EP2846115B1 - Device for producing artificial snow, and method for producing artificial snow - Google Patents

Device for producing artificial snow, and method for producing artificial snow Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2846115B1
EP2846115B1 EP14306266.9A EP14306266A EP2846115B1 EP 2846115 B1 EP2846115 B1 EP 2846115B1 EP 14306266 A EP14306266 A EP 14306266A EP 2846115 B1 EP2846115 B1 EP 2846115B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
jet
water
peripheral
producing
central
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EP14306266.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2846115A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Galvin
Eric David
Karlheinz Terrabona
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Technoalpin France SAS
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Technoalpin France SAS
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C3/00—Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow
    • F25C3/04—Processes 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00—Special 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
    • F25C2303/046—Snow making by using low pressure air ventilators, e.g. fan type snow canons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00—Special 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
    • F25C2303/048—Snow making by using means for spraying water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00—Special 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
    • F25C2303/048—Snow making by using means for spraying water
    • F25C2303/0481—Snow making by using means for spraying water with the use of compressed air

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the production of artificial snow (also called artificial snow).
  • It relates in particular to a device for producing artificial snow from the production and projection of an air jet, a water jet and a nucleation jet.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing artificial snow.
  • the ski slopes are laid out to accommodate natural snow, for example for the practice of alpine skiing or cross-country skiing.
  • This turbine is formed by a propeller driven in rotation in a nozzle by a motor.
  • this nozzle At its outlet orifice, this nozzle is surrounded by water spray nozzles arranged to project water jets along a projection axis converging towards the axis of projection of the air stream, so as to achieve the desired air/water mixture.
  • snow guns of this type require relatively high ventilation power (generally of the order of 12 to 20 KW) to allow the air current to entrain the water and to mix with the fine droplets formed, in good conditions, and over a significant distance.
  • This necessary power is a source of cost both in terms of the structure of the equipment used and in terms of energy consumption.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device which makes it possible to produce artificial snow of good quality while reducing the necessary ventilation power.
  • the structure of this device ensures protection of the central jet by the peripheral jet, and partly uses the energy of the water, so as to delay and optimize the mixing between, on the one hand, the air and water jets. water for the production of artificial snow, and on the other hand the ambient air.
  • the means for producing the central jet and the means for producing the peripheral jet are arranged such that their facing contours are of generally cylindrical, conical or elliptical shape.
  • the peripheral jet is projected over all or substantially all of the periphery of the central jet, concentrically or at least approximately concentric with respect to one another.
  • the generatrices of the contours opposite the central jet and the peripheral jet define between them an angle comprised between ⁇ 5° and +5° (and preferably between ⁇ 3° and +3°).
  • the means for producing the jet peripheral are intended to project water, and the means of production of the central jet are intended to project air.
  • the means for producing the central air jet and the means for producing the peripheral water jet are preferably arranged so that the inner contour of the peripheral water jet conforms, at least approximately, to the outer contour from the central air jet.
  • the means for producing the peripheral water jet are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual water jets intended to together form the peripheral water jet, each of the individual jets water being intended to extend tangent or substantially tangent to the outer contour of the central jet of air.
  • the means for producing the peripheral jet of water are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual jets of water each having a cross section of generally flat, conical or elliptical shape.
  • the means for producing the peripheral jet of water comprise at least one ring of nozzles each capable of projecting one of the individual jets of water.
  • the means for producing the peripheral jet are intended to project air
  • the means for producing the central jet are intended to project water
  • the means for producing the central jet of water comprise at least one nozzle capable of projecting an individual jet of water.
  • the means for producing the air jet comprise a nozzle provided with an outlet orifice delimited by an outer envelope and possibly by an inner envelope, intended to define, respectively, the outer contour and possibly the inner contour of the air jet.
  • this nozzle can be equipped with a flat support ring, the front face of which, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said nozzle, serves as a support for the nozzles constituting the means for producing the peripheral water jet and/or or to nozzles constituting the nucleation means.
  • This support ring is advantageously delimited by an inner border and by an outer border, separated from each other by a radial distance of between 15 and 25 cm.
  • the axis of projection of the nucleation jet nucleation means defines a convergent angle, towards the peripheral jet, comprised between 0° and 15° relative to the axis of projection of the central jet.
  • the water jet has a speed equal to the speed of the air jet to within 20%.
  • the water jet has a speed greater than the speed of the air jet.
  • a snow cannon is designed to produce artificial snow from water and air, in particular in order to compensate for defects in the presence of natural snow on the ski slopes.
  • Such a snow cannon of the type commonly called a fan cannon, conventionally comprises a frame and a nozzle comprising means for producing and projecting, on the same side of the nozzle and in the same direction, jets of water, air and nucleation allowing the formation of artificial snow.
  • the air jet is formed by a turbine consisting of a propeller driven in rotation by a motor; and the water jet is obtained by means of spray nozzles connected to the pressurized water network.
  • the frame is generally mobile with respect to the ground to allow it to be moved as close as possible to the ski slopes and the nozzle is generally mounted mobile on the frame.
  • FIG. 1 we have respectively represented on the figures 1 to 4 , and on the figures 5 and 6 , two embodiments of such a device 1 in the form of a snow cannon.
  • the figures 3 and 4 illustrate a variant embodiment of the first embodiment of the device 1 of the figures 1 and 2 .
  • this device 1 comprises a nozzle 2.
  • This nozzle 2 has the general shape of a hollow cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis X to delimit an internal housing 21, and two orifices 22, 23 opposed.
  • This device 1 also comprises means 100; 200 to produce, on the side of an outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, a central jet 101; 201 consisting of a first fluid selected from air or water.
  • This device 1 further comprises means 110; 210 to produce, side of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, a peripheral jet 111; 211 consisting of a second fluid selected from water or air and different from the first fluid.
  • These means 110; 210 are more particularly arranged to project the peripheral jet 111; 211, which has a generally tubular shape, over all or substantially all of the periphery of the central jet 101; 201, concentrically or at least approximately concentrically with respect to each other.
