Pool for water activities with artificial current

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of sport and recreation. What is proposed is a pool for water activities with an artificial current, comprising a housing in the form of an endless channel, and at least one platform, wherein the endless channel is stationary and has a set shape and a set cross-section, and at least one movable platform is arranged proximate the bottom of the channel for creating an artificial current therein, the platform being in the form of a frame structure with at least one paddle vane mounted thereon and being configured for continuous movement in one direction along at least one guide, wherein the guide is endless and extends along the entire perimeter of the channel. The technical result of the proposed invention is that of generating and maintaining in the most energy-efficient way possible an artificial current with improved uniformity in a pool.

Description

[0001] WATER FUN POOL WITH ARTIFICIAL CURRENT

[0002] Field of technology

[0003] The invention relates to the field of sports and entertainment.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Water recreation is very popular and, depending on the season and the vacationer's abilities, can be enjoyed on either natural or artificial bodies of water. Despite the obvious advantages of natural bodies of water such as the sea, lake, or river, often the only immediate option for vacationers is a swimming pool—an artificial body of water with guaranteed water quality and certain additional services. Indoor pools also provide a favorable artificial microclimate for vacationers, which is crucial in areas with harsh climates and large seasonal temperature fluctuations.

[0006] For swimming or bathing, a small pool of still water is usually sufficient. However, active recreation such as surfing requires a certain amount of water movement.

[0007] In "classic" surfing, the athlete is caught by a traveling sea wave and then moves with it, positioned on its leading edge. The wave is generated by the wind. The term "traveling" means that the wave front (in other words, the line or surface of constant phase oscillation of particles in the medium) moves relative to the medium through which the wave propagates. Therefore, both the wave and the athlete must move relative to the water.

[0008] If the wind is light and the body of water is small, and traveling waves of sufficient amplitude do not form naturally, they can be created artificially. Active wave generators are used to create traveling waves in still water. An active wave generator is a displacement body that is forced into translational or oscillatory motion relative to the water.

[0009] A moving displacement vessel or boat can also serve as an active wave generator. Surfing on a boat's wake is a separate sporting discipline called wakesurfing. This applies to still water and free-running waves. However, in flowing water (like a river), in addition to free-running waves, a wave-like surface formed by the interaction of the flow with the bottom topography can be suitable for surfing. Such a forced wave is "tied" to the bottom topography, i.e., stationary. However, even in this case, the "wave" moves relative to the water, although the terms group and phase velocity do not apply to such waves. "Riding" such waves can be considered a separate form of surfing.

[0010] Another form of active water recreation worth mentioning is rafting. Rafting is a river sport and recreation that requires flowing water, and the presence of free or forced waves of significant amplitude adds excitement and appeal.

[0011] Natural bodies of water for water recreation typically occupy a significant area and allow for extensive movement, "riding the wave" for a reasonable amount of time. Creating artificial bodies of water of similar size for recreational purposes is very expensive and associated with high economic risks, especially if the body of water is enclosed rather than open-air. To "ride the wave" for a long time in the limited space of an artificial body of water, it is necessary to stop the wave, i.e., create a water flow against which the wave moves while remaining stationary relative to the body of water (pool). This problem can be solved in various ways.

[0012] An installation and an underwater platform are known (patent RU 2777021, IPC A63B 69 / 00, A63G 31 / 00 published 01.08.2022). The essence of the invention is that the installation for generating waves includes a wave generator, a movable underwater platform connected to it, adjustable according to the depth of the reservoir, and a tensioning device, wherein the wave generator is made of a chamber mounted on a frame with an inlet / outlet for water at the bottom and an air valve at the top, connected to a vacuum pump, and the underwater platform is designed in the form of a plate or at least two plates connected movably and sequentially to each other, wherein the underwater platform is connected to the tensioning device and to a load located on the bottom of the reservoir, using cables passed through a roller, and the tensioning device is installed on the frame or secured to the shore of the reservoir.The underwater wave-forming platform comprises at least one plate adjustable to the depth of the reservoir, in the form of a horizontally elongated structure consisting of a rigid layer capable of holding a wave and imparting it the required shape, and a buoyant layer for imparting positive buoyancy to the underwater platform. The plate is connected to a tensioning device and to a weight located on the bottom of the reservoir via cables passed through a roller. The underwater wave-forming platform also comprises at least one plate adjustable to the depth of the reservoir, in the form of a horizontally elongated structure consisting of a rigid layer capable of holding a wave and imparting it the required shape on adjustable supports secured or installed on the bottom of the reservoir.

