preferably provided for at least half of all of the partial sections, particularly preferably for 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent of all of the partial sections or for all of the partial sections (100 percent of the partial sections).

[0011] An apparatus according to the invention can be realized in a technically relatively simple and cost-effective manner, if, in order to set the different height levels and the resulting wave profile, the water flow is segmented into at least two partial flows by at least one partial flow being controllable by means of at least one adjustable throttle valve, by means of at least one slide and / or by means of at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power. It is pointed out here that the at least one throttle valve, the at least one slide and / or the at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power have to be arranged upstream of the wave generating section in order to be able to deploy the intended effect on the height level of the hydraulic jump wave.

[0012] If the apparatus is an apparatus operated by use of pumps, the delivery power of one pump or of a number of pumps can be effected in particular by specifying the power of the respective pump(s), for example by controlling the pump frequency (frequency control).

[0013] In a further practical embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, two or more partial flows are separated from one another by partition wall sections at least in a partial longitudinal section upstream of the wave generating section. Such partition wall sections can be used to separate the water flow over a predetermined region in the main flow direction in order to prevent premature wave energy propagation in the transverse direction, in particular perpendicular to the main flow direction. Preferably, 3, 5 or 10, more preferably 15 or 20 and particularly preferably 25, 30 or more than 30 partition wall sections are formed. The partition wall sections are in particular partition walls, the direction of longitudinal extent of which is oriented parallel to the main flow direction. Preferably, thin-walled structures are provided as partition walls, by means of which adjacent water flows are completely or at least largely separated from one another. Partition wall sections in the context of the invention are also understood to mean partition walls which are provided with passage openings and by means of which adjacent water flows remain substantially separated. This means that the deviation of the volume of water in the case of one partition wall section with passage openings compared to an identical partition wall without passage openings is less than 50 percent in all intended operating states.

[0014] If the partition wall sections extend at least over a partial length of ramp-like acceleration sections upstream of the wave generating section, in which the partial flows are accelerated by use of gravity, the partial flows can be separated largely or as far as the wave generating section itself. This results in high precision in the sense of high control accuracy of the height levels and of the resulting wave profile in the wave generating section.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave by means of a water flow which moves in a main flow direction, wherein different height levels are set by control of at least one means for controlling at least part of the water flow transversely with respect to the main flow direction, resulting in a wave profile. Reference is hereby made once again to the advantages which are already described above in connection with the apparatus and which apply analogously.

[0016] In a practical embodiment of the method according to the invention, the water flow is controlled by means of at least one adjustable throttle valve, by means of at least one slide and / or by means of at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power. Here, as already described in connection with the apparatus, the at least one throttle valve, the at least one slide and / or the at least one pump are arranged upstream of the wave generating section. By complete or partial closing of the throttle valve or slide and / or by a reduction in the delivery power of the pump, it is possible in each case to set a lower height level such that any desired wave profiles can be produced perpendicular to the main flow direction by suitable control. The technical possibilities for realizing specific wave profiles will be discussed in more detail below.

[0017] In a practical embodiment of a method according to the invention, the control is effected in such a way that the partial flows are set as a function of time to different height levels and wave profiles resulting therefrom in such a way that a wave profile moving at least over a partial section in the transverse direction with at least one height maximum (peak) is produced. Here, the control can be effected in such a way that the height maximum moves in the transverse direction at a constant speed, at increasing speed or else at decreasing speed. It is also possible to first increase the speed and then to allow it to decrease again.

[0018] If, in a method according to the invention, a wave profile having a number of height maxima at the same time, which each move in the same transverse direction, is generated by means of the partial flows, the apparatus can be used simultaneously by several people, with each person then preferably attempting to move approximately with the respective height maximum. In this case, there is a certain amount of play, that is to say the person can also move in phases relative to the height maximum, in particular by moving in front of the height maximum. For training purposes and also in order to avoid a risk of collision with other people moving at the same time, the intention should be to avoid a person being able to fall off behind a height maximum.

[0019] In a further practical embodiment of a method according to the invention, a wave profile having a plurality of height maxima at the same time, which, proceeding from a central region, each move outward, is generated by means of the partial flows. Thus, a person starting in each case in the central region can practice deciding on a specific desired direction of movement. Depending on the preference of the person in question, it is then possible to ride both in one direction and in the other direction.