  • This device 1 finally comprises nucleation means 120 for the production, on the side of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, of at least one nucleation jet 121 intended to form ice crystals, so as to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central jet 101; 201 and the peripheral jet 111; 211.
  • the means of production 100; 200 from the central jet 101; 201 and the means of production 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 are arranged such that the contours 103, 114; 203; 214 opposite their respective jets each define a generatrix, which opposite generatrices extend parallel or at least approximately parallel to each other; and the nucleation means 120 are distributed over the outer periphery of the production means 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 (these nucleation means are advantageously arranged to project the nucleation jet or jets 121 in the direction of the central 101; 201 and peripheral 111; 211 jets).
  • the means of production 100; 200 from the central jet 101; 201 and the means of production 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 are arranged so that the internal contour 114; 214 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 extends parallel or substantially parallel around the outer contour 103; 203 of the central jet 101; 201, at the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, this from their origin, up to a certain distance from their means of production 100, 110; 200; 210.
  • substantially parallel means that the generatrices of the outer contour 103; 203 of the central jet 101; 201 and the inner contour 114; 214 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 define between them an angle comprised between -5 degrees and +5 degrees, and preferably comprised between -3 degrees and +3 degrees.
  • the peripheral jet 111; 211 surrounds the central jet 101; 201 to form an envelope which delays heat exchange between the central jet 101; 201 and the atmosphere.
  • the desired effect here is to propel a peripheral jet 111; 211 around the central jet 101; 201 to limit the slowing down of the central jet 101; 201 with the atmosphere.
  • the energy of the water jet is also used to the best of its ability and the power necessary for its entrainment by the air is limited.
  • Such a device 1 for producing artificial snow has a simple and reliable structure, making it possible to produce artificial snow with optimum efficiency and this with a limited fan power compared to that necessary with the prior devices of the state of the art.
  • the means of production 110 of the peripheral jet 111 are intended to project water, and the means of production 100 of the central jet 101 are intended to project air.
  • the means of production 210 of the peripheral jet 211 are intended to project air, and the means of production 200 of the central jet 201 are intended to project water.
  • the nozzle 2 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis X and it is delimited by an outer casing 24.
  • the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2 here has a section of circular shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and its internal housing 21 has a cylindrical shape.
  • the means of production 100 of the central air jet 101 are arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2 and consist of a propeller 31 driven by an electric motor 32 fixed to the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2.
  • the The outer casing 24, with its face facing the internal housing 21, is adapted to guide and conform the air flow to the outlet orifice 23, along a projection axis carried by the longitudinal axis X.
  • the nozzle 2 comprises a planar support ring 4 on which are arranged the means 110 for producing the peripheral jet of water 111 and the nucleation means 120 for producing the nucleation jet 121.
  • This support ring 4 extends, from one end of the outer casing 24 oriented on the side of the outlet orifice 23, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, at the opposite the internal housing 21. It is delimited by an inner border 40A and by an outer border 40B, separated from each other by a radial distance which may be between 15 centimeters and 25 centimeters. centimeters.
  • the means of production 110 of the peripheral jet of water 111 here comprise four spray nozzles 112 of an individual jet of water, arranged in the support ring 4, so that they emerge on a front face 40C thereof. This.
  • the four spray nozzles 112 are arranged on a fictitious crown C1 centered on the longitudinal axis X.
  • These four spray nozzles 112 are arranged in a regular manner around the longitudinal axis X. More particularly, they are spaced apart two by two by a quarter of the perimeter of a circle to each spray an individual jet of pressurized water along an axis spray A parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X to form said peripheral jet of water 111.
  • Each pressurized water spray nozzle 112 is adapted to spray an individual jet of adjustable water having a generally flat, conical or elliptical, solid or hollow shape, in the form of water droplets whose size is preferably between 100 micrometers and 800 micrometers.
  • nozzles with a fixed section or with a variable section as described in the document EP-1 386 668 .
  • the nucleation means 120 are here arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4, each so as to project a nucleation jet 121 along a projection axis B inclined towards the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, on the side from its outlet orifice 23.
  • This projection axis B forms with the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 an angle ⁇ 1 of between -15 degrees and +15 degrees.
  • These means 120 for producing nucleation jets 121 comprise four pairs of nucleation nozzles 122, regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X. More particularly, these pairs of nucleation nozzles 122 are each spaced two by two by a quarter of a circle perimeter, to the right or substantially to the right of the spray nozzle 112 of corresponding water. The pairs of nucleation nozzles 122 are arranged on a circle centered on the longitudinal axis X.
  • Each nucleation nozzle 122 propels a nucleation mixture, formed of water and pressurized air, intended to form ice crystals, to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central air jet 101 and the peripheral water jet 111.
  • the central jet of air 101 In practice, for the production of artificial snow from device 1 of the figures 1 and 2 , the central jet of air 101, the peripheral jet of water 111 and the nucleation jet 121 by activating dedicated control means.
  • the propeller 31 is rotated so as to create a vacuum in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, which forms an air suction at the inlet 22, and said central jet of air 101 at the level of the outlet orifice 23.
  • the central air jet 101 is full here and it has a section delimited by an outer contour 103 of circular shape on leaving the orifice 23.
  • the nozzle 2 may have an elliptical section for the projection of a central jet of air whose outer contour is elliptical at the outlet 23.
  • the peripheral water jet 111 is here hollow with an annular or conical shape. It has here a section delimited by an outer contour 113 and an inner contour 114, of generally circular shape.
  • the inner contour 114 of the peripheral jet of water 111 thus delimits a volume, within which the central jet of air 101 is projected.
  • the peripheral water jet 111 is projected all around the central air jet 101 so that the inner contour 114 of the peripheral water jet 111 and the outer contour 103 of the central jet of air 101 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.
  • the inner contour 114 of the peripheral water jet 111 best matches the outer contour 103 of the central air jet 101 at least near the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.
  • the central air jet 101 is somewhat “protected” and/or “isolated” from the atmosphere by the peripheral water jet 111, up to a certain distance away from the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.
  • This separation distance depends in particular on the shape and speed of the peripheral jet of water 111 and of the central jet of air 101.
  • peripheral water jet 111 and the central air jet 101 are advantageously propelled at identical speeds with respect to each other, to within 20%.
