EP0605824B1 - Snow gun - Google Patents

Snow gun Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0605824B1
EP0605824B1 EP93120350A EP93120350A EP0605824B1 EP 0605824 B1 EP0605824 B1 EP 0605824B1 EP 93120350 A EP93120350 A EP 93120350A EP 93120350 A EP93120350 A EP 93120350A EP 0605824 B1 EP0605824 B1 EP 0605824B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
air
snow
temperature
snow cannon
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP93120350A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0605824A1 (en
Inventor
Manfred Weinrich
Eberhard Gall
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Individual
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C3/00Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow
    • F25C3/04Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow for sledging or ski trails; Producing artificial snow
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00Special arrangements or features for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Special arrangements or features for producing artificial snow
    • F25C2303/046Snow making by using low pressure air ventilators, e.g. fan type snow canons
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00Special arrangements or features for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Special arrangements or features for producing artificial snow
    • F25C2303/048Snow making by using means for spraying water

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a snow cannon according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Snow cannons are increasingly being used today to ensure the ski season and the ability to drive downhill runs or slopes even in the absence or insufficient snowfall, these cannons generally being operated at night. It is common for the snow cannons to be set manually by the respective operating personnel in dependence on the current weather conditions, although constant monitoring and regulation is not possible for reasons of time, but also because of the arrangement of these cannons in the field, rather the monitoring can and regulation are currently only carried out sporadically. Optimal snowmaking on a terrain or a slope with the usual snow cannons today, especially with optimal use of the water used, is not possible.
  • a system for producing artificial snow is known (EP-A-0 004 803), in which several snow cannons are connected locally to a central control and supply unit, which not only supplies the individual snow cannons with water and possibly also with compressed air supplied, but also controls these snow cannons, depending on measuring stations, which are arranged with their sensors outside the snow cannon in the field and for measuring the Serve wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and relative humidity.
  • measuring stations which are arranged with their sensors outside the snow cannon in the field and for measuring the Serve wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and relative humidity.
  • the known system is not suitable for critical weather conditions, i.e. at temperatures in the range from 0 ° C to produce artificial snow in optimal quantities and with optimal quality.
  • hygrometers such as those used by the measuring stations of the known system, have long response times (between 30 and 60 minutes), especially in these critical weather situations, which do not make it possible to regulate changes in the weather situation.
  • the object of the invention is to show a snow cannon which enables a site to be illuminated in an optimal manner and taking into account the respective weather conditions.
  • both the temperature at the moist temperature sensor (“second temperature sensor”) and the temperature at the dry temperature sensor are detected during operation in the air flow flowing through the air duct or in an air flow proportional thereto. These values are used to determine the "cold energy” (enthalpy) of the ambient air or the air of the exiting air flow, taking into account the difference between the temperatures of the two temperature sensors and the actual temperature of one of these two temperature sensors, preferably the dry, second temperature sensor. With the help of a signal that takes these values and any other parameters, such as Temperature of the water supplied, desired snow quality, etc., the amount of water added to the exiting air stream, i.e. regulates the amount of water atomized in this air stream.
  • This regulation can either be proportional, for example by means of a proportional valve, or stepwise, i.e. For example, take place in several switching stages in such a way that a specific number of water outlet nozzles is activated or switched on depending on the amount of water to be introduced into the emerging air stream.
  • a plurality of snow cannons which are arranged in a distributed manner on a downhill run or runway, are connected to a common monitoring and control device via at least one common data line, so that the snow cannons are monitored and controlled by a control center via the control lines or the bus system can be optimally controlled.
  • the snow cannon If fully automatic or centrally controlled operation of the snow cannon is planned, it is connected to a frost-proof water supply line via a valve control.
  • the valve device is designed that the snow cannon and its water-carrying lines are emptied automatically after switching off. To the extent that this is necessary for the automatic emptying, all control valves of the snow cannon also open after this cannon has been switched off. Furthermore, all control valves are also frost-proof or heated, as are the nozzles.
  • 1 is the tubular housing of a snow cannon 1.
  • This tubular housing which is open on the two housing sides 2 and 3, i.e. there is essentially only provided with a protective grille (not shown), forms an air duct narrowing towards the end 3 and can be pivoted or adjusted on a fixed or mobile frame (not shown) about a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the housing.
  • Ambient air is drawn in via the open end 2 in the manner described in more detail. This end thus forms the suction area of the snow cannon 1 or the housing 1 '. At the end 3, the ambient air is blown out and water is sprayed into the air stream 8 there to form the artificial snow.
  • a vent wheel 4 is provided in the interior of the housing 1 'and can be driven by an electric motor about an axis coaxially with the longitudinal axis L.
  • the fan wheel 4 is arranged so that it is closer to the end 2 than the end 3.
  • annular distributor lines 5 are provided, of which only two distributor lines 5 are shown for the sake of simplicity. However, the number of distribution lines is actually higher, for example twelve.
  • Each distribution line 5 is made from a length of pipe section made of a non-corrosive material, for example stainless steel, in such a way that it forms a self-contained annular line.
  • the distribution lines 5 are arranged such that their ring axes are each coaxially with the longitudinal axis L and follow one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.
  • the distributor lines are provided at least partially concentrically with one another at the end 3 outside the housing 1.
  • Each distributor line 5 is part of a nozzle arrangement 6 and for this purpose is provided with a multiplicity of water outlet nozzles 7 which are distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis L on each distributor line or are provided in a different manner.
  • the water outlet nozzles 7 on the distribution lines 5 are oriented so that they supply water in a finely divided form, i.e. finely atomized, into the air stream 8 emerging at the end 3.
  • the distribution lines 5 are each via a control or.
  • Solenoid valve 9 connected to a line 10 which serves to supply water under pressure.
  • a separate solenoid valve 9 is provided for each nozzle arrangement.
  • the solenoid valves 9 are normally in the closed state and open each time the associated magnet is actuated, whereby the associated nozzle arrangement 6 is then activated for dispensing water via the water outlet nozzles 7 provided there.
  • a microprocessor-based control device 11 which has different outputs, namely one output 12 for each solenoid valve 9.
  • the control device 11 also has an output 13 for an analog control signal and a data interface 14 for on - or delivery of data, for example status information.
  • the control device 11 has various inputs, namely an input 15 which is connected to a temperature sensor 16 provided in the line 10 and measuring the temperature of the water supplied, an input 17 which is connected to an adjusting element 18, and two further inputs 19 and 20, which are connected to a sensor device 21. This is in the area of the end 2, i.e. H. arranged in the suction area inside the tubular housing 1 '.
  • the setting element 18, which in the simplest case is a potentiometer, forms a manually adjustable element with which the desired quality of the artificial snow can be set or preselected, namely between "moist” and "dry".
  • the sensor element 21 With the sensor element 21 internal energy of the sucked-in ambient air, which (energy) is available for the formation of the artificial snow by introducing water into the air stream 8.
  • the sensor device 21 consists of two temperature sensors 22 and 23, which are connected to one at the suction area, i.e. are provided in the area of the end 2 on the board 1 held on the housing 1, specifically with their respectively active area 22 ′ or 23 ′ at an opening 24 ′, through which a predetermined or defined proportion of the total air sucked in by the fan wheel 4 flows becomes.
  • the circuit board 24 with the temperature sensors 22 and 23 is located in the flow direction in front of the fan wheel 4.
  • One end of a fabric or gauze hose 25 is plugged onto the active area 23 'of the temperature sensor 23, the other end of which is pushed onto the open end of a vertical pipe piece 26 which is open at both ends and which forms the outlet of a bottle-like container 27.
  • This is fastened to the circuit board 24 or in a holder there, in such a way that the pipe section 26 or the opening of the container 27 formed by it lies below.
  • the container 27 is filled with a liquid that only freezes at very low temperatures, for example with a mixture of water and an antifreeze.
  • the cross section of the pipe section 26 is selected so that only a small amount of liquid is dispensed from the container 27 to the hose 25, and only so much around this hose and in particular also the end of this pushed onto the active region 23 ' To keep the hose moist.
  • the temperature sensors 22 and 23 are preferably each formed by a PT 100.
  • the control of the amount of water introduced into the air flow 8, ie the number of activated nozzle arrangements 6, is carried out by the control device 11 taking into account the setting on the setting element 18 and the temperature of the water supplied (signal from the temperature sensor 16) as a function of the difference between the signals from the temperature sensors 22 and 23 and also taking into account the actual temperature measured by the dry temperature sensor 22, in such a way that only below a predetermined minimum temperature, for example a temperature of less than +4 o C, one or more distribution lines 5 are activated at all.
  • a predetermined minimum temperature for example a temperature of less than +4 o C
  • the corresponding control curve for example in the form of a family of curves for different snow qualities set on the setting device 18, according to which the (control curve) the control device 11 determines the maximum permissible amount of water to be introduced into the air stream 8 or the maximum permissible number of distributor lines 5 to be activated, is selected so that taking into account the signals present at inputs 19 and 20, ie taking into account the temperature difference of the temperature sensors 22 and 23 and taking into account the actual temperature of the temperature sensor 22, an artificial snow with the desired quality is actually obtained.
  • The, for example, analog signal present at the output 13 is also a measure of the amount of water that can be introduced into the air flow 8, taking into account the signals present at the inputs 15, 17, 19 and 20.
  • the signal at the output 13 can be used, for example, to control a proportional valve which regulates the amount of water discharged into the air stream 8.
  • all the water outlet nozzles 7 are then provided on a common distributor line, which are connected via the proportional valve to the line 10 for supplying the pressurized water.
  • Various information is available at the output 14, for example the temperature of the ambient air or air drawn in by the temperature sensor 22, the maximum possible amount of snow, etc.
  • This data is displayed, for example, on a display device, not shown, of the snow cannon.
  • 28 generally designates an electrical supply line via which the snow cannon and in particular also the drive for the air wheel and the control device 11 are supplied with electricity.
  • the snow cannon 1a with other snow cannons in a terrain at suitable points, for example at bases 29 provided there (FIG. 3), and then to distribute them in the terrain, ie in the area of a snow downhill run to centrally control snow cannons 1a arranged at different altitudes.
  • the outputs 14 of the control devices 11 of all snow cannons are connected to a common data line 30 which is used to transmit addresses and data to the individual snow cannons or their control devices 11 and to transmit addresses and data from the individual snow cannons or their control devices 11 to the central control and monitoring unit 31.
  • the snow cannons can then be optimally controlled depending on, in particular, the data supplied by the sensor devices 21 or the temperature sensors 22 and 23, in particular also with regard to an optimal use of the water used, for example in such a way that only that snow cannon 1a is operated in a certain section of the route which, due to the temperature and humidity conditions of the ambient air there, enables the greatest emission of artificial snow.
  • the one with This selected snow cannon artificial snow is then distributed to the required areas, for example with slope processing equipment.
  • the central control and monitoring device 31 also makes it possible to produce artificial snow in a controlled manner over a longer distance only where this is possible and absolutely necessary.
  • the line 10 is designed as a vertical riser.
  • the line 10 is connected to a water supply line 33 laid in the floor 32 in a frost-proof manner, specifically via a valve 34, which is also located in the floor 32 at a frost-proof location.
  • the valve 34 which is also controlled by the control device 11, is a changeover valve or a three / two-way valve, i.e. a valve with a total of three connections and two positions. In the one position, the valve 34 connects the line 10 to the line 33. In the other position, the valve 34 connects the line 10 to a line 36 laid in the floor 32 and leading to a drainage 35. This means that when the associated one is switched off Snow cannon 1a the associated line 10 is immediately emptied via line 36, so that line 10 cannot freeze after the snow cannon has been switched off.
  • valves controlling the water outlet nozzles 7, for example the solenoid valves 9 or the proportional valve driven by the outlet 13 and designated 37 in FIG the valves controlling the water outlet nozzles 7 are automatically opened after the snow cannon in question has been switched off, so that the water outlet nozzles 7 or the distributor lines 5 having these nozzles or connecting lines leading to these distributor lines can also be emptied.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Spray Control Apparatus (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

