EP1078209B1 - Method for preserving snow - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for preserving snow. A cooling mat device (2) is laid out on predetermined areas of a subbase (1) on which snow should be preserved. A coolant is fed to said cooling mat device via a coolant supply line (21), and the coolant is removed via a coolant return line (22).

Description

The invention relates to a method for Preservation of snow.

Critical points on ski slopes, e.g. overused and narrow downhill areas, south slope areas and areas of valley runs covered with artificial snow, so the longest possible ski operation can be ensured. One problem is an extremely high one Water consumption. Usually this is for the Artificial snow making water required in Water reservoirs stored and with the help of pumps too the individual snow cannons. When melting the artificial snow produced in this way creates great Amounts of water that flow down the mountain slopes and thus get lost. Another problem is that when making snow with artificial snow, nature to a considerable extent is damaged. This is due in particular to that the artificial snow lies loosely on the ground and is therefore pushed aside when driving, so that the The surface is quickly exposed and is therefore damaged. At the Driving on such partially exposed underground areas there is also a risk that skis from skiers in significantly damaged.

From the document US-A-3 893 507 a method for Preservation of snow in which one Cooling mat device directly on an unspecified Layed ski slope and then covered with sand or the like becomes. After that, a layer of artificial snow or out natural snow applied to the cooling mat device. This layer is cooled if necessary. There is a problem thereby in that the cooling mat device, in particular when Driving through the underground can be damaged and that also the vegetation of the subsoil through the cooled Cooling mat device and the sand layer permanently disturbed becomes. The application of the sand layer at the beginning of the Winter season as well as the removal after the Winter season should be so problematic that cooling of ski slopes in the manner described cannot be realized is.

The object of the present invention is therefore to to create a process can be made so durable by the snow that the Nature as little as possible damaged or even protected becomes.

This task is accomplished by a process with the characteristics of Claim 1 solved.

The main advantage of the present invention is in that by simply laying out cooling mats at desired Areas of a ski slope can be reached that the surface for artificial or natural snow is cooled so far is that an undesirably fast melting of the natural or Artificial snow can be avoided. Because in this way to the critical points mentioned in a relatively simple manner Nature or artificial snow can be prevented from defrosting quickly can ensure a significantly longer ski operation become. In particular, race and downhill routes can also for staging ski races and the like in the invention Way to be preserved, so that the execution such competitions are relatively independent of the weather conditions can be ensured. In addition, too ensures that all skiers during such a competition, as far as possible, find the same conditions.

The main advantage of the present invention is however, in that in conventional snow cannons enormous water consumption because of the preservation of the Snow can be reduced. Because the related of the present invention for the application of cooling mats Have cables with a very small diameter, there is only a relatively small coolant requirement.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the coolant used is glysantin or similar environmentally friendly coolants that are preferred have a coloration in the event of a line break indicates the point of interruption in the snow. For repairs can then get access to the fault location particularly easily and the pipe can be made simply by heating and melting it be disconnected from the system, the function of the entire system is essentially preserved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Mat device insertion funnel into which of the the underground facing away particularly simple a drill of a drill and inserted through the mat device is directed into the ground, so that later through the Funnel devices, tilting rods can be inserted and in the ground are attachable.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention are based the subclaims.

The invention and its embodiments are described below explained in connection with the figures.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Haltbarmachen von Schnee;

Figur 2

einen Querschnitt durch die im Zusammenhang mit der Erfindung verwendete Matteneinrichtung, und

Figur 3 bis 5

Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.

Show it:

Figure 1

a schematic representation for explaining the method according to the invention for preserving snow;

Figure 2

a cross section through the mat device used in connection with the invention, and

Figure 3 to 5

Developments of the invention.

According to Figure 1 is based on the inventive method a surface 1 on which snow can be preserved a cooling mat device 2 is designed. With the underground 1 is, for example, a particularly critical highly stressed part of an alpine descent, the area of a valley run of a ski area, a Alpine downhill or slalom course or the like. The cooling mat device 2 comprises a coolant supply line 21, a coolant return line 22 and running between them Line loops 23. The coolant supply line 21 is fed by a pump 3, which is connected via a line 4 the coolant is taken from a coolant reservoir 5. Of the coolant passes through the supply line 21 Loops 23 on the area 1 to be cooled and finally to the coolant return line 22 and from this back in the coolant reservoir 5 (line 7). When used Coolant is an environmentally friendly coolant, preferably around glysantin. These are preferably Coolant reservoir 5 and the pump 4 in a housing 6 or shelter movable or stationary and is the cooling mat device 2 when it is on the ground 1 is not required, can also be stowed in the housing 6.

