Dual Snow Generator System for Wide-Temperature Snowmaking Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow-making systems are inefficient at high ambient temperatures and require lower wet-bulb temperatures to operate effectively, limiting their energy efficiency and operational range.
Innovation Solution
A snow-making system with at least two snow generators of different types, each with a separate water supply device, that can be selectively or jointly operated by a switching device to optimize energy usage based on wet-bulb temperature, allowing for efficient operation at both high and low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single snow generator type is used, then the system structure is simple, but the operational range and energy efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The snow-making system is segmented into multiple independent snow generators (first snow generator with convergent-divergent nozzle, second snow generator with nucleator nozzle) that can operate independently or together. Each generator is equipped with its own water supply device, allowing selective operation based on ambient temperature conditions, thus expanding operational range without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating different types of snow generators that can handle different temperature ranges. The first snow generator optimizes for higher temperatures while the second optimizes for lower temperatures, creating a universal system that can operate across a broad spectrum of ambient conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If snow generators are operated at temperatures outside their optimal range, then operational flexibility is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on ambient temperature conditions. The switching device enables real-time selection between different snow generator combinations, optimizing energy efficiency for each temperature range: first snow generator for higher temperatures, second snow generator for lower temperatures, or both together for transitional conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different snow generator configurations based on temperature. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain optimal energy efficiency across varying temperature conditions by matching the appropriate generator type to the current thermal environment.
3Ease of operation
If only one water supply device is used, then the system is simpler to control, but the ability to optimize for different temperature conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic temperature-based control where sensors detect ambient temperature and the switching device automatically selects the appropriate snow generator configuration. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while achieving temperature optimization, as the system autonomously adjusts without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors provide feedback to the control system, which then activates the appropriate water supply devices and snow generators. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization for different temperature conditions while keeping the user interface simple, as the system self-regulates based on environmental conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables energetically optimal adjustment to wet-bulb temperature, improving energy efficiency and expanding the operational range to higher ambient temperatures compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first snow generator (2) with a convergent-divergent shaped nozzle (3)... in which water from a water supply device (5) can be brought into contact with the ice nuclei
Implementation Method 2
water from a water supply device being able to be brought into contact with the ice nuclei
Implementation Method 3
introduce water from a water supply device into the air flow of the blower... sufficiently cold water is discharged through a nozzle and crystallizes into snow due to the sufficiently low ambient temperature
Implementation Method 4
a nucleator nozzle for generating ice nuclei, with water from a water supply device being able to be brought into contact with the ice nuclei
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Snow-making system (1) with a first snow generator (2), which has: - a convergent-divergent nozzle (3), which is designed in particular to be rotationally symmetrical about a nozzle axis - a first air supply duct (4), through which an air flow into the nozzle ( 3) can be introduced - a first water supply device (5) through which water (W) can be introduced into the convergent-divergent nozzle (3) in the form of a water jet (WS) directed at least essentially parallel to the nozzle axis (R) - a discharge opening (6) communicating with the divergently shaped area of the nozzle (3), the snowmaking system (1) having a second snow generator (7) for which a second water supply device (10) is provided, the first and second Snow generators (2, 7) can be operated independently of one another to produce snow and that at least one switching device (8) is provided, by which the first and/or the second water r supply device (5, 10) can be activated or deactivated or are.