[0013] A device for generating waves suitable for surfing is known (application RU 2016152074, IPC A63B 69 / 00, E02B 3 / 00 published 01.07.2018).A wave-generating device for generating at least one wave on the surface of a mass of water comprises at least one wave-generating object, a drive mechanism causing the wave-generating object to oscillate along a trajectory, wherein the wave-generating object interacts with the mass of water for at least some time, the trajectory comprises an element perpendicular to the surface when the wave-generating object interacts with the mass of water; wherein the at least one wave-generating object is characterized by the presence of at least one wave-generating surface, in the case of the presence of one wave-generating object, the wave propagates in the direction from the wave-generating object, and in the case of the presence of a plurality of wave-generating objects, the wave-generating objects and the wave-generating surfaces are configured in such a way that essentially all the generated waves propagate in the direction from the wave-generating objects.

[0014] The disadvantage of the installation is the need to build a pool of significant dimensions to ensure sufficient lifespan of an individual wave shaft.

[0015] There are known methods for creating and shaping artificial waves using water circulation pumps (patent RU 2755753, IPC A47K 3 / 10, A63G 31 / 00 published on 11.06.2021; patent RU 2592935, IPC E04H 4 / 00, published on 27.07.2016; patent RU 190454, IPC E04H 4 / 00, published on 01.07.2019 and others).

[0016] Patent RU 2755753 claims a method for generating an artificial wave, characterized by the use of a water attraction in which a water tank is formed and a working surface having an inclined section and a drain grate installed in the upper part of the water tank; wherein a submersible pump is used for circulating water in the attraction, the outlet of which is connected to a device for transporting water (a hydraulic unit), and the outlet opening of the hydraulic unit is located above the working surface; the working surface is placed on a flooring having a threshold for generating a wave, and the outlet opening of the hydraulic unit is divided into sections, characterized in that the outlet opening of the hydraulic unit is installed directly at the outlet on the upper edge of the inclined section of the working surface, and the lower edge of the inclined section of the working surface is formed to smoothly transition into the threshold for generating a wave.

[0017] In most practical applications, the task of flow generation is accomplished using various types of vane pumps (centrifugal pumps, turbopumps, water jets). Although the pump itself is a well-known technical device, implementing pump-based flow generation in the context of the problem under discussion is hardly straightforward, given the objective flow requirements.

[0018] Depending on the conditions, a free traveling wave has a propagation velocity of about a few meters per second—this is the velocity relative to the water. In a flowing water, a wave can be effectively generated using a passive wave generator, which can be any stationary, water-displacing body or bottom relief. A stationary wave-like shape of the water surface is reliably created by flowing around the bottom relief, which is used in most of the methods used. In this case, the flow velocity should be approximately 5 meters per second.

[0019] Another requirement for flow is its uniformity. Flow is not uniform at the pump outlet or in a channel with a variable cross-section or variable flow direction, as confirmed by numerous scientific experimental studies. Therefore, before entering the consumer zone (as, for example, in patent PCT / CA2017 / 051324), the water is passed through a multi-tube package, which ensures straightening and equalization of the flow, which reduces the pump's energy efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, to ensure safe and effective wave training for more than one person at a time, the useful zone along the wave crest (or across the current channel) should be approximately 10 meters. If the channel bottom is hard, the current depth should be approximately half a meter to ensure a safe fall for the athlete.

[0021] Given the above, the total capacity of all pumps used to generate the flow should be approximately 20 cubic meters per second or more, unless we're talking about creating only an artificial wave (water slide) with a flow depth of just over 10 centimeters. The initial installation and subsequent maintenance of a pumping system with such flow characteristics is quite expensive. Given the low energy efficiency of the solution under discussion, the high energy costs associated with operating such a system further increase the economic risks.

[0022] The closest technical solution to the claimed one is a method for generating waves in inertial-type water rides (patent RU 2403938, IPC A63B 22 / 00, published November 20, 2010), which describes a water ride with an annular reservoir rotating around its own axis of symmetry, resembling the lower section of a torus shell. Water pre-filled into the reservoir, after setting it in rotation around its own axis of symmetry, gradually begins to rotate due to fluid friction forces. As the water accelerates, its surface loses its horizontality and acquires a curved shape corresponding to the fluid velocity profile.