To preserve snow on the surface 1 is like proceeded as follows: After the cooling mat device has been spread out 2 on the surface 1 with the help of the pump 3 Coolant from the coolant reservoir 5 via the supply line 21 and the return line 22 through the line loops 23 pumped. It is in the area of the cooling mat device 2 the substrate 1 and its surface cooled, for example to a temperature in the range of -3 ° to -7 ° C. Due to the ambient air humidity, the cooling mat device 2 iced up. If now on the cooling mat device 2 from above (arrow direction P) artificial or natural snow is applied, this snow is due to the Cooling the substrate 1 and the cooling mat device 2 do not melt so that there is no melt water like this is the case with the prior art and the subsurface 1 can be used practically as long as the cooling mat device 2 is put into operation. If necessary, by scraping and moving snow-related deteriorations be compensated for by artificially making snow Snow cannons is sprayed.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, in which the feed line 21 and the return line 22 parallel to each other run, there will be a particularly uniform cooling of the substrate 1 reached because the coolant cooled Side to the coolant of the inlet side is returned.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in which the feed line 21 and the return line 22 accordingly the length of the lines 23 'are spaced from one another and can run parallel to each other with the coolant device 2 covered a double width of the substrate 1 be, but it must be accepted that along the Lines 23 'a greater heating of the coolant takes place.

Figure 2 shows a cross section through the present Cooling mat device 2. Accordingly, on the substrate 1, which may already have a layer of snow, a cooling mat device 2 arranged, the individual loops 23rd exists with the feed line 21 and the return line 22 are connected. When cooling through the cooling mat device 2 is preferably created on the substrate 1 Snow and ice protection layer 8, which protects the substrate 1 from mechanical Protects damage. Such a snow and Ice protection layer 8 also arises on the surface of the coolant device 2. On this protective layer 8 Artificial or natural snow 9 applied.

In the manner shown in FIG. 2, in the area the cooling mat device 2 to damage it to avoid when placing them on the ground Hopper devices 10 are arranged by the Gaps between the conductor loops 23 and lines 23 'out become. These funnel devices 10 have the shape of pipes 101, which face away from their surface 1 Have side funnel-shaped extensions 102. Since the Locations of the funnel facilities are also known snowed-in condition of the mat devices 2 from the Underground 1 side facing away drill into the extensions 102 introduced and then automatically by these by the Pipe 101 are guided into the substrate 1, so that in this 2 holes for attachment without damaging the mat device can be drilled by tilting rods or the like.

If the lines of the conductor loops 23 of the arrangement of Figure 1 has a length of six meters, can with the Arrangement of Figure 1 a width of the substrate 1 of six meters. If with the same mat device the feed line 21 and the return line 22 in separated from each other as shown in Figure 3 can be a width of the subsurface 1 of twelve meters be covered.

The mat device 2 can be of any length, because at the free ends of the feed line 21 and the Return line 22 used as the end of plug parts 24 are. These plug parts 24 can be removed for extension so that additional mat equipment parts on the lines 21 and 22 can be connected, which in turn, unless they are to be extended, and therefore only intermediate parts represent completed by the plug parts 24 become.

In conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, which is a longitudinal section or show a top view of the mat device 2, a Another embodiment described in the case of the mat device 2 knob-like projections 30, 30 'arranged are connected from below and / or above with the lines 23 or 23 'are connected. These knob-like projections 30, 30 ', which protrude downwards or upwards via the lines 23, 23 ', are preferably open downwards or upwards, so snow and / or ice can get caught in them. This yields the advantage that the snow has an even better grip on the mat device. For this reason, the Lines 23 and 23 'better from external influences, such as them e.g. caused by ski edges or snow groomers.