  • peripheral water jet 111 may have a speed at least 20% higher than the speed of the central air jet 101.
  • this nucleation jet 121 is here composed of a plurality of individual nucleation jets propelled, by the nucleation nozzles 122, in the direction of the peripheral water jet 111 and the central air jet 101.
  • the nucleation nozzles 122 which are arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4 produce a nucleation jet 121 forming a turbulence or jump which delays the coupling/mixing between the peripheral jet of water 111 and the central jet the air 101.
  • the means of production 112 of the peripheral jet of water 111 comprise several crowns C1, C2 of water spray nozzles 115 made in the support ring 4. They also project from the support ring 4 by its front face 40C .
  • crowns C1, C2 of water spray nozzles 115 are formed concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis X and they are angularly offset with respect to each other.
  • Each ring C1, C2 here comprises six water spray nozzles 115, but it could be envisaged according to a variant embodiment that they comprise a different number, for example between 4 and 10 water spray nozzles.
  • These spray nozzles 115 are here of the “Jet Fan” type and they are each adapted to project a flat individual jet with fixed geometry, along a propulsion axis A′ which diverges slightly in the direction of propulsion of said individual jet.
  • This propulsion axis A' forms with the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 an angle of between 0 and 5 degrees, so that the internal contour 114 of the peripheral jet of water 111 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the external contour 103 of the central air jet 101.
  • the means of production 120 of the nucleation jet 121 comprise six nucleation nozzles 125, each arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4. They are also arranged regularly around the longitudinal axis X and are angularly spaced two by two by a sixth of the perimeter of a circle. More specifically, as shown in picture 3 , each nucleation nozzle 125 is here arranged in line or substantially in line with a water spray nozzle 115 of the inner crown C2.
  • crowns C1 and C2 can operate independently of each other, or simultaneously.
  • the central jet 201 consists of a first pressurized water fluid and the peripheral jet 211 consists of a second air fluid.
  • the nozzle 2 which has a generally cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis X, is delimited by an outer casing 24 and an inner casing 25.
  • This internal casing 25 is formed by a support element 35 of generally conical shape which is arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, and which is fixed to the external casing 24 of the nozzle 2 by any appropriate means, for example 35' tie rods.
  • This support element 35 comprises - a flat front face 35A perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 in the plane of the outlet orifice 23, - a tip 36 arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, opposite the front face 35A, and - a tapered junction face 35B extending between the tip 36 and the front face 35A.
  • the front face 35A of the support element 35 is circular so that the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2 has a section in the shape of a ring or even a crown extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. X.
  • the means 200 for producing the central jet of water 201 here comprise a single spray nozzle 202 arranged in the center of the front face 35A of the support element 35, projecting therefrom.
  • This spray nozzle 202 is suitable for spraying an individual jet of water, along a spray axis carried by the longitudinal axis X, which alone forms said central water jet 201.
  • This pressurized water spray nozzle 202 is suitable for spraying an adjustable individual jet of water having a generally conical or elliptical shape, solid or hollow, in the form of water droplets whose size is preferably between 100 micrometers and 800 micrometers.
  • nozzles with a fixed section or with a variable section as described in the document EP-1 386 668 .
  • several nozzles can be used to form the central jet of water. It is also possible to use nozzles producing an asymmetrical jet.
  • This spray nozzle 202 is adjusted so that the outer contour 203 of the central jet of water 201 forms a generatrix, which consists of a straight line inclined, with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, by an angle ⁇ 2 included between 10 degrees and 40 degrees, preferably equal to or close to 30 degrees. This angle may not be regular if one or more asymmetrical jet nozzles are used.
  • the means 210 for producing the peripheral air jet 211 are arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2 and they consist of a propeller 31 driven by an electric motor 32 fixed to the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2.
  • the outer casing 24 and the inner casing 25 are adapted to guide and conform the air flow to the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, along a projection axis carried by the longitudinal axis X.
  • the outer casing 24 and the inner casing 25 of the nozzle 2 here have a particular shape, adapted so that the inner contour 214 of the peripheral jet 211 is parallel or substantially parallel to the outer contour 203 of the central water jet 201.
  • junction face 35B of the support element 35 forms a generatrix which consists of a straight line inclined at an angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2.
  • the end of the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2 comprises a crown 24A which is flared according to the same angle of inclination ⁇ 2 mentioned above.
  • the device 1 represented on the figures 5 and 6 understands, in a way similar to that shown on the figures 1 and 2 , a flat support ring 4 on which are arranged the nucleation means 120 for the production of the nucleation jet 121.
  • the one represented on the figures 5 and 6 also comprises means 120 for producing the nucleation jet 121 propelled around the projection axis B inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, preferably at an angle ⁇ 1 comprised between 0 degrees and 20 degrees, advantageously around 15 degrees.
  • the central water jet 201, the peripheral air jet 211 and the nucleation jet 121 are produced simultaneously by activating dedicated control means.
  • the single water spray nozzle 202 is fed by pressurized water supply means to spray water in the form of droplets.
  • the central water jet 201 is conical in shape, solid or hollow.
  • the central water jet has an internal and/or external elliptical contour.
  • the propeller 31 is rotated to create a vacuum in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, which forms an air suction at the inlet orifice 22, and said peripheral jet of air 211 at outlet orifice 23.
  • peripheral air jet 211 is here hollow, of conical shape defined by the outer contour 213 and the inner contour 214.
  • the inner contour 214 of the peripheral jet of air 211 thus delimits a volume, within which the central jet of water 201 is projected.
  • the peripheral air jet 211 is projected all around the central water jet 201 so that the inner contour 214 of the peripheral air jet 211 and the outer contour 203 of the jet central water 201 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.
  • the central water jet 201 is then somewhat "protected” and/or “isolated” from the atmosphere by the peripheral air jet 211, up to a certain distance away from the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.
  • This separation distance depends in particular on the shape and speed of the central jet of water 201 and of the peripheral jet of air 211.
  • peripheral air jet 211 and the central water jet 201 are propelled at identical speeds with respect to each other, within 20%.
  • peripheral air jet 211 may have a speed at least 20% higher than the speed of the central water jet 201.
  • nucleation jet 221 is generated in the same way as mentioned above to produce artificial snow.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention concerne de manière générale la fabrication de neige de culture (encore appelée neige artificielle).The present invention generally relates to the production of artificial snow (also called artificial snow).