[0023] In steady-state conditions, without any external disturbances, the water's rotational velocity profile becomes solid-state. This means there is no movement of water particles relative to the tank or each other, and therefore no fluid friction. To maintain steady-state conditions, energy is expended solely on compensating for friction in the rollers and bearings of the tank's rotation system. From the above, it is clear that the method for creating and maintaining flow described in patent RU 2403938 significantly outperforms pumping systems in energy efficiency. On the other hand, it is clearly not competitive with pumping systems. This is due to the extreme complexity of creating large rotating tanks.

[0024] Thus, all the flow generation systems considered above are quite vulnerable from the point of view of economic risks and are energy-intensive.

[0025] Disclosure of invention

[0026] The objective of the invention is to increase the energy efficiency of flow generation systems and maintain artificial flow with improved homogeneity in pools.

[0027] The stated problem is solved with the help of a pool for water entertainment with an artificial current, including a body made in the form of a closed channel and at least one platform, wherein the closed channel is made stationary with a given shape and a given cross-section, in order to create an artificial current in the channel near its bottom there is at least one movable platform in the form of a frame structure, on which at least one rowing blade is installed, the platform has the ability of continuous and long-term movement in one direction along at least one guide, wherein the guide is made closed and laid along the entire perimeter of the channel.

[0028] Preferably, the platforms are driven by electric motors.

[0029] The train of platforms may be towed by a tractor or locomotive moving along the canal wall, or by cable traction.

[0030] Preferably, the platform with blades is covered from above with a protective grid.

[0031] Preferably, the rowing blades are made inflatable, and the frame structure of the platform is equipped with tension elements separating the person from its power frame.

[0032] Preferably, the platform is equipped with additional wheels resting on the bottom of the channel.

[0033] Preferably, the closed channel is designed as a perfect annulus. Preferably, the propeller blades are mounted transversely to the flow.

[0034] The technical result of the proposed invention is the creation and maintenance of an artificial current with improved homogeneity in pools in the most energy-efficient way.

[0035] To overcome the complexities and shortcomings of existing methods, it is proposed to create a water flow in a horizontal, closed, annular channel, preferably of a constant cross-sectional shape and size. However, a constant cross-sectional shape along the channel bed is not a mandatory requirement for the proposed method of creating artificial flow. The channel is immobile and is constructed using capital construction methods. Its geometric dimensions can be as large as the maximum construction cost allows, meaning there are no technical limitations inherent in the method described in patent RU 2403938. Depending on its dimensions, the channel walls can be made of plastic, metal, or reinforced concrete and lined with a suitable coating on the water side.

[0036] The channel shape in the top view (Fig. 1) is selected during design based on its intended use, such as the variety and number of water attractions available during operation. The shape can be arbitrary, but must ensure a smooth change in water flow direction. The channel walls should not have highly curved sections, as these reduce energy efficiency and significantly complicate the design of the flow generation system. For small channel dimensions, it is preferable to give it a geometrically correct circular shape: this will ensure maximum simplicity in the engineering and technical design of the flow generation system and high energy efficiency.

[0037] Brief description of drawing figures

[0038] The invention is explained by drawings. Fig. 1 shows variants of the closed channel bed shape (top view): a - a channel in the form of a geometrically correct circular ring, preferable for small-sized pools; b - an elongated O-shaped channel with long straight sections to create increased flow homogeneity; c - a channel of arbitrary shape (for example, for rafting). Fig. 2 shows a section of an arbitrary closed channel with a bottom platform (one or more). Fig. 3 shows a variant of the construction of a system for creating a flow in a channel of a geometrically correct annular shape (Fig. 1a).

[0039] The designations adopted in Figs. 1-3: 1 - water surface, 2 - bottom, 3 - inner channel wall, 4 - outer channel wall, 5 - platform, 6 - above-water guide, 7 - underwater guide, 8 - main wheel, 9 - supporting wheel, 10 - electric drive motor, 11 - blade, 12 - protective grate, 13 - protective fence, H - consumer depth, 14 - transmission wheel, 15 - drive wheel.

