Nucleation nozzle and method for forming freezing nuclei
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleation nozzles for artificial snow generation require high energy input and optimal functioning at low temperatures, limiting the efficiency and quality of snow production.
Innovation Solution
A nucleation nozzle design featuring a separate water duct positioned alongside a compressed air duct with a convergent-divergent path, accelerating air to supersonic speeds and fragmenting water particles for rapid freezing, reducing energy input while maintaining finer snow quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional nucleation nozzles are used with joint acceleration of compressed air and water particles, then snow can be generated, but high energy input is required and rigid low temperatures are needed for optimal functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separate compressed air duct and water duct that run parallel to each other, with water outlet openings positioned alongside the air duct. This segmentation allows independent optimization of air and water flows, enabling the water particles to be accelerated effectively by the expanding air without requiring joint acceleration of both streams, thus reducing energy input while maintaining snow production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by allowing the nozzle to function effectively at higher temperatures compared to conventional designs. The separate duct configuration and positioning of water outlets enable the system to produce freezing nuclei at less rigid temperature conditions, improving adaptability and reducing the energy required for compression and acceleration
2Productivity
If conventional nucleation nozzles are used with joint acceleration of compressed air and water particles, then snow can be generated, but rigid low temperatures are required for optimal functioning
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nozzle into separate air and water ducts with water outlets positioned alongside the air duct, the invention allows independent control and optimization of each fluid stream. This enables the system to operate at higher temperatures where the separate acceleration mechanism is more effective, eliminating the need for rigid low temperature conditions required by joint acceleration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention fundamentally changes the temperature parameter requirements by using a separate acceleration mechanism. The water particles are accelerated by the expanding compressed air through a different physical mechanism that is less sensitive to temperature, allowing optimal functioning at higher temperatures and expanding the operational temperature range
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional nucleation nozzles are used, then freezing nuclei can be formed, but the snow quality is coarser and energy resources are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The separate duct configuration allows water to be nebulized into finer particles through dedicated water outlet openings positioned alongside the air duct. This segmentation enables more precise control over water particle size and distribution, producing finer snow quality while optimizing energy resources by eliminating the inefficiencies of joint acceleration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles where compressed air expands and accelerates through the air duct, creating a flow field that effectively accelerates water particles exiting the alongside water outlets. This pneumatic acceleration mechanism produces finer water particles that freeze into higher quality snow, while being more energy-efficient than mechanical joint acceleration systems
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 the production of higher-quality, finer snow with reduced energy consumption and the ability to generate snow at higher temperatures compared to conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
Using the so-called Laval effect in nucleation nozzles is also known. An example of such an application is provided in document EP2071258.
Implementation Method 2
The water duct extends alongside the compressed air duct at least up to the outlet opening of the compressed air duct
Implementation Method 3
the particles (drops) of water that are expelled from the nucleation nozzles freeze immediately on being introduced into the outside environment as a result of expansion when exiting the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A nucleation nozzle for forming freezing nuclei for devices for making artificial snow, starting from a jet of pressurised liquid, comprising a compressed air duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A first stretch of the compressed air duct has a cross section which decreases in the flow direction of the compressed air, from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The first stretch is followed by a second stretch having a cross section which increases in the flow direction of the compressed air from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. There is provided at least one water duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The water duct is separate from the compressed air duct. The outlet opening of the water duct is positioned close to the outlet opening of the compressed air duct.