Artificial Surfing System Wave Generation Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Artificial surfing systems face high energy consumption due to the need to pump water from a main pool back to the wave generating device, resulting in significant energy loss and increased operational costs, which cannot be mitigated without reducing the system's capacity.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates additional wave generating devices in the water backflow circuit, allowing the water to flow through multiple devices before being pumped back, utilizing the potential energy and eliminating the need for additional pumps to elevate the water, thereby increasing capacity without increasing energy input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If water is pumped from the main pool back to the wave generating device, then the system can operate continuously, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The water circuit is segmented into multiple wave generating devices arranged at different levels. Water flows through the first wave generating device, then continues to the second device in the backflow, maximizing energy utilization at each segment before returning to the pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system arranges wave generating devices at different gravitational potential levels, allowing water to flow downward through each device in sequence. This converts potential energy to kinetic energy naturally, eliminating the need for intermediate pumping stages and reducing total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the volume flow is reduced to lower energy consumption, then energy costs decrease, but the wave pool size and useful capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduseful capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The water circuit serves multiple functions: it generates waves at the first wave generating device, then continues to generate waves at the second wave generating device in the backflow. This multi-functionality allows the same water volume to serve multiple purposes simultaneously, maintaining capacity while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by arranging wave generating devices in series along the water flow path. Water continuously flows through multiple devices, generating waves at each location without interruption, ensuring maximum utilization of the water volume throughout the circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional pumps are installed to raise water to higher levels, then water can be supplied to multiple wave generating devices, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple wave generating devicesVSAvoidpump system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using pumps to lift water upward to each wave generating device, the system inverts the approach by arranging devices at descending levels and allowing water to flow downward naturally. This eliminates the need for multiple pumping stages and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The water circuit serves itself by using the potential energy of flowing water to drive multiple wave generating devices in sequence. The system requires only a single pump to maintain circulation, while the water's own gravitational energy provides the driving force for wave generation at multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration reduces energy consumption and enhances the system's capacity by utilizing existing water flow, allowing for more efficient operation and increased user capacity without additional energy expenditure.

Implementation Method 1

a ramp upstream of the wave pool, over which the water flows down into the wave pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The potential energy of water is converted into kinetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPotential energy conversion to kinetic energy:

Implementation Method 3

a pump with which the water can be conveyed up from the backflow upwards to the first wave generating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS11542716B2Artificial surfing system

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 UPSURFDOWN GMBH

AI summary

In an artificial surfing system for generating a standing wave, comprising a water circuit, in which a first wave generating device is arranged, which comprises a wave pool and a ramp arranged upstream of the wave pool, over which the water flows down into the wave pool, wherein the water circuit downstream of the wave pool of the first wave generating device comprises a water backflow, via which the water is made available to a pump with which the water can be conveyed from the backflow upwards to the first wave generating device, at least one further wave generating device is arranged in the backflow, to which the water coming from the first wave generating device flows.