Elle concerne en particulier un dispositif de fabrication de neige de culture à partir de la production et de la projection d'un jet d'air, d'un jet d'eau et d'un jet de nucléation.It relates in particular to a device for producing artificial snow from the production and projection of an air jet, a water jet and a nucleation jet.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication de neige de culture.The invention also relates to a method for producing artificial snow.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Les pistes de ski sont aménagées pour accueillir notamment de la neige naturelle, par exemple pour la pratique du ski alpin ou du ski de fond.The ski slopes are laid out to accommodate natural snow, for example for the practice of alpine skiing or cross-country skiing.

De manière générale, il est connu de fabriquer de la neige de culture pour la disposer sur les pistes de ski afin de pallier des défauts de présence de neige naturelle.In general, it is known to make artificial snow to place it on the ski slopes in order to overcome defects in the presence of natural snow.

Pour cela, comme décrit dans les documents WO-2009/061722 ou encore WO-01/86216 , on peut utiliser des enneigeurs dénommés canons ventilateurs, dans lesquels l'eau pour la production de neige, projetée par des buses de pulvérisation, est mélangée à un courant d'air produit par une turbine, en association avec des moyens de nucléation.For this, as described in the documents WO-2009/061722 or WO-01/86216 , it is possible to use snow guns called fan guns, in which the water for the production of snow, projected by spray nozzles, is mixed with an air stream produced by a turbine, in association with nucleation means.

Cette turbine est formée par une hélice entraînée en rotation dans une tuyère par une motorisation.This turbine is formed by a propeller driven in rotation in a nozzle by a motor.

Au niveau de son orifice de sortie, cette tuyère est ceinturée par des buses de pulvérisation d'eau agencées pour projeter des jets d'eau selon un axe de projection convergent vers l'axe de projection du courant d'air, de manière à réaliser le mélange air/eau recherché.At its outlet orifice, this nozzle is surrounded by water spray nozzles arranged to project water jets along a projection axis converging towards the axis of projection of the air stream, so as to achieve the desired air/water mixture.

