Wave Pool Current Control with Zoned Generators for Low Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems in wave pools struggle to effectively eliminate or manage undesirable currents caused by wave action, leading to turbulence and suboptimal wave formation, which affects the predictability and quality of waves produced.
Innovation Solution
A current control system comprising an array of flow meters and current generators, controlled by a processor, which measures and adjusts water currents within the wave pool to create a desired velocity profile, either negating or modifying waves to enhance wave shape and reduce turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a uniform current in the opposite direction is used to counter wave-created currents, then wave frequency increases, but additional turbulence is generated due to mismatch with varying wave-created currents
Solution Approach 1:
The wave pool channel is divided into multiple zones with independent current generators, allowing localized control of current velocity and direction. This segmentation enables the system to counter wave-induced currents in specific areas without creating uniform reverse currents that cause turbulence, thereby maintaining high wave frequency while minimizing harmful turbulence effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The current control system dynamically adjusts the velocity and direction of currents generated by each current generator based on real-time wave conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to effectively counter wave-created currents and maintain consistent wave frequency while avoiding the turbulence that results from static uniform reverse currents.
2Reliability
If current generators are used to counter wave-induced currents, then wave formation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor wave-induced currents and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of current generator operation to maintain consistent wave formation, reducing the need for complex manual control while improving reliability through real-time adaptation to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The current generators are designed to perform multiple functions: counteracting wave-induced currents, creating favorable currents to enhance wave shape, and maintaining consistent wave formation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single versatile component rather than separate specialized systems for each function.
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 effectively manages currents to minimize turbulence, optimize wave formation, and tailor wave characteristics to suit different surfing needs by controlling current velocity, direction, and angle, allowing for a range of wave shapes and surfing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
an array of flow meters disposed within the wave pool; a processor operable to receive data relating to currents within the wave pool from the array of flow meters
Implementation Method 2
a complimentary array of current generators disposed within the wave pool; wherein the processor is operable to control currents generated by the array of current generators
Data Source
AI summary
A current control system for a wave pool comprising: an array of flow meters disposed within said wave pool; a complimentary array of current generators disposed within said wave pool; and a processor operable to receive data relating to currents within said wave pool from said array of flow meters, wherein said processor is operable to control currents generated by said array of current generators in response to said data relating to currents within said wave pool received from said array of flow meters.