The gun housing (1') forms an air passage open at both ends and contains a motor-driven fan (4), also a water nozzle (7) at the outlet end (3). This delivers the water into the air current (8) in a finely-divided state. Water flow is controlled by a valve (9) in the pipe (10) delivering the water to the nozzle under pressure. Valve operation is electrically or electronically controlled (11), and temperature sensors have their active portions in the path of the current. A system keeps the active portion of a first sensor permanently moist. The valve is controlled dependent on the actual temperature detected by one sensor, while also taking into account the difference between this temperature and that detected by the other sensor.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Schneekanone gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a snow cannon according to the preamble of claim 1.

Zur Sicherung der Skisaison bzw. der Befahrbarkeit von Abfahrtsstrecken oder Pisten auch bei fehlendem bzw. nicht ausreichendem Schneefall werden heute in zunehmendem Maße Schneekanonen eingesetzt, wobei diese Kanonen in der Regel nachts betrieben werden. Es ist üblich, daß die Schneekanonen von dem jeweiligen Bedienungspersonal in Abhängigkeit von den momentanen Witterungsbedingungen manuell eingestellt werden, wobei allerdings schon aus zeitlichen Gründen, aber auch wegen der Anordnung dieser Kanonen im Gelände eine ständige Überwachung und Regelung nicht möglich ist, vielmehr kann die Überwachung und Regelung derzeit nur sporadisch durchgeführt werden. Eine optimale Beschneiung eines Geländes bzw. einer Piste mit den heute üblichen Schneekanonen, insbesondere auch unter optimaler Nutzung des verwendeten Wassers, ist nicht möglich. So können beispielsweise plötzliche Änderungen der Wetterdaten dazu führen, daß die an der Schneekanone in den austretenden Luftstrom eingebrachte bzw. verdüste Wassermenge nicht oder nur teilweise ihren Aggregatzustand ändert, d.h. Kunst-Schnee bildet, während ein großer Teil des verdüsten Wassers als Wasser oder extrem feuchter Schnee auf die Piste bzw. auf das Gelände gelangt, und zwar mit der Folge, daß teuer aufbereitetes Wasser verloren geht und sich darüber hinaus möglicherweise auch Eis-Platten oder -Flächen bilden, die die Qualität der Abfahrtsstrecke beeinträchtigen und auch eine unnötige Umweltbelastung darstellen. "Kunst-Schnee" im Sinne der Erfindung ist der mit einer Schneekanone hergestellte Schnee.Snow cannons are increasingly being used today to ensure the ski season and the ability to drive downhill runs or slopes even in the absence or insufficient snowfall, these cannons generally being operated at night. It is common for the snow cannons to be set manually by the respective operating personnel in dependence on the current weather conditions, although constant monitoring and regulation is not possible for reasons of time, but also because of the arrangement of these cannons in the field, rather the monitoring can and regulation are currently only carried out sporadically. Optimal snowmaking on a terrain or a slope with the usual snow cannons today, especially with optimal use of the water used, is not possible. For example, sudden changes in the weather data can lead to the fact that the amount of water introduced or atomized into the air stream escaping from the snow cannon does not change or only partially changes its physical state, i.e. Artificial snow forms while a large part of the atomized water reaches the slopes or the terrain as water or extremely moist snow, with the result that expensive treated water is lost and, in addition, ice plates or may also be lost - Form areas that affect the quality of the downhill run and also represent an unnecessary environmental impact. "Artificial snow" in the sense of the invention is the snow produced with a snow cannon.