Mais les enneigeurs de ce type nécessitent une puissance de ventilation relativement importante (généralement de l'ordre de 12 à 20 KW) pour permettre au courant d'air d'entraîner l'eau et de se mélanger avec les fines gouttelettes formées, dans de bonnes conditions, et sur une distance importante.But snow guns of this type require relatively high ventilation power (generally of the order of 12 to 20 KW) to allow the air current to entrain the water and to mix with the fine droplets formed, in good conditions, and over a significant distance.

Cette puissance nécessaire est source de coût tant en ce qui concerne la structure des matériels mis en œuvre qu'en terme de consommation énergétique.This necessary power is a source of cost both in terms of the structure of the equipment used and in terms of energy consumption.

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un dispositif qui permet de produire une neige de culture de bonne qualité tout en diminuant la puissance de ventilation nécessaire.The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device which makes it possible to produce artificial snow of good quality while reducing the necessary ventilation power.

Pour cela, il est proposé selon l'invention un dispositif pour produire de la neige de culture comprenant :

  • des moyens pour produire un jet central constitué par un premier fluide choisi parmi l'air ou l'eau, ledit jet central comportant un contour extérieur et un axe de projection,
  • des moyens pour produire un jet périphérique constitué par un second fluide choisi parmi l'eau ou l'air et différent dudit premier fluide, lequel jet périphérique présente une forme générale tubulaire définissant un contour intérieur et un axe de projection, lequel jet périphérique est destiné à être projeté sur toute ou sensiblement toute la périphérie du jet central, et
  • des moyens de nucléation pour la production d'au moins un jet de nucléation destiné à former des cristaux de glace, pour favoriser la production de neige de culture à partir de la coopération des jets central et périphérique ;
et ce dispositif est caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de production du jet central et les moyens de production du jet périphérique sont agencés de telle sorte que les contours en regard de leurs jets respectifs définissent chacun une génératrice, lesquelles génératrices en regard s'étendent parallèlement ou au moins approximativement parallèlement l'une par rapport à l'autre, cela au moins dans leur partie initiale, suite à leur production, et par le fait que les moyens de nucléation sont répartis sur la périphérie extérieure des moyens de production du jet périphérique.For this, there is proposed according to the invention a device for producing artificial snow comprising:
  • means for producing a central jet consisting of a first fluid chosen from air or water, said central jet comprising an outer contour and a projection axis,
  • means for producing a peripheral jet consisting of a second fluid chosen from water or air and different from said first fluid, which peripheral jet has a generally tubular shape defining an interior contour and a projection axis, which peripheral jet is intended to be projected over all or substantially all of the periphery of the central jet, and
  • nucleation means for the production of at least one nucleation jet intended to form ice crystals, to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central and peripheral jets;
and this device is characterized in that the means for producing the central jet and the means for producing the peripheral jet are arranged such that the opposite contours of their respective jets each define a generatrix, which opposite generatrices extend parallel or at least approximately parallel to each other, at least in their initial part, following their production, and by the fact that the nucleation means are distributed over the outer periphery of the jet production means peripheral.

La structure de ce dispositif assure une protection du jet central par le jet périphérique, et utilise en partie l'énergie de l'eau, de manière à retarder et optimiser le mélange entre, d'une part, les jets d'air et d'eau pour la production de neige de culture, et d'autre part l'air ambiant.The structure of this device ensures protection of the central jet by the peripheral jet, and partly uses the energy of the water, so as to delay and optimize the mixing between, on the one hand, the air and water jets. water for the production of artificial snow, and on the other hand the ambient air.

Les moyens de production du jet central et les moyens de production du jet périphérique sont agencés de telle sorte que leurs contours en regard sont de forme générale cylindrique, conique ou elliptique.The means for producing the central jet and the means for producing the peripheral jet are arranged such that their facing contours are of generally cylindrical, conical or elliptical shape.

De préférence, le jet périphérique est projeté sur toute ou sensiblement toute la périphérie du jet central, de manière concentrique ou au moins approximativement concentrique l'un par rapport à l'autre.Preferably, the peripheral jet is projected over all or substantially all of the periphery of the central jet, concentrically or at least approximately concentric with respect to one another.

De préférence encore, les génératrices des contours en regard du jet central et du jet périphérique définissent entre elles un angle compris entre -5° et +5° (et de préférence entre -3° et +3°).Preferably again, the generatrices of the contours opposite the central jet and the peripheral jet define between them an angle comprised between −5° and +5° (and preferably between −3° and +3°).

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, les moyens de production du jet périphérique sont destinés à projeter de l'eau, et les moyens de production du jet central sont destinés à projeter de l'air.According to a preferred embodiment, the means for producing the jet peripheral are intended to project water, and the means of production of the central jet are intended to project air.

