Snowmaking Plant Control for Precise Ski Run Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial snow making control systems fail to accurately monitor snow conditions along ski runs, leading to over or under-snowing in certain areas, resulting in inefficient snow production and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A control system that connects snow making apparatuses via a communication line, utilizing a processing unit to generate status signals based on snow production data, compare it to predetermined values, and generate condition signals to monitor snow coverage, estimate snowing times, and identify areas with insufficient snow, allowing for real-time adjustments and priority activation of underperforming apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If snow making apparatuses operate without real-time monitoring, then operational simplicity is maintained, but snow coverage precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where snow making apparatuses transmit operational data and consumption values to a control station, which then sends back control signals to adjust apparatus operation. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time monitoring and precise control of snow coverage without requiring complex manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If snow production is increased to ensure sufficient coverage, then snow availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control station calculates and transmits control signals that activate only the specific snow making apparatuses needed to achieve the desired snow coverage threshold. Rather than operating all apparatuses at full capacity, the system applies partial action by selectively activating only necessary apparatuses, thereby achieving sufficient snow quantity while minimizing energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If more snow making apparatuses are deployed to cover all areas, then snow coverage completeness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ski run into multiple geographical areas, each served by specific snow making apparatuses. The control station segments the control task by managing each apparatus individually based on its location and performance data. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all areas while keeping the control system manageable through modular, location-based control rather than centralized management of all apparatuses simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system (1) for controlling an artificial snow making plant (100) having a plurality of snow making apparatuses (101) positioned along a ski run and connected to a communication line (102), comprising a processing unit (2) in data connection with the communication line (102) and being designed for:receiving a status signal (S) from each snow making apparatus (101) representing the quantity of snow currently produced by the relative snow making apparatus (101);comparing the data contained in each status signal (S) with a respective predetermined single snow making value (Pf) to be reached;generating a condition signal (P) of the apparatuses (101) as a function of the comparison; —generating a condition signal P of the ski run as a function of the contents of the condition signal (A) of the apparatuses (101).