Bekannt ist ein System zur Erzeugung von Kunst-Schnee (EP-A-0 004 803), bei dem mehrere Schneekanonen örtlich verteilt an einer zentralen Steuer- und Versorgungseinheit angeschlossen sind, die die einzelnen Schneekanonen nicht nur mit Wasser und ggf. auch mit Druckluft versorgt, sondern diese Schneekanonen auch steuert, und zwar in Abhängigkeit von Meßstationen, die mit ihren Sensoren außerhalb der Schneekanone im Gelände angeordnet sind und zur Messung der Windgeschwindigkeit, der Windrichtung, der Lufttemperatur und der relativen Feuchtigkeit dienen. Schon allein deswegen, weil die Meßstationen nicht dazu bestimmt und geeignet sind, die Wärmeenergie (Enthalpie) zu messen, die in dem den Luftkanal der Schneekanone durchströmenden Luftstrom vorhanden ist, ist das bekannte System nicht geeignet, bei kritischen Wetterlagen, d.h. bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 0°C Kunst-Schnee in optimaler Menge und mit optimaler Qualität zu erzeugen. Darüber hinaus besitzen Hygrometer, wie sie von den Meßstationen des bekannten Systems verwendet werden, gerade bei diesen kritischen Wetter-Lagen lange Einstellzeiten (zwischen 30 und 60 Min.), die eine einer Änderungen der Wettersituation folgende Regelung nicht ermöglichen.A system for producing artificial snow is known (EP-A-0 004 803), in which several snow cannons are connected locally to a central control and supply unit, which not only supplies the individual snow cannons with water and possibly also with compressed air supplied, but also controls these snow cannons, depending on measuring stations, which are arranged with their sensors outside the snow cannon in the field and for measuring the Serve wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and relative humidity. If only because the measuring stations are not intended and suitable for measuring the thermal energy (enthalpy) that is present in the air stream flowing through the air duct of the snow cannon, the known system is not suitable for critical weather conditions, i.e. at temperatures in the range from 0 ° C to produce artificial snow in optimal quantities and with optimal quality. In addition, hygrometers, such as those used by the measuring stations of the known system, have long response times (between 30 and 60 minutes), especially in these critical weather situations, which do not make it possible to regulate changes in the weather situation.

Bekannt ist weiterhin zur Bestimmung der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit die Temperatur eines Luftstromes mit einem Trockenthermometer und zugleich mit einem feuchten Thermometer zu messen, ohne daß hierbei aber in irgendeiner Form auf eine Schneekanone und deren Steuerung bezug genommen ist.To determine the relative humidity, it is also known to measure the temperature of an air stream with a dry thermometer and at the same time with a moist thermometer, but without any reference to a snow cannon and its control.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Schneekanone aufzuzeigen, die ein Bescheien eines Geländes in optimaler Weise und unter Berücksichtigung der jeweiligen Witterungsbedingungen ermöglicht.The object of the invention is to show a snow cannon which enables a site to be illuminated in an optimal manner and taking into account the respective weather conditions.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist eine Schneekanone entsprechend dem kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruches 1 ausgebildet.To solve this problem, a snow cannon is designed according to the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Schneekanone wird während des Betriebes in dem den Luftkanal durchströmenden Luftstrom oder in einem hierzu proportionalen Luftstrom sowohl die Temperatur an dem feuchten Temperatursensor ("zweiten Temperatursensor") als auch die Temperatur an dem trockenen Temperatursensor erfaßt. Mit diesen Werten wird die der Umgebungsluft bzw. der Luft des austretenden Luftstromes vorhandene "Kälteenergie" (Enthalpie) ermittelt, und zwar unter Berücksichtigung der Differenz der Temperaturen der beiden Temperatursensoren und der tatsächlichen Temperatur eines dieser beiden Temperatursensoren, vorzugsweise des trockenen, zweiten Temperatursensors. Mit Hilfe eines Signals, welches unter Berücksichtigung dieser Werte sowie ggf. weiterer Parameter, wie z.B. Temperatur des zugeführten Wassers, gewünschte Schneequalität usw., wird die Menge des dem austretenden Luftstrom zugegebenen Wassers, d.h. die Menge des in diesen Luftstrom verdüsten Wassers geregelt. Diese Regelung kann entweder proportional, beispielsweise durch eine Proportionalventil, oder aber stufenförmig, d.h. beispielsweise in mehreren Schaltstufen derart erfolgen, daß in Abhängigkeit der jeweils in den austretenden Luftstrom einzubringenden Wassermenge eine bestimmte Anzahl von Wasseraustrittsdüsen aktiviert bzw. eingeschaltet wird.In the snow cannon according to the invention, both the temperature at the moist temperature sensor (“second temperature sensor”) and the temperature at the dry temperature sensor are detected during operation in the air flow flowing through the air duct or in an air flow proportional thereto. These values are used to determine the "cold energy" (enthalpy) of the ambient air or the air of the exiting air flow, taking into account the difference between the temperatures of the two temperature sensors and the actual temperature of one of these two temperature sensors, preferably the dry, second temperature sensor. With the help of a signal that takes these values and any other parameters, such as Temperature of the water supplied, desired snow quality, etc., the amount of water added to the exiting air stream, i.e. regulates the amount of water atomized in this air stream. This regulation can either be proportional, for example by means of a proportional valve, or stepwise, i.e. For example, take place in several switching stages in such a way that a specific number of water outlet nozzles is activated or switched on depending on the amount of water to be introduced into the emerging air stream.