Dans ce cadre, les moyens de production du jet central d'air et les moyens de production du jet périphérique d'eau sont de préférence agencés de sorte que le contour intérieur du jet périphérique d'eau épouse, au moins approximativement, le contour extérieur du jet central d'air.In this context, the means for producing the central air jet and the means for producing the peripheral water jet are preferably arranged so that the inner contour of the peripheral water jet conforms, at least approximately, to the outer contour from the central air jet.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique, les moyens de production du jet périphérique d'eau sont structurés pour la projection d'une juxtaposition d'une pluralité de jets individuels d'eau destinés à former ensemble le jet périphérique d'eau, chacun des jets individuels d'eau étant destiné à s'étendre de manière tangente ou sensiblement tangente au contour extérieur du jet central d'air.According to yet another characteristic, the means for producing the peripheral water jet are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual water jets intended to together form the peripheral water jet, each of the individual jets water being intended to extend tangent or substantially tangent to the outer contour of the central jet of air.

Les moyens de production du jet périphérique d'eau sont structurés pour la projection d'une juxtaposition d'une pluralité de jets individuels d'eau présentant chacun une section transversale de forme générale plate, conique ou elliptique.The means for producing the peripheral jet of water are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual jets of water each having a cross section of generally flat, conical or elliptical shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière, les moyens de production du jet périphérique d'eau comprennent au moins une couronne de buses aptes à projeter chacune l'un des jets individuels d'eau.According to a particular embodiment, the means for producing the peripheral jet of water comprise at least one ring of nozzles each capable of projecting one of the individual jets of water.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens de production du jet périphérique sont destinés à projeter de l'air, et les moyens de production du jet central sont destinés à projeter de l'eau.According to another embodiment of the invention, the means for producing the peripheral jet are intended to project air, and the means for producing the central jet are intended to project water.

Dans ce cadre, les moyens de production du jet central d'eau comprennent au moins une buse apte à projeter un jet individuel d'eau.In this context, the means for producing the central jet of water comprise at least one nozzle capable of projecting an individual jet of water.

Selon une autre particularité de l'invention, les moyens de production du jet d'air comprennent une tuyère munie d'un orifice de sortie délimité par une enveloppe externe et éventuellement par une enveloppe interne, destinées à définir, respectivement, le contour extérieur et éventuellement le contour intérieur du jet d'air.According to another feature of the invention, the means for producing the air jet comprise a nozzle provided with an outlet orifice delimited by an outer envelope and possibly by an inner envelope, intended to define, respectively, the outer contour and possibly the inner contour of the air jet.

Selon une caractéristique intéressante, cette tuyère peut être équipée d'une bague support plane dont la face avant, perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal de ladite tuyère, sert de support à des buses constitutives des moyens de production du jet périphérique d'eau et/ou à des buses constitutives des moyens de nucléation.According to an interesting characteristic, this nozzle can be equipped with a flat support ring, the front face of which, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said nozzle, serves as a support for the nozzles constituting the means for producing the peripheral water jet and/or or to nozzles constituting the nucleation means.

Cette bague support est avantageusement délimitée par une bordure intérieure et par une bordure extérieure, séparées l'une de l'autre par une distance radiale comprise entre 15 et 25 cm.This support ring is advantageously delimited by an inner border and by an outer border, separated from each other by a radial distance of between 15 and 25 cm.

Toujours selon une autre particularité, l'axe de projection du jet de nucléation des moyens de nucléation définit un angle convergent, vers le jet périphérique, compris entre 0° et 15° par rapport à l'axe de projection du jet central.Still according to another feature, the axis of projection of the nucleation jet nucleation means defines a convergent angle, towards the peripheral jet, comprised between 0° and 15° relative to the axis of projection of the central jet.

L'invention propose également un procédé de production de neige de culture, comprenant :

  • la production d'un jet central constitué par un premier fluide choisi parmi l'air ou l'eau, ledit jet central présentant un contour extérieur et un axe de projection,
  • la production d'un jet périphérique constitué par un second fluide choisi parmi l'eau ou l'air et différent dudit premier fluide, ledit jet périphérique présentant une forme générale tubulaire définissant un contour intérieur et un axe de projection, ledit jet périphérique étant destiné à être projeté sur toute ou sensiblement toute la périphérie dudit jet central, et
  • la production d'au moins un jet de nucléation destiné à former des cristaux de glace, pour favoriser la production de neige de culture à partir de la coopération du jet central et du jet périphérique,
caractérisé en ce que le ou les jets de nucléation sont répartis sur la périphérie extérieure dudit jet périphérique, et les contours en regard des jets central et périphérique s'étendent parallèlement ou au moins approximativement parallèlement l'un par rapport à l'autre, cela au moins dans leur partie initiale, suite à leur production.The invention also proposes a method for producing artificial snow, comprising:
  • the production of a central jet consisting of a first fluid chosen from air or water, said central jet having an outer contour and a projection axis,
  • the production of a peripheral jet consisting of a second fluid chosen from water or air and different from said first fluid, said peripheral jet having a generally tubular shape defining an interior contour and a projection axis, said peripheral jet being intended to be projected over all or substantially all of the periphery of said central jet, and
  • the production of at least one nucleation jet intended to form ice crystals, to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central jet and the peripheral jet,
characterized in that the nucleation jet or jets are distributed over the outer periphery of said peripheral jet, and the contours facing the central and peripheral jets extend parallel or at least approximately parallel with respect to each other, this at least in their initial part, following their production.

