Method and system for managing the production of an artificial snowmaking plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snowmaking plant management systems struggle to optimize artificial snow production due to limited time windows and resource constraints, as they rely on generic weather forecasts that do not account for localized climate conditions, leading to inefficient energy and water usage and uncertainty in ski resort opening times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize historical weather data from both weather stations and snowmaking apparatus sensors to correct weather forecasts, providing precise, localized predictions for each apparatus, allowing for optimized snow production by adjusting water and energy supply based on real-time and future conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If generic weather forecasts from weather stations are used to plan snow production, then the forecast coverage area is large, but the forecast precision for individual apparatus locations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large geographical area covered by weather stations into smaller segments corresponding to individual snowmaking apparatus locations. By segmenting the forecast area and using localized sensors at each apparatus position, the system achieves both broad coverage and high precision for each specific location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by deploying temperature and humidity sensors at each individual snowmaking apparatus location rather than relying on a single generic forecast. This allows each apparatus to receive customized, location-specific weather data that reflects the actual local conditions, improving forecast precision while maintaining comprehensive coverage across the entire ski area.
2Productivity
If snowmaking apparatuses are activated simultaneously to maximize snow production, then the productivity is high, but energy and water consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible, real-time activation and deactivation of individual snowmaking apparatuses based on current weather conditions, forecasted conditions, and production needs. Rather than simultaneous operation, the system dynamically adjusts which apparatuses run and when, optimizing productivity while minimizing energy and water consumption through conditional, need-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by using weather forecast data and sensor readings to dynamically adjust the operating status of each apparatus. The control system modifies production parameters (activation status, operation timing) based on temperature, humidity, and forecast conditions, achieving optimal productivity-to-consumption ratio through parameter optimization.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If weather forecast data is used to optimize snow production planning, then energy and water consumption are reduced, but uncertainty in ski resort opening times increases due to localized condition variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual temperature and humidity conditions at each snowmaking apparatus location using deployed sensors. This real-time feedback is combined with weather forecast data to verify whether snowmaking conditions are being met, allowing the system to confidently determine resort opening timing based on actual localized conditions rather than generic forecasts, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing resource consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for managing the production of an artificial snowmaking plant (100) having a plurality of snowmaking apparatuses (1, 2, 3) arranged along a ski slope, comprising the operating steps of: comparing historical forecast values (VSP) of a parameter with respective one or more historical values of the realistically measured weather parameter (VSR1,2,3) at said one or more snowmaking apparatuses (1, 2, 3) arranged in said predefined geographical area; - determining future forecast values (VFP) of said parameter as a function of a historical difference value (D1,2,3) determined at one or more apparatuses (1, 2, 3) so as to determine one or more realistic future forecast parameter values (VFR1,2,3) at each snowmaking apparatus (1, 2, 3) on which the historical difference value (D1,2,3) has been determined.