Bei einer möglichen Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind mehrere Schneekanonen, die an einer Abfahrtsstrecke oder Piste verteilt angeordnet sind, über wenigstens eine gemeinsame Datenleitung mit einer gemeinsamen Überwachungs-und Steuereinrichtung verbunden, so daß die Schneekanonen über die Steuerleitungen bzw. das Bussystem von einer Zentrale überwacht und optimal gesteuert werden können.In a possible embodiment of the invention, a plurality of snow cannons, which are arranged in a distributed manner on a downhill run or runway, are connected to a common monitoring and control device via at least one common data line, so that the snow cannons are monitored and controlled by a control center via the control lines or the bus system can be optimally controlled.

Ist ein völlig automatischer oder zentral gesteuerter Betrieb der Schneekanone vorgesehen, so ist diese über eine Ventil-Steuerung an eine frostsicher verlegte Wasserversorgungleitung angeschlossen. Die Ventileinrichtung ist so ausgebildet, daß die Schneekanone bzw. deren wasserführenden Leitungen nach dem Abschalten sofort selbsttätig entleert werden. Soweit dies für die selbsttätige Entleerung notwendig ist, öffnen in diesem Fall auch sämtliche Steuerventile der Schneekanone nach dem Abschalten dieser Kanone. Weiterhin sind sämtliche Steuerventile ebenfalls frostsicher angeordnet oder ebenso, wie die Düsen beheizt.If fully automatic or centrally controlled operation of the snow cannon is planned, it is connected to a frost-proof water supply line via a valve control. The valve device is designed that the snow cannon and its water-carrying lines are emptied automatically after switching off. To the extent that this is necessary for the automatic emptying, all control valves of the snow cannon also open after this cannon has been switched off. Furthermore, all control valves are also frost-proof or heated, as are the nozzles.

Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Darstellung eine Schneekanone gemäß der Erfindung, zusammen mit der dieser Schneekanone zugeordneten Steuereinrichtung;
Fig. 2
in schematischer Darstellung eine Sensoreinrichtung der Schneekanone nach Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
in vereinfachter Darstellung eine weitere Ausführung der Erfindung.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it:
Fig. 1
in a schematic representation a snow cannon according to the invention, together with the control device assigned to this snow cannon;
Fig. 2
a schematic representation of a sensor device of the snow cannon according to FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
in a simplified representation another embodiment of the invention.

In den Figuren ist 1' das rohrartige Gehäuse einer Schneekanone 1. Dieses rohrartige Gehäuse, welches an den beiden Gehäuseseiten 2 und 3 offen ist, d.h. dort im wesentlichen nur mit einem nicht dargestellten Schutzgitter versehen ist, bildet einen sich zum Ende 3 hin verengenden Luftkanal und ist auf einem nicht dargestellten festen oder fahrbaren Gestell um eine horizontale, senkrecht zur Gehäuselängsachse L verlaufende Achse schwenkbar bzw. einstellbar.In the figures, 1 'is the tubular housing of a snow cannon 1. This tubular housing, which is open on the two housing sides 2 and 3, i.e. there is essentially only provided with a protective grille (not shown), forms an air duct narrowing towards the end 3 and can be pivoted or adjusted on a fixed or mobile frame (not shown) about a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the housing.

Über das offene Ende 2 wird in der noch näher beschriebenen Weise Umgebungsluft angesaugt. Dieses Ende bildet somit den Ansaugbereich der Schneekanone 1 bzw. des Gehäuses 1'. Am Ende 3 erfolgt das Ausblasen der Umgebungsluft und das Einsprühen von Wasser in den dortigen Luftstrom 8 zur Bildung des Kunst-Schnees.Ambient air is drawn in via the open end 2 in the manner described in more detail. This end thus forms the suction area of the snow cannon 1 or the housing 1 '. At the end 3, the ambient air is blown out and water is sprayed into the air stream 8 there to form the artificial snow.

Im Inneren des Gehäuses 1' ist ein Entlüfterrad 4 vorgesehen, welches durch einen Elektromotor um eine Achse achsgleich mit der Längsachse L antreibbar ist. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform ist das Lüfterrad 4 so angeordnet, daß es dem Ende 2 näher liegt als dem Ende 3.A vent wheel 4 is provided in the interior of the housing 1 'and can be driven by an electric motor about an axis coaxially with the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan wheel 4 is arranged so that it is closer to the end 2 than the end 3.

Am Ende 3 sind mehrere ringförmige Verteilerleitungen 5 vorgesehen, von denen der einfacheren Darstellung wegen nur zwei Verteilerleitungen 5 gezeigt sind. Tatsächlich ist die Anzahl der Verteilerleitungen jedoch höher und beträgt beispielsweise Zwölf.At the end 3, a plurality of annular distributor lines 5 are provided, of which only two distributor lines 5 are shown for the sake of simplicity. However, the number of distribution lines is actually higher, for example twelve.

Jede Verteilerleitung 5 ist aus einer Länge eines Rohrstückes aus einem nicht korrodierendem Material, beispielsweise aus Edelstahl derart hergestellt, daß sie eine in sich geschlossene ringförmige Leitung bildet. Die Verteilerleitungen 5 sind bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform so angeordnet, daß sie mit ihrer Ringachse jeweils achsgleich mit der Längsachse L liegen und in Richtung der Längsachse L aufeinanderfolgen. Es sind jedoch auch andere Anordnungen möglich, beispielsweise in der Form, daß die Verteilerleitungen zumindest teilweise konzentrisch zueinander am Ende 3 außerhalb des Gehäuses 1 vorgesehen sind. Jede Verteilerleitung 5 ist Bestandteil einer Düsenanordnung 6 und hierfür ist mit einer Vielzahl von Wasser-Austrittsdüsen 7 versehen, die an jeder Verteilerleitung gleichmäßig um die Längsachse L verteilt oder in einer anderen Weise verteilt vorgesehen sind. Die Wasser-Austrittsdüsen 7 an den Verteilleitungen 5 sind so orientiert, daß sie Wasser in fein verteilter Form, d.h. fein zerstäubt, in den am Ende 3 austretenden Luftstrom 8 einbringen.Each distribution line 5 is made from a length of pipe section made of a non-corrosive material, for example stainless steel, in such a way that it forms a self-contained annular line. In the embodiment shown, the distribution lines 5 are arranged such that their ring axes are each coaxially with the longitudinal axis L and follow one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. However, other arrangements are also possible, for example in the form that the distributor lines are provided at least partially concentrically with one another at the end 3 outside the housing 1. Each distributor line 5 is part of a nozzle arrangement 6 and for this purpose is provided with a multiplicity of water outlet nozzles 7 which are distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis L on each distributor line or are provided in a different manner. The water outlet nozzles 7 on the distribution lines 5 are oriented so that they supply water in a finely divided form, i.e. finely atomized, into the air stream 8 emerging at the end 3.

Die Verteilerleitungen 5 sind jeweils über ein Steuer-bzw. Magnetventil 9 an eine Leitung 10 angeschlossen, die zum Zuführen von Wasser unter Druck dient. Für jede Düsenanordnung ist ein gesondertes Magnetventil 9 vorgesehen.The distribution lines 5 are each via a control or. Solenoid valve 9 connected to a line 10 which serves to supply water under pressure. A separate solenoid valve 9 is provided for each nozzle arrangement.

