Wave Pool Plenum Pressure Control via Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave pool systems face challenges in maintaining stable air pressure for wave generation due to fan instability, inefficiency, and premature wear, making accurate control difficult and power consumption unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
A system with a single plenum connected to multiple fans, utilizing pressure sensors and vent valves to maintain air pressure within an optimal range by setting a pressure set point and venting excess pressure, ensuring fans operate efficiently and reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If fans operate in the unstable region to generate air pressure for wave chambers, then air pressure can be produced, but accurate control of air pressure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where pressure sensors continuously monitor the air pressure in the plenum and send signals to the controller. The controller adjusts fan operation based on this feedback, comparing actual pressure against desired setpoints and modifying fan speed or duty cycle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables precise air pressure control despite fans operating in their unstable region, resolving the contradiction between pressure generation and control accuracy.
2Stress or pressure
If fans operate in the unstable region to generate air pressure, then wave chambers can be actuated, but fan efficiency decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan operation based on real-time pressure requirements. Rather than maintaining constant high-power operation, the controller modulates fan speed or duty cycle according to actual pressure demands detected by sensors. This dynamic adjustment allows fans to operate more efficiently at varying load levels while still meeting the minimum pressure requirements for wave chamber actuation, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
3Stress or pressure
If fans operate in the unstable region to generate air pressure, then wave generation can occur, but fan wear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pressure monitoring and control adjustments to prevent sustained operation in the unstable region. Pressure sensors take periodic measurements, and the controller periodically adjusts fan operation to maintain pressure within acceptable ranges. This periodic control prevents fans from continuously operating in the harmful unstable region, reducing wear and extending fan lifespan while still achieving the necessary air pressure for wave generation.
4Stress or pressure
If multiple fans are used to generate air pressure in a plenum, then sufficient pressure can be produced, but pressure stability becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements centralized feedback control monitoring plenum pressure from multiple fan sources. Pressure sensors continuously measure the combined pressure output, and the controller coordinates fan operation to maintain stable pressure levels. When pressure deviations are detected, the controller adjusts individual fan operations to compensate, ensuring overall pressure stability despite the presence of multiple potentially unstable fan sources.
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 stabilizes air pressure, reduces fan wear, and optimizes energy consumption by maintaining fans within the optimal performance region, ensuring consistent wave generation and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of pressure sensors connected to and measuring the pressure of the plenum
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of vents connected to and releasing pressure from the plenum upon actuation
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of fans connected to and pressurizing the plenum
Data Source
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AI summary
An aquatic sports amusement apparatus is disclosed. It includes a plurality of wave generating chambers that release water into a pool. A plenum is pneumatically connected to each chamber and a plurality of fans is connected to the plenum to pressurize the plenum. A plurality of sensors is also connected to the plenum and measure the pressure of the plenum. And a plurality of vents is connected to the plenum and release pressure from the plenum upon actuation. A controller connected to the vents and sensors, performs the following steps: (a) measure the pressure from a sensor in the plurality of sensors; and (b) if the measured pressure is greater than a preset set point pressure, then actuating a vent from the plurality of vents to release pressure.