Selon une caractéristique particulière, le jet d'eau a une vitesse égale à la vitesse du jet d'air à 20 % près.According to a particular characteristic, the water jet has a speed equal to the speed of the air jet to within 20%.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le jet d'eau a une vitesse supérieure à la vitesse du jet d'air.In a particular embodiment, the water jet has a speed greater than the speed of the air jet.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'EXEMPLES DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF REALIZATION

L'invention sera encore illustrée, sans être aucunement limitée, par la description suivante de différents modes de réalisation particuliers, donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple et représentés sur les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique de face d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif pour produire de la neige de culture conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de la figure 1 selon le plan de coupe A-A ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de face d'une variante de réalisation conforme à l'invention du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de la figure 3 selon le plan de coupe A-A ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique de face d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif pour produire de la neige de culture conforme à l'invention ; et
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de la figure 5 selon le plan de coupe A-A.
The invention will be further illustrated, without being in any way limited, by the following description of various particular embodiments, given solely by way of example and shown in the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a device for producing artificial snow according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view of the device of the figure 1 according to section plan AA;
  • the picture 3 is a schematic front view of a variant embodiment in accordance with the invention of the device of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a sectional view of the device of the picture 3 according to the plan of section A-A ;
  • the figure 5 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a device for producing artificial snow according to the invention; and
  • the figure 6 is a sectional view of the device of the figure 5 according to section plan AA.

En préliminaire, on notera que d'une figure à l'autre, les éléments identiques ou similaires des différents modes et variantes de réalisation de l'invention seront, dans la mesure du possible, référencés par les mêmes signes de référence et ne seront pas décrits à chaque fois.As a preliminary, it will be noted that from one figure to another, the identical or similar elements of the different embodiments and variant embodiments of the invention will, as far as possible, be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time.

Un canon à neige est conçu pour produire de la neige de culture à partir d'eau et d'air, en particulier afin de pallier à des défauts de présence de neige naturelle sur les pistes de ski.A snow cannon is designed to produce artificial snow from water and air, in particular in order to compensate for defects in the presence of natural snow on the ski slopes.

Un tel canon à neige, du type appelé couramment canon ventilateur, comporte classiquement un châssis et une tuyère comprenant des moyens pour produire et projeter, d'un même côté de la tuyère et dans un même sens, des jets d'eau, d'air et de nucléation permettant la formation de neige de culture. Le jet d'air est formé par une turbine constituée d'une hélice entraînée en rotation par une motorisation ; et le jet d'eau est obtenu au moyen de buses de pulvérisation connectées au réseau d'eau sous pression.Such a snow cannon, of the type commonly called a fan cannon, conventionally comprises a frame and a nozzle comprising means for producing and projecting, on the same side of the nozzle and in the same direction, jets of water, air and nucleation allowing the formation of artificial snow. The air jet is formed by a turbine consisting of a propeller driven in rotation by a motor; and the water jet is obtained by means of spray nozzles connected to the pressurized water network.

Le châssis est généralement mobile par rapport au sol pour permettre son déplacement au plus près des pistes de ski et la tuyère est généralement montée mobile sur le châssis.The frame is generally mobile with respect to the ground to allow it to be moved as close as possible to the ski slopes and the nozzle is generally mounted mobile on the frame.

On a respectivement représenté sur les figures 1 à 4, et sur les figures 5 et 6, deux modes de réalisation d'un tel dispositif 1 en forme de canon à neige. Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent une variante de réalisation du premier mode de réalisation du dispositif 1 des figures 1 et 2.We have respectively represented on the figures 1 to 4 , and on the figures 5 and 6 , two embodiments of such a device 1 in the form of a snow cannon. The figures 3 and 4 illustrate a variant embodiment of the first embodiment of the device 1 of the figures 1 and 2 .

Dans l'ensemble des modes de réalisation illustrés sur les figures, ce dispositif 1 comprend une tuyère 2. Cette tuyère 2 présente la forme générale d'un cylindre creux s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal X pour délimiter un logement interne 21, et deux orifices 22, 23 opposés.In all the embodiments illustrated in the figures, this device 1 comprises a nozzle 2. This nozzle 2 has the general shape of a hollow cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis X to delimit an internal housing 21, and two orifices 22, 23 opposed.

Ce dispositif 1 comprend également des moyens 100 ; 200 pour produire, du côté d'un orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, un jet central 101 ; 201 constitué par un premier fluide choisi parmi l'air ou l'eau.This device 1 also comprises means 100; 200 to produce, on the side of an outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, a central jet 101; 201 consisting of a first fluid selected from air or water.