Die Magnetventile 9 befinden sich normalerweise im geschlossenen Zustand und öffnen jeweils dann, wenn der jeweils zugehörige Magnet angesteuert wird, womit dann die jeweils zugehörige Düsenanordnung 6 für eine Abgabe von Wasser über die dort vorgesehenen Wasser-Austrittsdüsen 7 aktiviert ist.The solenoid valves 9 are normally in the closed state and open each time the associated magnet is actuated, whereby the associated nozzle arrangement 6 is then activated for dispensing water via the water outlet nozzles 7 provided there.

Um eine möglichst große Menge an Kunst-Schnee mit der geforderten Qualität zu erhalten und um insbesondere auch zu verhindern, daß mit dem Luftstrom 8 anstelle von Schnee Wasser ausgebracht wird, ist es erforderlich, die in den Luftstrom 8 eingebrachte Wassermenge in Abhängigkeit von Temperatur und Feuchtigkeit der Umgebungsluft zu steuern, und zwar dadurch, daß eine der jeweils zulässigen Wassermenge entsprechende Anzahl von Verteilerleitungen 5 bzw. Düsenanordnungen 6 durch Öffnen des zugehörigen Magnetventils 9 aktiviert wird. Für diese Steuerung dient eine Mikroprozessor gestützte Steuereinrichtung 11, die verschiedene Ausgänge aufweist, und zwar jeweils einen Ausgang 12 für jedes Magnetventil 9. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform besitzt die Steuereinrichtung 11 weiterhin einen Ausgang 13 für ein analoges Steuersignal sowie eine Daten-Schnittstelle 14 zur Ein- oder Abgabe von Daten, beispielsweise von Zustandsinformationen.In order to obtain the greatest possible amount of artificial snow with the required quality and, in particular, to prevent water from being discharged with the air stream 8 instead of snow, it is necessary to adjust the amount of water introduced into the air stream 8 as a function of temperature and To control the humidity of the ambient air, specifically by activating a number of distributor lines 5 or nozzle arrangements 6 corresponding to the respectively permissible amount of water by opening the associated solenoid valve 9. For this control, a microprocessor-based control device 11 is used, which has different outputs, namely one output 12 for each solenoid valve 9. In the embodiment shown, the control device 11 also has an output 13 for an analog control signal and a data interface 14 for on - or delivery of data, for example status information.

Die Steuereinrichtung 11 besitzt verschiedene Eingänge, und zwar einen Eingang 15, der mit einem in der Leitung 10 vorgesehenen und die Temperatur des zugeführten Wassers messenden Temperatursensor 16 verbunden ist, einen Eingang 17, der an ein Einstellelement 18 angeschlossen ist, sowie zwei weitere Eingänge 19 und 20, die mit einer Sensoreinrichtung 21 verbunden sind. Diese ist im Bereich des Endes 2, d. h. im Ansaugbereich im Inneren des rohrartigen Gehäuses 1' angeordnet.The control device 11 has various inputs, namely an input 15 which is connected to a temperature sensor 16 provided in the line 10 and measuring the temperature of the water supplied, an input 17 which is connected to an adjusting element 18, and two further inputs 19 and 20, which are connected to a sensor device 21. This is in the area of the end 2, i.e. H. arranged in the suction area inside the tubular housing 1 '.

Das Einstellelement 18, welches im einfachsten Fall ein Potentiometer ist, bildet ein manuell einstellbares Element, mit dem die jeweils gewünschte Qualität des Kunst-Schnees eingestellt bzw. vorgewählt werden kann und zwar zwischen "feucht" und "trocken". Mit dem Sensorelement 21 wird die innere Energie der angesaugten Umgebungsluft, die (Energie) für die Bildung des Kunst-Schnees durch Einbringen von Wasser in den Luftstrom 8 zur Verfügung steht.The setting element 18, which in the simplest case is a potentiometer, forms a manually adjustable element with which the desired quality of the artificial snow can be set or preselected, namely between "moist" and "dry". With the sensor element 21 internal energy of the sucked-in ambient air, which (energy) is available for the formation of the artificial snow by introducing water into the air stream 8.

Wie insbesondere auch die Fig. 2 zeigt, besteht die Sensoreinrichtung 21 aus zwei Temperatur-Sensoren 22 und 23, die an einer am Ansaugbereich, d.h. im Bereich des Endes 2 am Gehäuses 1 gehaltenen Platine 24 vorgesehen sind, und zwar mit ihrem jeweils aktiven Bereich 22' bzw. 23' an einer Öffnung 24', die von einem vorgegebenen bzw. definierten Anteil der gesamten, vom Lüfterrad 4 angesaugten Luft durchströmt wird. Die Platine 24 mit den Temperatursensoren 22 un 23 befindet sich dabei in Strömungsrichtung vor dem Lüfterrad 4.As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the sensor device 21 consists of two temperature sensors 22 and 23, which are connected to one at the suction area, i.e. are provided in the area of the end 2 on the board 1 held on the housing 1, specifically with their respectively active area 22 ′ or 23 ′ at an opening 24 ′, through which a predetermined or defined proportion of the total air sucked in by the fan wheel 4 flows becomes. The circuit board 24 with the temperature sensors 22 and 23 is located in the flow direction in front of the fan wheel 4.

Auf den aktiven Bereich 23' des Temperatursensors 23 ist das eine Ende eines Gewebe- bzw. Gaze-Schlauches 25 aufgesteckt, dessen anderes Ende auf das offene Ende eines vertikalen, beidendig offenen Rohrstückes 26 aufgeschoben ist, das den Auslaß eines flaschenartigen Behälters 27 bildet. Dieser ist an der Platine 24 bzw. in einer dortigen Halterung befestigt, und zwar derart, daß das Rohrstück 26 bzw. die von diesem gebildete Öffnung des Behälters 27 unten liegt. Der Behälter 27 ist mit einer erst bei sehr tiefen Temperaturen gefrierenden Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise mit einem Gemisch aus Wasser und einem Gefrierschutzmittel gefüllt. Der Querschnitt des Rohrstückes 26 ist so gewählt, daß nur eine geringe Menge an Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter 27 an den Schlauch 25 abgegeben wird, und zwar nur so viel, um diesen Schlauch und dabei insbesondere auch das auf den aktiven Bereich 23' aufgeschobene Ende dieses Schlauches feucht zu halten.One end of a fabric or gauze hose 25 is plugged onto the active area 23 'of the temperature sensor 23, the other end of which is pushed onto the open end of a vertical pipe piece 26 which is open at both ends and which forms the outlet of a bottle-like container 27. This is fastened to the circuit board 24 or in a holder there, in such a way that the pipe section 26 or the opening of the container 27 formed by it lies below. The container 27 is filled with a liquid that only freezes at very low temperatures, for example with a mixture of water and an antifreeze. The cross section of the pipe section 26 is selected so that only a small amount of liquid is dispensed from the container 27 to the hose 25, and only so much around this hose and in particular also the end of this pushed onto the active region 23 ' To keep the hose moist.

Ebenso wie der Temperatursensor 16 sind auch die Temperatursensoren 22 und 23 vorzugsweise jeweils von einem PT 100 gebildet.Like the temperature sensor 16, the temperature sensors 22 and 23 are preferably each formed by a PT 100.