Preferably the knob-like projections 30, 30 'in Form of bands in which the projections 30, 30 'each laterally (in the transverse direction) via lines 23, 23 ' attachable elements 31 are interconnected, in the transverse direction at certain intervals on the mat devices 2 attached. The tapes run in the longitudinal direction of the mat device 2 (Fig. 5). The elements 31 preferably have the shape of the shape of the circular wire cross-sections adapted cap parts, which also are circular and on the lines 23, 23 ' are attachable. That way the tapes are with the Projections 30, 30 'on the lines 23, 23' in the transverse direction the mat device can be moved and moved at any time removable again. Preferably with such Tap several mat devices in the longitudinal direction with each other get connected.

The lower projections 30 serve as spacers to the ground therefore uses and protects the mat device 2 in front of stones or other objects.

The projections 30, 30 'can also be used to fasten the mat device 2 serve at the bottom, being through the top and lower protrusions 30, 30 'or only through the lower protrusions 30 holding elements, preferably in the form of nails 32 or thorns are driven underground.

The strips with the projections 30 and 30 'are preferably made made of plastic, reinforced with metal inclusions can be.

The lower protrusions 30 and the upper protrusions 30 'can can be attached to one another by plug connections 33.

If the lines 23 are looped, the Tapes expediently only on one line 23 each Loop attached, with the other wire of the loop preferably in the distance between two adjacent top Projections 30 'is inserted.

With the present mat facilities you can Flexibility a variety of snow items or Ice be shaped. In particular, you can go snowboarding the so-called "half pipes" or similar terrain formations, as well as for trick skiing or ski flying ski jumps be formed. So for these sports, even in less favorable regions in a relatively small space, created the best conditions. It is also possible Sculptures and all kinds of objects made of snow or Making ice cream durable for a long time, this can also in closed rooms or in regions with warm, respectively hot climate (e.g. ski jumps in pedestrian zones of cities, "half pipes" on the beach, igloos in the Desert, etc.).

The following are particularly preferred methods of preservation of snow with the present cooling mat device 2 explained.

If the cooling mat device 2, which consists of several cooling mat parts is composed on a substrate 1 with already existing layers of snow is laid, pushes one Snow groomer or other clearing device first a layer of snow for example 30 cm deep from an existing one Surface of the subsurface 1, for example a ski slope, so that a smooth surface is created on which the Cooling mat parts of the cooling mat device 2 designed and via flexible plastic hoses with the coolant reservoir 5 can be connected.

The designed cooling mat device 2 can then in areas snow cannons with artificial snow or it can snow from the edge of the cooling mat device 2 with the Applied to the cooling mat device 2 with the aid of the piste roller become. In the latter case, care must be taken that the cooling mat device 2 before driving on the piste roller is not cooled because the individual cooling mat parts could break when driving on the snow groomer.

The type of installation described above can advantageously a relatively large one in a short time Snow surface on the subsurface 1 can be preserved. This procedure is particularly recommended in spring (February to April) when exposed to strong sunlight and Warming the subsurface 1 Thaw individual areas of the slope or for the temporary preservation of snow in parking lots or the like during the execution of large events.

A method in which the Cooling mat parts on an existing one on the surface 1 Layer of snow are applied and to a cooling mat device 2 can be connected. Then through the cooling mat device 2 heated coolant, for example heated in the coolant reservoir 5 to about 20 to 60 ° C. was initiated, the individual cooling mat parts warmed up so that they already exist on the surface 1 Sink a layer of snow. These are advantageously individual heated cooling mat parts when entering or when Driving on a piste roller elastic so that it does not break. With very cold outside temperatures, this can Melting a better connection between the snow and the cooling mat device 2 can be reached.

At the end of the winter season, the cooling mat facilities can by warming up in the manner described above, for example to 40 ° C with warm water, so that they are out melt out the snow, becoming elastic and can also be cleaned at the same time. It is an advantage that there are no layers of ice when the snow melts. Seen from the point of view of environmental protection, corresponds this is a natural Ausapern.

It is particularly advantageous if the connections of the individual Cooling mat parts with each other and the connections with the coolant reservoir 5 with flexible plastic hoses getting produced. A cumbersome and expensive Welding the cooling mat parts together is therefore not required. Instead, the individual cooling mat parts be connected to each other using the plug-in method If the flexible plastic hoses are transparent the advantage that air accumulations are visible from the outside can be, so that proper cooling operation can be ensured.