[0020] In a further practical embodiment, a wave profile having at least one height maximum, which, proceeding from a central region, optionally moves outward to the right or outward to the left in any desired direction, is generated by means of the partial flows. In particular, it may be unknown to a person whether the height maximum will move in one direction or in the other direction, and therefore the height maximum will move in a previously known direction. A training task to be achieved by a person in this case can consist in particular of independently recognizing the direction of movement of the height level and controlling the surfboard in the direction which is predefined by the apparatus in each case - possibly also randomly - with the direction of movement. In this case, a person can practice "reading" a height maximum moving in the transverse direction in order to improve the intuition for surfing in the sea. Thus, for surfing in the sea, improved riding safety can be achieved and training of the reaction rate in changing water conditions can be carried out.

[0021] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings, in which: fig. 1 shows an apparatus according to the invention in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a non-activated state, fig. 2 shows the apparatus from figure 1 in a view from above in the same non-operated state as in figure 1 , fig. 3 shows the apparatus from figures 1 and 2 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a first state of a first operating mode, fig. 4 shows the apparatus from figures 1 to 3 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a second state of the first operating mode, the second state temporally following the first state, fig. 5 shows the apparatus from figures 1 to 4 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a third state of the first operating mode, the third state temporally following the second state, fig. 6 shows the apparatus from figures 1 to 5 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a fourth state of the first operating mode, the fourth state following significantly later with respect to the third state, fig. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a second operating mode of the apparatus from figures 1 to 6, and fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a third operating mode of the apparatus from figures 1 to 7.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show two views of an apparatus 100 according to the invention in the non-operated state. This is in particular an apparatus as described in EP 3 606 626 B1. Reference is made to this disclosure in its entirety. Reference signs increased by 100 compared to EP 3 606 626 B1 are used below for identical or at least functionally identical elements.

[0023] This is an apparatus 100 for generating a standing wave 112 in the shape of a hydraulic jump wave, which is only partially illustrated in figures 3 to 8.

[0024] The apparatus 100 is substantially formed by a first side wall element 116, a second side wall element 118 and a crossmember 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 1 to 8, the side wall elements 116, 118 and the crossmember 120 each have the same height and are firmly connected to one another to form a U- shaped structure.

[0025] Upwardly projecting additional walls 102, 104, 106 are formed over the entire length of the crossmember 120 and over a partial length of the regions of the side wall elements 116, 118 facing the crossmember 120, said additional walls being formed so as to continuously decrease to the height level of the side wall elements 116, 118 forward in the direction of the open side of the U-shaped structure.

[0026] A floor element 122 extends over the entire width between the first side wall element 116 and the second side wall element 118, proceeding from the crossmember 120.

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 also show the water level 124 of a water basin 114, only part of which is illustrated. The water level 124 lies somewhat below the side wall elements 116, 118 and the crossmember 120, such that the space above the floor element 122 is largely independent of external influences of the water basin 114, which may also be a lake or other body of water, in particular a section of sea, if the sea does not have too great a swell.

[0028] As can be clearly seen in the figures, a number of openings 126 are formed in the floor element. Pumps (not illustrated) are arranged in each of these openings 126 or at least in operative connection with these openings 126 in such a way that, with said pumps, water can be conveyed upward from the underwater region of the water basin 114 in the direction of the arrow P against the force of gravity g to a higher starting level than the water level 124.

[0029] Water flows due to gravity from this starting level 130 via a water acceleration section 132 to a ramp surface 136, which is inclined upward in the main flow direction S according to the arrows L, R. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the water acceleration section 132 is designed in the form of a slide-like flow-off surface 134. Here, the flow-off surface 134 and the ramp surface 136 are formed as part of the top-side surface 140 of the floor element 122. In the embodiment shown, between the flow-off surface 134 and the ramp surface 136, an optional planar and horizontally oriented intermediate region 138 is formed on the floor element 122.

[0030] Downstream of the ramp surface 136, the floor element 122 is optionally planar over a certain length.

[0031] As can be clearly seen from figures 1 and 2, the floor element 122 in the illustrated embodiment is precisely the length of the first side wall element 116 and the second side wall element 118, and therefore the open end of the U-shaped structure together with the end of the floor element 122 form an outflow region 142, which is open on one side and in which the height of the water level corresponds to the water level 124 of the water basin 114.

[0032] The ramp surface 136 and the top-side surface 140 of the floor element 122 adjoining downstream of the ramp surface 136 form a wave generating section 146, in which a standing wave 112 (cf. figures 2 to 8) is formed in interaction with the water of the water basin 114. This can be seen from the fact that the water level 124 is set directly behind the standing wave 112.