Die Steuerung der in den Luftstrom 8 eingebrachten Wassermenge, d.h. der Anzahl der aktivierten Düsenanordnungen 6 erfolgt von der Steuereinrichtung 11 unter Berücksichtigung der Einstellung am Einstellelement 18 und der Temperatur des zugeführten Wassers (Signal des Temperatursensors 16) in Abhängigkeit von der Differenz der Signale der Temperatursensoren 22 und 23 sowie auch unter Berücksichtigung der tatsächlichen, von dem trockenen Temperatursensor 22 gemessenen Temperatur, und zwar derart, daß erst unterhalb einer vorgegebenen Mindesttemperatur, beispielsweise einer Temperatur von weniger als +4o C überhaupt eine Aktivierung einer oder mehrerer Verteilerleitungen 5 erfolgt. Mit zunehmender Differenz der von den Temperatursensoren 22 und 23 ermittelten Temperaturen und außerdem mit zunehmender Differenz zwischen der Mindesttemperatur und der tatsächlichen, vom Temperatursensor 22 ermittelten Temperatur wird die Menge des in den Luftstrom 8 eingebrachten Wassers, d.h. die Anzahl der aktivierten Verteilerleitungen 5 erhöht.The control of the amount of water introduced into the air flow 8, ie the number of activated nozzle arrangements 6, is carried out by the control device 11 taking into account the setting on the setting element 18 and the temperature of the water supplied (signal from the temperature sensor 16) as a function of the difference between the signals from the temperature sensors 22 and 23 and also taking into account the actual temperature measured by the dry temperature sensor 22, in such a way that only below a predetermined minimum temperature, for example a temperature of less than +4 o C, one or more distribution lines 5 are activated at all. With an increasing difference in the temperatures determined by the temperature sensors 22 and 23 and also with an increasing difference between the minimum temperature and the actual temperature determined by the temperature sensor 22, the amount of water introduced into the air stream 8, ie the number of activated distributor lines 5, is increased.

Die entsprechende Steuerkurve, beispielsweise in Form einer Kurvenschar für unterschiedliche, an der Einstelleinrichtung 18 eingestellte Schneequalitäten, nach der (Steuerkurve) die Steuereinrichtung 11 die maximal zulässige in den Luftstrom 8 einzubringende Wassermenge bzw. die maximal zulässige, zu aktivierende Anzahl der Verteilerleitungen 5 ermittelt, ist so gewählt, daß unter Berücksichtigung der jeweils an den Eingängen 19 und 20 anstehenden Signalen, d.h. unter Berücksichtigung der Temperaturdifferenz der Temperatursensoren 22 und 23 sowie unter Berücksichtigung der tatsächlichen Temperatur des Temperatursensors 22 ein Kunst-Schnee mit der gewünschten Qualität tatsächlich auch erhalten wird.The corresponding control curve, for example in the form of a family of curves for different snow qualities set on the setting device 18, according to which the (control curve) the control device 11 determines the maximum permissible amount of water to be introduced into the air stream 8 or the maximum permissible number of distributor lines 5 to be activated, is selected so that taking into account the signals present at inputs 19 and 20, ie taking into account the temperature difference of the temperature sensors 22 and 23 and taking into account the actual temperature of the temperature sensor 22, an artificial snow with the desired quality is actually obtained.

Das am Ausgang 13 anliegende, beispielsweise analoge Signal ist ebenfalls ein Maß für die Wassermenge, die maximal in den Luftstrom 8 eingebracht werden kann, und zwar unter Berücksichtigung der an den Eingängen 15, 17, 19 und 20 anliegenden Signale. Mit dem Signal am Ausgang 13 kann beispielsweise ein Proportionalventil angesteuert werden, welches die in den Luftstrom 8 abgegebene Wassermenge regelt. Bei dieser Ausführung sind dann beispielsweise sämtliche Wasseraustrittsdüsen 7 an einer gemeinsamen Verteilerleitung vorgesehen, die über das genannte Proportionalventil mit der Leitung 10 zum Zuführen des unter Druck stehenden Wassers verbunden sind.The, for example, analog signal present at the output 13 is also a measure of the amount of water that can be introduced into the air flow 8, taking into account the signals present at the inputs 15, 17, 19 and 20. The signal at the output 13 can be used, for example, to control a proportional valve which regulates the amount of water discharged into the air stream 8. In this embodiment, for example, all the water outlet nozzles 7 are then provided on a common distributor line, which are connected via the proportional valve to the line 10 for supplying the pressurized water.

Am Ausgang 14 stehen verschiedene Informationen zur Verfügung, beispielsweise die vom Temperatursensor 22 gemessene Temperatur der Umgebungsluft bzw. angesaugten Luft, die maximal mögliche Schneemenge usw. Diese Daten werden beispielsweise an einer nicht dargestellten Anzeigeeinrichtung der Schneekanone angezeigt. Mit 28 ist allgemein eine elektrische Versorgungsleitung bezeichnet, über die die Schneekanone und dabei insbesondere auch der Antrieb für das Lufterrad sowie die Steuereinrichtung 11 elektrisch versorgt werden.Various information is available at the output 14, for example the temperature of the ambient air or air drawn in by the temperature sensor 22, the maximum possible amount of snow, etc. This data is displayed, for example, on a display device, not shown, of the snow cannon. 28 generally designates an electrical supply line via which the snow cannon and in particular also the drive for the air wheel and the control device 11 are supplied with electricity.

Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglich, die Schneekanone 1a mit weiteren Schneekanonen in einem Gelände an jeweils geeigneten Punkten verteilt, beispielsweise an dort vorgesehenen Sockeln 29 zu installieren (Fig. 3) und die dann verteilt im Gelände, d.h. im Bereich einer Schnee-Abfahrts-Strecke auch in unterschiedlichen Höhenlagen angeordneten Schneekanonen 1a zentral zu steuern. Für diesen Zweck sind die Ausgänge 14 der Steuereinrichtungen 11 sämtlicher Schneekanonen an eine gemeinsame Datenleitung 30 angeschlossen, die zur Übertragung von Adressen und Daten an die einzelnen Schneekanonen bzw. deren Steuereinrichtungen 11 sowie zur Übertragung von Adressen und Daten von den einzelnen Schneekanonen bzw. deren Steuereinrichtungen 11 an die zentrale Steuer- und Überwachungseinheit 31 ausgebildet ist. Von dieser zentralen Überwachungs- und Steuereinheit 31 können dann die Schneekanonen in Abhängigkeit insbesondere der von den Sensoreinrichtungen 21 bzw. den Temperatursensoren 22 und 23 gelieferten Daten optimal, insbesondere auch in Hinblick auf eine optimale Nutzung des verbrauchten Wassers gesteuert werden, und zwar beispielsweise derart, daß in einem bestimmten Streckenabschnitt nur jeweils diejenige Schneekanone 1a betrieben wird, die aufgrund der dort herrschenden Temperatur- und Feuchtigkeitsbedingungen der Umgebungsluft den größten Ausstoß an Kunst-Schnee ermöglicht. Der mit dieser ausgewählten Schneekanone erzeugte Kunst-Schnee wird dann beispielsweise mit Pisten-Bearbeitungsgeräten auf die erforderlichen Bereiche verteilt.In principle, it is also possible to install the snow cannon 1a with other snow cannons in a terrain at suitable points, for example at bases 29 provided there (FIG. 3), and then to distribute them in the terrain, ie in the area of a snow downhill run to centrally control snow cannons 1a arranged at different altitudes. For this purpose, the outputs 14 of the control devices 11 of all snow cannons are connected to a common data line 30 which is used to transmit addresses and data to the individual snow cannons or their control devices 11 and to transmit addresses and data from the individual snow cannons or their control devices 11 to the central control and monitoring unit 31. From this central monitoring and control unit 31, the snow cannons can then be optimally controlled depending on, in particular, the data supplied by the sensor devices 21 or the temperature sensors 22 and 23, in particular also with regard to an optimal use of the water used, for example in such a way that only that snow cannon 1a is operated in a certain section of the route which, due to the temperature and humidity conditions of the ambient air there, enables the greatest emission of artificial snow. The one with This selected snow cannon artificial snow is then distributed to the required areas, for example with slope processing equipment.