The plastic hoses mentioned are expediently rolled up on hose reels and can therefore be used in a short time Time unrolled on demand from these hose reels on site become. This brings a considerable space saving Transport and storage. Likewise, the flexible Plastic hoses also for repairing damaged lines of the cooling mat parts are used.

Advantageously, to increase the flexibility of the Procedure the hose connection between the coolant reservoir 5 and the feed and return lines 21, 22 over so-called check valve closures manufactured as they are known for example from garden irrigation systems. This can ensure that the connection to the Coolant reservoir 5 made within seconds or can be interrupted without coolant from the Feed line 21 or the return line 22 can emerge.

It is in connection with the method according to the invention particularly important that the cooling of the cooling mat device 2 only needs to be done temporarily. For example, the connection between the cooling mat device 2 and the coolant reservoir 5 are turned off after the cooling mat device 2 initially, preferably about 24 hours with one Coolant temperature of about -11 ° C to -20 ° C, was cooled. Even in strong sunlight, as they are in particular occurs in the months of March and April are also after four up to five days no major changes are expected. The hard snow layer from about 20 to 40 cm becomes only through very strong solar heating and in particular due to a rise in soil temperature in spring impaired. In the cold season, in the months of No impairments are expected from November to February. It is therefore sufficient if a powerful one Cooling device in the coolant reservoir 5 at the beginning of the cooling period approx. 24 hours in the area of the cooling mat device 2 builds up a layer of hard snow. This cooling device can then mined and for another field to be cooled with another Cooling mat device can be connected. On the cooling mat facilities 2, measuring sensors 40 are preferably installed, which via a line 41 the state of the respective Report cooling mat device 2 to a central computer 50 (Figure 1). Once a certain value, preferably the ratio from snow temperature to snow depth in the range of Cooling mat device is undercut, can then small device of approx. 9 kW coolant suitable for circulation cooling from the coolant reservoir 5 to the cooling mat device 2 deliver. This can save cooling devices.

The individual lines 23, 23 'of the cooling mat parts can advantageously in the event of damage with the help a specially prepared gas soldering iron from a power supply fully functional, even when lying in the snow are welded together. It was determined, that one manufactured in this way with PE lines Welded joint withstands a pressure of approx. 35 bar. Since the Operating pressure is around 2 bar, this is more than sufficient.

Instead of the knob-like described in Figures 4 and 5 Projections 30, 30 ', which also serve as spacers, it is conceivable to use simple structural adhesive tapes, made of the same material as the mat fittings consist. These tapes allow the mat device parts can be rolled in and out at any time, without the thin lines 23, 23 'getting tangled or knot. This makes mat transport easier.

If the present cooling mat device 2 is already on one applied with a layer of snow covered with snow 1 or directly with spacers on one snow-free surface 1 is applied so that from the ground there is a distance of about 10 to 25 cm, forms the cooling mat device 2 between the substrate 1 and the cooling mat device a layer of snow as a snow buffer that prevents air insulation of the ground, so that the vegetation is not affected. The resulting hard snow layer is comparable to natural ice sheets on slopes.

To the drivers of snow groomers and the like the presence of already installed, invisible cooling mat devices Signaling 2 is particularly recommended the mat edges of the cooling mat device 2 with thin To provide metal strips 60, the presence of sensors is recorded and signaled in the snow groomer. Consequently can cause damage due to improper use of the cooling mat device 2 can be avoided.

To protect the edges of the cooling mat device 2, in particular in very steep terrain (over 28% gradient), recommended it itself, e.g. Grid strips known from the construction industry 70 (e.g. known under the brand name Gittex ®) about 10 cm to lay over the edges of the cooling mat device 2. This lattice structure, which coincides with the hard snow layer a very compact and stable protective layer above the Edges of the cooling mat device 2 connects, in particular then when they B. is colored blue by the staff a snow groomer immediately recognized, so that another run and avoid damage to the edges of the cooling mat can be.

A particularly promising use of the present Mat furnishings 2 are recommended in those areas in which avalanches are to be feared. The present Cooling mat devices are used in such hazardous areas designed and for example with the help of metal rods, between lines 23, 23 'of the mat device parts in the underground are driven, locked. By a Temporary cooling of these danger areas will be held on of the snow masses on the ground, so that the departure of particularly dangerous basic avalanches can be avoided.