[0033] In the embodiment of the apparatus 100, both the ramp surface 136 and the topside surface 140 of the adjoining floor element 122 are located completely below the water level 124. The water flowing off from the starting level 130 flows down the flow-off surface 134 in a directed flow and has a sufficiently high energy such that the water of the water basin 114, which is at a lower level when the pumps are at a standstill, remains completely in the region behind the standing wave 112. As a result, the standing wave 112 can be generated in an energy-efficient manner by the starting level 130 only having to be raised by the amount H in relation to the water level 124.

[0034] The apparatus 100 can produce a standing wave 112 in a water basin 114 by water being conveyed to a starting level 130 by use of the pumps (not illustrated) in order to bring about a directed water flow in the direction of the arrows L, R, with the water flow being conducted back directly into the water basin 114 and a standing wave 112 being generated in the wave generating section 146 by direct interaction of the directed water flow with the water level 124 of the water basin 114.

[0035] As can be clearly seen from figure 2, the apparatus 100 has a total of 25 rows of openings 126, with in each row three openings being arranged one behind the other in the main flow direction S. The rows are numbered from 1 to 25. In the embodiment shown, at least one pump (not illustrated) is provided per row. Each opening 126 may be provided with one pump. Here, the pumps (not illustrated) are means for controlling at least part of the water flow in such a way that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction of the water flow in order to generate a modifiable wave profile transversely with respect to the main flow direction. This is effected by a temporally different power control of the pumps, which is explained below on the basis of figures 3 to 8 and on the basis of numerical examples.

[0036] For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that a pump does not necessarily have to be provided for each of the rows 1 to 25 with openings 126. The invention can also be realized if in each case one pump is provided for a number of rows of openings 126, for example one pump for the openings 126 of rows 1 to 5, one for the openings 126 of rows 6 to 10, one for the openings 126 of rows 11 to 15, one for the openings 126 of rows 16 to 20, and one for the openings 126 of rows 21 to 25.

[0037] In the following explanation, in each case at least one separately controllable pump is provided for each of the rows 1 to 25.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a first state in which the power of the pumps which are controllable for rows 1 to 5 is increased compared to the power of the other pumps. This can be realized, for example, by the pump power for rows 1 to 5 being controlled to 100 percent, while the pump power for the other rows is controlled to 60 percent. Accordingly, only that region of the apparatus 100 which adjoins the openings 126 in the main flow direction S relating to the pumps in rows 1 to 5 is highlighted by three thick wavy lines and three exemplary peaks 108. In said region, the height level with the peaks 108 is increased compared to the remaining height level of the standing hydraulic jump wave generated by the apparatus 100. The sum of the three peaks 108 shown and the multitude of further peaks (not shown) which extend from rows 1 to 5 results in a peak which extends over rows 1 to 5.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the apparatus in a second state which temporally follows the first state. In this state, the power of the pump(s) in row 1 is reduced to 60 percent, while the power of the pump(s) in row 6 has been increased to 100 percent. As a result, the peaks 108 begin to migrate to the left in the direction of the arrow P.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the apparatus 100 in a third state which temporally follows the second state. In this state, the power of the pump(s) in row 2 is reduced to 60 percent, while the power of the pump(s) in row 7 has been increased to 100 percent. As a result, the peaks 108 migrate further to the left in the direction of the arrow P.

[0041] This power shift by in each case one pump row can be continued in the described manner until the peaks 108 - as illustrated in figure 6 - have migrated to rows 21 to 25. With this movement of the maximum height level of the peaks, a person on a surfboard can move on the standing hydraulic jump wave in order to practice surfing in a suitable wave range. For example, the control of the pump power can be shifted in each case after one second by one row of openings 126, such that, after 20 seconds, a peak 108 extending over five rows (for example rows 1 to 5) has migrated from one side to the other side, namely to rows 21 to 25.

[0042] For the sake of completeness, it is pointed out that the speed for the migration of peaks 108 is modifiable. Reference is again made at this point to the explanations above in this respect.