Weiterhin ist es durch die zentrale Steuerungs- und Überwachungseinrichtung 31 auch möglich, auf einer längeren Strecke Kunst-Schnee gesteuert nur dort zu erzeugen, wo dies möglich und unbedingt erforderlich ist.Furthermore, the central control and monitoring device 31 also makes it possible to produce artificial snow in a controlled manner over a longer distance only where this is possible and absolutely necessary.

Bei der in der Fig. 3 dargestellten und auf dem Sockel 29 festmontierten Schneekanone 1a ist die Leitung 10 als vertikale Steigleitung ausgebildet. Die Leitung 10 ist an eine im Boden 32 frostsicher verlegte Wasserversorgungsleitung 33 angeschlossen, und zwar über ein Ventil 34, welches sich ebenfalls an frostsicherer Stelle im Boden 32 befindet. Das Ventil 34, welches ebenfalls von der Steuereinrichtung 11 gesteuert wird, ist ein Umschaltventil bzw. ein Drei/Zwei-Wegeventil, d.h. ein Ventil mit insgesamt drei Anschlüssen und zwei Stellungen. In der einen Stellung verbindet das Ventil 34 die Leitung 10 mit der Leitung 33. In der anderen Stellung verbindet das Ventil 34 die Leitung 10 mit einer im Boden 32 verlegten und an eine Dränage 35 führenden Leitung 36. Dies bedeutet, daß beim Abschalten der zugehörigen Schneekanone 1a die zugehörige Leitung 10 unverzüglich über die Leitung 36 entleert wird, ein Einfrieren der Leitung 10 also nach dem Abschalten der Schneekanone nicht möglich ist.In the snow cannon 1a shown in FIG. 3 and fixedly mounted on the base 29, the line 10 is designed as a vertical riser. The line 10 is connected to a water supply line 33 laid in the floor 32 in a frost-proof manner, specifically via a valve 34, which is also located in the floor 32 at a frost-proof location. The valve 34, which is also controlled by the control device 11, is a changeover valve or a three / two-way valve, i.e. a valve with a total of three connections and two positions. In the one position, the valve 34 connects the line 10 to the line 33. In the other position, the valve 34 connects the line 10 to a line 36 laid in the floor 32 and leading to a drainage 35. This means that when the associated one is switched off Snow cannon 1a the associated line 10 is immediately emptied via line 36, so that line 10 cannot freeze after the snow cannon has been switched off.

Bevorzugt sind bei dieser Ausführungsform dann auch die die Wasser-austrittsdüsen 7 steuernden Ventile, beispielsweise die Magnetventile 9 oder das vom Ausgang 13 angesteuerte und in der Fig. 3 mit 37 bezeichnete Proportionalventil frostgeschützt untergebracht, beispielsweise im Boden 32 oder im Sockel 29. Auch diese die Wasser-austrittsdüsen 7 steuernden Ventile werden nach dem Abschalten der betreffenden Schneekanone automatisch geöffnet, so daß sich auch die Wasseraustrittsdüsen 7 bzw. die diese Düsen aufweisenden Verteilerleitungen 5 oder an diese Verteilerleitungen führenden Verbindungsleitungen entleeren können.In this embodiment, the valves controlling the water outlet nozzles 7, for example the solenoid valves 9 or the proportional valve driven by the outlet 13 and designated 37 in FIG the valves controlling the water outlet nozzles 7 are automatically opened after the snow cannon in question has been switched off, so that the water outlet nozzles 7 or the distributor lines 5 having these nozzles or connecting lines leading to these distributor lines can also be emptied.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an Ausführungsbeispielen beschrieben. Es versteht sich, daß Änderungen sowie Abwandlungen möglich sind, ohne daß dadurch der der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Erfindungsgedanke verlassen wird.The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that changes and modifications are possible without departing from the inventive idea on which the invention is based.

So ist es beispielsweise möglich, für die Wasseraustrittsdüsen 7, die Verteilerleitungen 5, die Magnetventile 9 und die Leitung 10 elektrische Heizelemente vorzusehen, mit denen die vorgenannten Elemente nach dem Abschalten der Schneekanone zumindest bis zum vollständigen manuellen Entleeren oder automatischen Entleeren über das Ventil 34 gegen Einfrieren geschützt sind.For example, it is possible to provide electrical heating elements for the water outlet nozzles 7, the distribution lines 5, the solenoid valves 9 and the line 10, by means of which the aforementioned elements counteract at least until they are completely manually emptied or automatically emptied via the valve 34 after the snow cannon has been switched off Freezes are protected.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

1, 1a1, 1a
SchneekanoneSnow cannon
1'1'
Gehäusecasing
2, 32, 3
EndeThe End
44th
LüfterradFan wheel
55
VerteilerleitungDistribution line
66
DüsenanordnungNozzle arrangement
77
Düsejet
88th
LuftstromAirflow
99
Magnetventilmagnetic valve
1010th
Leitungmanagement
1111
SteuereinrichtungControl device
12, 13, 1412, 13, 14
Ausgangexit
1515
Eingangentrance
1616
TemperatursensorTemperature sensor
1717th
Eingangentrance
1818th
EinstelleinrichtungAdjustment device
19, 2019, 20
Eingangentrance
2121
SensoreinrichtungSensor device
22, 2322, 23
TemperatursensorTemperature sensor
22', 23'22 ', 23'
aktiver Bereichactive area
2424th
Platinecircuit board
24'24 '
Öffnungopening
2525th
GewebeschlauchFabric hose
2626
RohrstückPipe piece
2727
Behältercontainer
2828
elektrische Versorgungsleitungelectrical supply line
2929
Sockelbase
3030th
DatenleitungData line
3131
Steuerungs- und ÜberwachungseinrichtungControl and monitoring device
3232
Bodenground
3333
WasserleitungWater pipe
3434
VentilValve
3535
Dränagedrainage
3636
Leitungmanagement
3737
ProportionalventilProportional valve