[0040] The channel cross-sectional shape is not fundamentally important and can be selected based on customer flow requirements and the ease of designing the technical system for its creation. The critical cross-sectional parameters for the customer are the channel width and the desired depth. The overall channel depth is greater than the desired depth; explanations follow below.

[0041] To simplify the understanding of the proposed invention, a rectangular channel cross-section is chosen. For clarity, Fig. 2 will be used, in which the water surface is marked with numeral 1.

[0042] The bottom wall of the channel is the bottom 2. The inner wall 3 of the channel is the one located within the closed path of the water flow, and the outer wall 4 is the one located opposite the inner wall in cross-section. In Figs. 2 and 3, positions 3 and 4 can be interchanged, depending on the location of the cross-section, meaning the structure can be constructed arbitrarily depending on the choice of one wall or the other.

[0043] To create an artificial current in the channel, one or more platforms 5 are placed near its bottom 2 (i.e., below the water surface 1), and are set in horizontal movement along the channel bed by any technically available means. A platform is understood to be a lightweight frame structure with sufficient rigidity and strength. The platform has main wheels (or rollers) 8, on which it is mounted on underwater guides 7 or suspended on above-water guides 6. Guides 6, 7 set the required direction of movement of the platform 5 and limit its movement in the transverse direction to them. It is not fundamentally important whether only above-water guides 6, or only underwater guides 7, or both types simultaneously, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, are used. To prevent the platform from sagging, additional wheels 9 can also be installed on it, resting directly on the bottom 2 of the channel.

[0044] Guides 6 and 7 are laid preferably horizontally along the entire perimeter of the channel and allow the platforms to move along them without interruption, i.e., they form a closed "railway" track along which a closed or nearly closed train of platforms can move. The location of the guide, as well as its design and cross-sectional shape, are selected by the designer when designing the flow generation system. Both specialized guides and commonly used guides, such as rails, can be used.

[0045] The platforms 5 can be driven, for example, by electric motors 10 connected to the overhead contact system via sliding current collectors. Additionally, the train of platforms can be towed by a tractor or locomotive moving along the canal wall. If the canal shape allows, as in Fig. 16, the train of platforms can be driven by cable traction. In this case, the drive system will be a hybrid of a funicular and a circulation cableway: the platforms move along guide rails, pulled by cable traction, with the cable being closed in a loop, moving in one direction, and preferably located above the water surface.

[0046] To effectively generate water flow, one or more propeller blades 11 are attached to each platform 5. The blade's area and shape are not critical, as the primary purpose of the moving platform 5 with blades 11 is to create and maintain a steady water flow, and in steady state, the water velocity relative to the blade will be low. To reduce the time it takes to reach steady state, blade 11 should be installed so that it does not create water movement toward the inner wall of channel 3. In the simplest case, blade 11 is installed transversely to the flow, or at a slight offset, ensuring a gentle raking of water toward the outer wall of channel 4.

[0047] To prevent a person in the water flow from being injured by the platform 5 with blades 11, it is covered at the top by a protective grate 12, which effectively forms the bottom for the user. The grate should preferably be attached to the platform 5 rather than to the channel walls. Since the difference in flow speed between the platform and the water flow is small under steady conditions, this allows a person to stand on the grate 12 without being knocked over. In areas of the channel where the continuity of a moving grate is difficult to ensure, a fixed safety grate can be used. The distance from the grate 12 to the water surface 1 is referred to as the user depth of the channel, H.

[0048] An alternative to the protective grid 12 is the use of inflatable blades 11 and tension elements 5, separating the user from its supporting structure. Proper construction of the rowing platform using these elements will prevent injury to the user upon contact with it.

[0049] The number of structural elements numbered 5-11 is selected at the discretion of the flow generation system designer during its design. Protective grates 12 and protective barriers 13 (if present) must be designed to prevent injury to people in the water.

[0050] The best embodiment of the invention

[0051] The proposed pool with artificial current works as follows.

[0052] At the start of operation, the rowing platforms 5 are set in motion at a smooth and slowly increasing speed to avoid high mechanical loads. The moving platform 5 and blades 11 accelerate the water interacting with them, creating an average flow in the bottom region of the channel. Thus, during the acceleration phase, the flow is inherently non-uniform, and its upper portion moves significantly slower than the bottom region. After reaching a predetermined speed, the platforms 5 continue to move at a constant speed.