Further areas of application of the present cooling mat devices are in the area of the inrun tower of ski flying hills or as so-called 'greens' at winter golf courses. The Cooling mat devices can be cooled or heated guarantee constant conditions of competition for all participants, because it keeps the soil temperatures constant can be. For example, it can be avoided that the Inrun track of a ski flying hill in the morning frozen and heavily is very soft in the afternoon. For example, too Laying bridges over streams in the course of ski slopes of the present cooling mat devices with a durable made snow layer. It is also conceivable on a surface even in relatively little snow reliable Areas of cross-country skiing by laying out the present Manufacture cooling mat devices and operate them for a long time.

Claims (19)

1. A method for preserving snow on predetermined regions of a natural subsoil (1), whereby a cooling mat device (2) is laid out on these regions, to which device a coolant is supplied via a coolant supply line (21) and the coolant is removed via a coolant recirculating line (22),
   characterised in that the cooling mat device (2) is laid on a layer of snow which is already situated on the natural subsoil (1) and was previously levelled with a roller or the like,
   and in that afterwards a further layer of snow is applied to the cooling mat device (2) and this is cooled.
2. A method according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that the coolant is removed from a coolant reservoir (5) by a pump (3) and is supplied to the coolant supply line (21)
   and in that the coolant is returned via the coolant recirculating line (22) into the coolant reservoir (5).
3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that Glysantin or another environmentally-friendly coolant is used as the coolant.
4. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that coloured coolant is used to indicate a leakage in the cooling mat device (2) by colouring the snow.
5. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that the surface of the subsoil (1) is cooled by the cooling mat device (2) to a temperature of roughly -3° to roughly -7°C.
6. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that artificial or natural snow is applied to the cooling mat device (2) from the side facing away from the subsoil (1) to form the further layer of snow.
7. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that the cooling mat device (2) is produced by connecting the coolant supply lines (21) and the coolant recirculating lines (22) of several cooling mat parts.
8. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that the cooling mat device (2) is heated after its application to the layer of snow, whereby it sinks into the layer of snow
   and in that afterwards the cooling mat device (2) is cooled.
9. A method according to Claim 8,
   characterised in that heating takes place by heating the coolant in the coolant reservoir (5).
10. A method according to Claim 9,
    characterised in that the coolant is heated to roughly 20 to 60°C.
11. A method according to Claim 8,
    characterised in that heating takes place by passing warm water through the cooling mat device (2).
12. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 11,
    characterised in that to work the natural subsoil (1) the cooling mat device (2) is thawed by the passage of warm water and at the same time is melted out of the layer of snow and the further layer of snow.
13. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 12,
    characterised in that the cooling mat parts of the cooling mat device (2) are interconnected by flexible plastic hoses.
14. A method according to Claim 13,
    characterised in that transparent plastic hoses are used.
15. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 14,
    characterised in that the connection of the supply line (21) and the recirculating line (22) to the coolant reservoir (5) takes place via check valve connections which prevent coolant flowing out.
16. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 15,
    characterised in that after the initial cooling the cooling mat device (2) is only temporarily cooled when a predetermined value, which relates to a preservation state of the snow cooled by the cooling mat device (2), is fallen short of.
17. A method according to Claim 16,
    characterised in that the predetermined value is formed from the ratio of the snow temperature to the height of the snow in the region of the cooling mat device (2).
18. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 17,
    characterised in that a grid structure (70) is disposed in the snow above edge regions of the cooling mat device (2) for its mechanical protection.
19. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 18,
    characterised in that when the cooling mat device (2) is disposed on the subsoil (1), funnel devices (10), which take the form of pipes (101) comprising funnel-shaped enlargements (102) on their sides remote from the subsoil (1), are disposed in holes in the cooling mat device (2),
    and in that to fix adjusting rods and the like from the side facing away from the subsoil (1) through the layer of snow (9) disposed on the mat device (2) a drill can be inserted through the enlargement (102) into the pipes (101) and is introduced therethrough into the subsoil (1) to drill holes for fixing the adjusting rods or the like.

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