Snow generating installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow-making systems have high energy consumption and are ineffective at temperatures above 0°C, making them unreliable for consistent snow production on ski slopes due to dependence on weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop, thermally insulated tunnel system with a circulating air stream, cooling device, and water/air injection system that maintains a consistent airflow and temperature below 0°C, allowing for efficient snow production independent of external conditions, with optional dehumidification and vacuum generation to optimize snow quality and reduce energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snow-making systems (snow cannons or snow lances) are used to produce snow directly on the ski slope, then snow can be produced when natural snow is insufficient, but energy consumption becomes very high and effectiveness becomes heavily dependent on weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates snow production into two distinct phases: first, snow is produced in a controlled tower environment with optimized temperature and humidity conditions; second, the generated snow is transported to the ski slope via a conveyor system. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary snow production in advance within the tower before transporting it to the slope. The snow is generated under controlled conditions (temperature below 0°C, optimized humidity) and stored temporarily, allowing slope coverage without the need for continuous high-energy operation at the slope location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional snow-making systems operate at outside temperatures above 0°C, then winter sports operations can potentially be extended, but snow production becomes impossible or highly ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a localized controlled environment within the tower where temperature and humidity are precisely regulated (temperature below 0°C, optimized humidity levels) regardless of external weather conditions. This local quality control allows reliable snow production even when outside temperatures are above 0°C, extending the operational window for winter sports.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower creates an isolated, controlled atmospheric environment that is thermally insulated from the external environment. This inert environment maintains consistent temperature and humidity conditions necessary for snow production, making the system independent of fluctuating outdoor weather conditions.
3Reliability
If a tower-like tunnel with large vertical tube is used to produce snow naturally, then snow formation can occur as naturally as possible, but the system requires a second smaller tube with variable air flow generated by a fan, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex dual-tube structure with fans from the system. Instead, a single vertical tube is used where water is sprayed at the top and naturally falls through the tube, forming snowflakes as they descend. The air circulation is achieved passively through the natural convection of cold air sinking and warm air rising, without requiring active fan-driven flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural physical processes to drive snow formation and air circulation. Cold air generated within the tube naturally sinks and circulates, creating convection currents that sustain the snow production process without requiring external mechanical assistance. The system serves itself through these natural thermodynamic processes.
4Reliability
If a closed-loop tunnel system with continuous air circulation is used to maintain consistent temperature, then snow production becomes independent of external conditions, but energy consumption increases due to the continuous operation of cooling and circulation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous active cooling and air circulation, the system uses periodic natural convection cycles. Cold air sinks and warm air rises in alternating patterns, creating natural circulation that maintains temperature consistency without requiring continuous energy input. The cooling mechanism operates intermittently based on accumulated thermal conditions rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system serves itself through natural convection driven by temperature differences within the tower. Cold, dense air sinks to the bottom while warmer air rises to the top, creating a self-sustaining circulation pattern that maintains consistent conditions without requiring external energy input for fans or pumps.
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
The system enables economical, rapid, and consistent snow production at temperatures up to +5°C, reducing energy consumption and operational costs, while minimizing snow loss due to wind and ensuring reliable snow coverage on ski slopes.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device for cooling the air stream to a temperature below +3°C, preferably below +2°C, particularly preferably below 0°C
Implementation Method 2
The tunnel is designed tower-like as a circumferential, thermally insulated tube
Implementation Method 3
fine water droplets, which are preferably sprayed into the tube in an upper end area of the tower, to have a sufficiently high fall height in order to be transformed into snow-like matter in the cooled air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A snowmaking system (1) has a thermally insulated tube (2) circulating in the form of a closed loop with a vertical longitudinal axis (3), wherein the tube (2) is designed in a tower-like manner and the inner cross-sectional area of the tube (2) varies by less than 30° over the entire length of the tube (2), so that the cross-sectional area of the tube (2) remains at least substantially the same.