[0053] Because the channel is closed, the movement of the created water flow cannot be linear along its entire trajectory. At flow turns, the centrifugal force on the faster-moving portion of the flow is greater, so the high-velocity water is pressed against the wall and rises closer to the surface, displacing the slower-moving water to the bottom region, where it begins to accelerate due to interaction with platform 5 and blades 11. At the next flow turn, this mass transfer cycle repeats. Protective grate 12 does not impede mass transfer due to its permeability to the flow.

[0054] The presence of the mass transfer described above allows for a relatively rapid achievement of a steady-state flow regime with a relatively small (as far as possible) difference in water velocity in the working section of the channel. Since the flow is naturally subject to deceleration by the channel walls and passive wave generators (if used), the water must be continuously accelerated even in a steady-state regime. Therefore, the speed of the platforms 5 with the blades 11 is always higher than the average flow velocity, and mass transfer never ceases.

[0055] To ensure uniform direction and increased uniformity in flow speed after turning, additional technical means are required, which are used only when necessary.

[0056] The pool, with its artificial current created in such a gentle manner, can even be stocked with fish, making it even more attractive to visitors. It also features attractions such as a water carousel, and with the use of passive wave generators, rafting and surfing are also possible.

[0057] Unlike pumping, the propeller-driven flow generation method never produces velocities significantly exceeding the target (2-5 m / s), ensuring low flow turbulence and improving flow uniformity. The low energy efficiency of pumping flow generation methods is due to the presence of a high-speed rotor in the pump, compression and acceleration of the flow (the sum of the pump flow areas is significantly smaller than the channel cross-section), and excessive turbulence in the pump and auxiliary water lines.

[0058] Year-round pools are typically located indoors. This places certain restrictions on the overall dimensions of the pool. Given these restrictions, the simplest and most cost-effective solution is to build a pool with a channel shaped like a geometrically perfect ring (Fig. 1a). In this case, a single ring-shaped rowing platform is sufficient, and the installation of the protective grate 12 is quite simple. The bottom for the user can be easily made smooth and continuous.

[0059] A channel shaped like a geometrically perfect circular ring (Fig. 1a) also allows for a simpler electric drive system using a gear or friction transmission. As already mentioned, a channel of this shape can accommodate only a single rowing platform. A large, smooth or toothed driven gear 14 can be attached to it, and several small drive wheels 15 (friction or toothed) can be permanently mounted around the channel perimeter, driven by stationary electric motors (not shown in Fig. 3). For a friction transmission, pneumatic or rubber-tired wheels are preferred as the drive wheels.

[0060] The operating principle of a pool shaped like a geometrically perfect circular ring is similar to that described above for a pool of arbitrary shape. The mass transfer necessary to accelerate and maintain the flow in this case occurs along the entire perimeter of the channel.

[0061] Thus, as shown in the above description of the invention, a technical result is achieved consisting in the creation and maintenance of an artificial current with improved homogeneity in pools in the most energy-efficient way.

[0062] Industrial applicability

[0063] The proposed pool for water activities with artificial current will find application in the field of sports and entertainment.

Claims

CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. A pool for water entertainment with an artificial current, including a body made in the form of a closed channel and at least one platform, characterized in that the closed channel is made stationary with a given shape and a given cross-section, in order to create an artificial current in the channel near its bottom, at least one movable platform in the form of a frame structure is placed on which at least one rowing blade is installed, the platform is made with the possibility of continuous movement in one direction along at least one guide, wherein the guide is made closed and laid along the entire perimeter of the channel.

2. The pool according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the platforms are driven by electric motors.

3. A pool according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the composition of platforms is towed by a tractor or locomotive moving along the wall of the channel, or by means of a cable traction.

4. The pool according to item 1, characterized in that the platform with blades is covered from above with a protective grate.

5. A swimming pool according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the rowing blades are inflatable.

6. A pool according to paragraph 1, characterized in that additional wheels are installed on the platform, resting on the bottom of the channel.

7. A pool according to item 1, characterized in that the closed channel is made in the form of a regular circular ring.

8. The pool according to item 1, characterized in that the rowing blades are installed across the flow.

9. The pool according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the frame structure of the platform is equipped with tension elements separating the person from its power frame.

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