Claims (13)

  1. Snow cannon with a housing (1') forming at least one air duct open at both ends, with a blower (4) disposed in the air duct and driven by a motor, with at least one water outlet nozzle (7) at an opening (3) on the output side in the air duct for introducing water in suspended form into the flow of air (8) passing out at this end, and with means for controlling the quantity of water introduced via the water outlet nozzle (7), of which there is at least one, into the flow of air (8) passing out, wherein the said means have at least one control valve (9, 37) which is disposed in a line (10) for pressurised water, which line leads to the water outlet nozzle (7) of which there is at least one, and wherein the means for controlling the quantity of water have at least one electrical or electronic control arrangement (11) for controlling the control valve (9, 37), of which there is at least one, and there is associated with the said means a sensor arrangement (21) which has a first temperature sensor (22) for ascertaining the actual air temperature, characterised in that the first temperature sensor (22) and a second temperature sensor (23) of the sensor arrangement (21) are disposed, at least with their active region (22', 23') in each case, in the flow of air through the air duct or in a flow of air proportional thereto, that means (25, 27) are provided in order to constantly wet, or keep moist, with a liquid the active region (23') of the first of the temperature sensors (22, 23), of which there are at least two, and that the quantity of water given off into the flow of air is controlled by regulation of the control valve (9, 37), of which there is at least one, by the control arrangement (11) while taking into account the difference between the temperatures ascertained by the two temperature sensors (22, 23).
  2. Snow cannon according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least two temperature sensors (22, 23) are arranged on an opening (24), through which at least a part of the flow of air through the air duct passes, and/or that the at least tow temperature sensores (22, 23) of the sensor arrangement (21) are arrange near the input side of the air duct, where air is drawn into the air duct.
  3. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the temperature sensors (22, 23), of which there are at least two, of the sensor arrangement (21) are disposed before the blower (4), referred to the direction of flow.
  4. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the temperature sensors (22, 23), of which there are at least two, of the sensor arrangement (21) are disposed with their active regions (22', 23') side by side and at the same height in the flow of air.
  5. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the means for keeping the active region (23') of the second temperature sensor (23) moist are constituted by a wick-like element, for example a fabric hose (25), which is secured by one of its ends to the active region (23') of the first temperature sensor (23), and is in communication, by its other end, with the interior of a container (27) for receiving a liquid.
  6. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the liquid is a mixture of water and an antifreeze agent.
  7. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the quantity of water introduced into the flow of air (8) passing out is regulated in dependence upon, or while taking into account, the difference in temperature between the two temperature sensors (22, 23), of which there are at least two, of the sensor arrangement (21), and also while taking into account the actual temperature ascertained by the second, dry temperature sensor (22).
  8. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the quantity of water introduced into the flow of air (8) passing out is controlled while taking into account further parameters, in particular while taking into account the water temperature measured by a further temperature sensor (16) and/or the snow quality preselected at an adjusting element (18).
  9. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the control valve, of which there is at least one, is a proportional valve (37).
  10. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised by a valve arrangement which has a number of control valves (9) and with which a corresponding number of water outlet valves (7) can be activated in dependence upon the quantity of water to be introduced into the flow of air (8) passing out.
  11. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the control arrangement (11) has at least one connection or interface for outputting and/or inputting data, with which connection or interface the control arrangement can be connected to a control and monitoring unit (31) which is common to a number of snow cannons or their control arrangements.
  12. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised by a valve arrangement (34) which controls the water feed and can be switched at least into a first condition that connects the snow cannon (1a) to a water supply line (33) laid in a frost-resistant manner, and also into a condition that empties the snow cannon or the lines conducting water at that point.
  13. Snow cannon according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the water outlet nozzle (7), of which there is at least one, and/or the control valve (9, 37), of which there is at least one, and/or water-conducting lines (5, 10) of the snow cannon (1, 1a) can be heated.
EP93120350A 1992-12-23 1993-12-17 Snow gun Expired - Lifetime EP0605824B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4243731A DE4243731C1 (en) 1992-12-23 1992-12-23 Snow-generating gun for ski slopes - controls water-supply valve electronically dependent on difference between temperatures detected by two sensors
DE4243731 1992-12-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0605824A1 EP0605824A1 (en) 1994-07-13
EP0605824B1 true EP0605824B1 (en) 1997-05-21

Family

ID=6476299

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93120350A Expired - Lifetime EP0605824B1 (en) 1992-12-23 1993-12-17 Snow gun

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EP (1) EP0605824B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE153435T1 (en)
DE (2) DE4243731C1 (en)

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FR2795494B1 (en) * 1999-06-25 2001-09-14 York Neige VALVE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER AND ANY AIR, IN PRESSURIZED WATER SPRAYING INSTALLATIONS, FOR EXAMPLE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SNOW
ITTN20090001A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-22 Leotech Srl COMPACT GROUP OF COMMAND
US8011114B2 (en) 2009-12-04 2011-09-06 Superior Investments, Inc. Vehicle dryer with butterfly inlet valve
IT1402888B1 (en) * 2010-11-23 2013-09-27 Technoalpin A G S P A Ora Technoalpin Holding S P A ARTIFICIAL INNOVATION PLANT
CN112923623B (en) * 2021-02-01 2022-06-07 西安交通大学 Snow making machine with high snow making rate and control method and working method thereof
CN113280547B (en) * 2021-06-02 2022-07-01 姜何 Snow maker control system
CN114111144B (en) * 2021-10-26 2023-04-25 北京建筑大学 Large-snow-quantity snow making machine suitable for climatic conditions and nozzle control method thereof

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CH408074A (en) * 1962-06-15 1966-02-28 Amf Overseas Corp Process for producing snow and equipment for carrying out the process
AT243834B (en) * 1964-01-31 1965-12-10 Bauer Roehren Pumpen Device for the production of artificial snow
US3979061A (en) * 1974-02-04 1976-09-07 Kircher Everett F Method and apparatus for making artificial snow
US4004732A (en) * 1974-08-16 1977-01-25 Hanson Alden W Snow making method
FR2421353A1 (en) * 1978-03-31 1979-10-26 Armand Daniel PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC SNOW MANUFACTURING
US4223836A (en) * 1978-12-07 1980-09-23 Zemel Brothers, Inc. Snowmaking machine and method
US4545529A (en) * 1982-08-12 1985-10-08 Tropeano Joseph C Method and apparatus for automatically making snow
FR2573854B1 (en) * 1984-11-27 1987-04-24 York Froid Ind IMPROVEMENT IN SNOW CANNON FEEDING DEVICES IN ARTIFICIAL SNOW PLANTS FOR SKI SLOPES
FR2579732B1 (en) * 1985-03-27 1987-09-25 Ene Ste Civile DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING ARTIFICIAL SNOW
FR2634663A1 (en) * 1988-07-29 1990-02-02 Lagier Jacques Installation for covering ski runs with artificial snow
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE59306518D1 (en) 1997-06-26
ATE153435T1 (en) 1997-06-15
DE4243731C1 (en) 1994-05-11
EP0605824A1 (en) 1994-07-13

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