[0043] Figures 7 and 8 describe two further possibilities of how the apparatus 100 according to the invention can be operated.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a variant in which a person initially moves on a surfboard on the hydraulic jump wave (not illustrated) into the identified central region M. Subsequently, the power of the pumps is controlled in such a way that a peak 108 forms in the central region (not illustrated in figure 7), and then this peak 108 is divided by appropriate control of the pumps simultaneously into a peak 108 in the direction of the arrow R and into a peak 108 in the direction of the arrow L so that the person can decide at will in which direction they would like to move on the surfboard (not illustrated) approximately at the speed of the peak 108. This is simple training in which the person cannot make an incorrect decision. They can ride in the direction provided by peak 108 in which it is easier to go.

[0045] Figure 8 shows a further variant in which one of the directions R or L can be predefined by means of the apparatus 100. Thus, people can train their capability of reading developing waves which form transversely to a main flow direction S, and improve the responsiveness to such scenarios and the riding safety in such scenarios.

[0046] Although not illustrated, it is also possible to use the apparatus 100 to form scenarios in which the direction of movement of a wave moving transversely with respect to the main direction of flow changes, and therefore a person has to recognize when the wave is slowing down or is overlapped by a wave moving in the opposite direction. This results in continuous surfing scenarios with directional changes during surfing, with the challenge consisting in recognizing directional changes produced by the apparatus 100 sufficiently early in order not to pass behind the wave moving transversely with respect to the main flow direction S, i.e. behind the direction of movement of a peak 108.

[0047] The features of the invention that are disclosed in the present description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any desired combinations. The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described. It can be varied within the scope of the claims and taking account of the knowledge of a competent person skilled in the art.

[0048] Partition wall sections, for example, are not illustrated in figures 1 to 8. Such may, for example, be provided between two adjacent rows and extend over a certain length in the main flow direction S, for example from the openings 126 into the water acceleration section 132. The height of such partition wall sections is variable; it is preferably selected to be of such a height that the water flows remain completely separated from the openings 126 to the end of the partition wall sections.

[0049] List of reference signs

[0050] 100 Apparatus

[0051] 102 Additional wall

[0052] 104 Additional wall

[0053] 106 Additional wall

[0054] 108 Peak

[0055] 112 Standing wave

[0056] 114 Water basin

[0057] 116 First side wall element

[0058] 118 Second side wall element

[0059] 120 Crossmember

[0060] 122 Floor element

[0061] 124 Water level

[0062] 126 Opening

[0063] 130 Starting level

[0064] 132 Water acceleration section

[0065] 134 Flow-off surface

[0066] 136 Ramp surface

[0067] 138 Intermediate region

[0068] 140 Top-side surface

[0069] 142 Outflow region

[0070] 146 Wave generating section

[0071] M Central region

[0072] L Arrow (left)

[0073] R Arrow (right)

[0074] S Main flow direction

[0075] * * * * * * *

Claims

Claims1 . An apparatus (100) for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section (146) by means of a water flow which moves in a main flow direction (S), wherein at least one means for controlling at least part of the water flow is arranged and controllable in such a way that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction (S) of the water flow in order to generate a modifiable wave profile transversely with respect to the main flow direction (S).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, in order to set the different height levels and the resulting wave profile, the water flow is segmented into at least two partial flows by at least one partial flow being controllable by means of at least one adjustable throttle valve, by means of at least one slide and / or by means of at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in either of the preceding claims, wherein two or more partial flows are separated from one another by partition wall sections at least in a partial longitudinal section upstream of the wave generating section (146).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the partition wall sections extend at least over a partial length of ramp-like acceleration sections (132) upstream of the wave generating section (146), in which the partial flows are accelerated by use of gravity.

5. A method for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave by means of a water flow which moves in a main flow direction (S), wherein different heightlevels are set by control of at least one means for controlling at least part of the water flow transversely with respect to the main flow direction (S), resulting in a wave profile.

6. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the water flow is controlled by means of at least one adjustable throttle valve, by means of at least one slide and / or by means of at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power.

7. The method as claimed in either of the two preceding claims, wherein the control is effected in such a way that the partial flows are set as a function of time to different height levels and resulting wave profiles in such a way that a wave profile moving over at least one partial section in the transverse direction and having at least one height maximum (peak) (108) is produced.

8. The method as claimed in any one of the three preceding claims, wherein a wave profile having several height maxima at the same time, each moving in the same direction, is generated by means of the partial flows.

9. The method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a wave profile having several height maxima at the same time, which, proceeding from a central region, each move outward, is generated by means of the partial flows.

10. The method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a wave profile having at least one height maximum, which, proceeding from a central region, optionally moves outward to the right or outward to the left in any desired direction, is generated by means of the partial flows.* * * * * * *

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