Ce dispositif 1 comprend en outre des moyens 110 ; 210 pour produire, du côté de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, un jet périphérique 111 ; 211 constitué par un second fluide choisi parmi l'eau ou l'air et différent du premier fluide. Ces moyens 110 ; 210 sont plus particulièrement agencés pour projeter le jet périphérique 111 ; 211, qui présente une forme générale tubulaire, sur toute ou sensiblement toute la périphérie du jet central 101 ; 201, de manière concentrique ou au moins approximativement concentrique l'un par rapport à l'autre.This device 1 further comprises means 110; 210 to produce, side of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, a peripheral jet 111; 211 consisting of a second fluid selected from water or air and different from the first fluid. These means 110; 210 are more particularly arranged to project the peripheral jet 111; 211, which has a generally tubular shape, over all or substantially all of the periphery of the central jet 101; 201, concentrically or at least approximately concentrically with respect to each other.

Ce dispositif 1 comprend enfin des moyens de nucléation 120 pour la production, du côté de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, d'au moins un jet de nucléation 121 destiné à former des cristaux de glace, de manière à favoriser la production de neige de culture à partir de la coopération du jet central 101 ; 201 et du jet périphérique 111 ; 211.This device 1 finally comprises nucleation means 120 for the production, on the side of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, of at least one nucleation jet 121 intended to form ice crystals, so as to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central jet 101; 201 and the peripheral jet 111; 211.

Selon l'invention, les moyens de production 100 ; 200 du jet central 101 ; 201 et les moyens de production 110 ; 210 du jet périphérique 111 ; 211 sont agencés de telle sorte que les contours 103, 114 ; 203 ; 214 en regard de leurs jets respectifs définissent chacun une génératrice, lesquelles génératrices en regard s'étendent parallèlement ou au moins approximativement parallèlement l'une par rapport à l'autre ; et les moyens de nucléation 120 sont répartis sur la périphérie extérieure des moyens de production 110 ; 210 du jet périphérique 111 ; 211 (ces moyens de nucléation sont avantageusement agencés pour projeter le ou les jets de nucléation 121 en direction des jets central 101 ; 201 et périphérique 111 ; 211).According to the invention, the means of production 100; 200 from the central jet 101; 201 and the means of production 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 are arranged such that the contours 103, 114; 203; 214 opposite their respective jets each define a generatrix, which opposite generatrices extend parallel or at least approximately parallel to each other; and the nucleation means 120 are distributed over the outer periphery of the production means 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 (these nucleation means are advantageously arranged to project the nucleation jet or jets 121 in the direction of the central 101; 201 and peripheral 111; 211 jets).

En d'autres termes, les moyens de production 100 ; 200 du jet central 101 ; 201 et les moyens de production 110 ; 210 du jet périphérique 111 ; 211 sont agencés pour que le contour interne 114 ; 214 du jet périphérique 111 ; 211 s'étende parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement autour du contour externe 103 ; 203 du jet central 101 ; 201, au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, cela depuis leur origine, jusqu'à une certaine distance de leurs moyens de production 100, 110 ; 200 ; 210.In other words, the means of production 100; 200 from the central jet 101; 201 and the means of production 110; 210 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 are arranged so that the internal contour 114; 214 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 extends parallel or substantially parallel around the outer contour 103; 203 of the central jet 101; 201, at the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, this from their origin, up to a certain distance from their means of production 100, 110; 200; 210.

On entend par « sensiblement parallèle » le fait que les génératrices du contour extérieur 103 ; 203 du jet central 101 ; 201 et du contour intérieur 114 ; 214 du jet périphérique 111 ; 211 définissent entre elles un angle compris entre -5 degrés et +5 degrés, et de préférence compris entre -3 degrés et +3 degrés.The term "substantially parallel" means that the generatrices of the outer contour 103; 203 of the central jet 101; 201 and the inner contour 114; 214 of the peripheral jet 111; 211 define between them an angle comprised between -5 degrees and +5 degrees, and preferably comprised between -3 degrees and +3 degrees.

De cette manière, le jet périphérique 111 ; 211 ceinture le jet central 101 ; 201 pour former une enveloppe qui retarde les échanges thermiques entre le jet central 101 ; 201 et l'atmosphère. En d'autres termes, l'effet recherché est ici de propulser un jet périphérique 111 ; 211 autour du jet central 101 ; 201 pour limiter le ralentissement du jet central 101 ; 201 avec l'atmosphère. On utilise en outre au mieux l'énergie du jet d'eau et on limite la puissance nécessaire à son entrainement par l'air.In this way, the peripheral jet 111; 211 surrounds the central jet 101; 201 to form an envelope which delays heat exchange between the central jet 101; 201 and the atmosphere. In other words, the desired effect here is to propel a peripheral jet 111; 211 around the central jet 101; 201 to limit the slowing down of the central jet 101; 201 with the atmosphere. The energy of the water jet is also used to the best of its ability and the power necessary for its entrainment by the air is limited.

Un tel dispositif 1 pour produire de la neige de culture présente une structure simple et fiable, permettant de produire de la neige de culture avec un rendement optimal et cela avec une puissance de ventilateur limitée par rapport à celle nécessaire avec les dispositifs antérieurs de l'état de la technique.Such a device 1 for producing artificial snow has a simple and reliable structure, making it possible to produce artificial snow with optimum efficiency and this with a limited fan power compared to that necessary with the prior devices of the state of the art.

Comme cela sera exposé plus en détail par la suite, dans le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention (voir figures 1 à 4), les moyens de production 110 du jet périphérique 111 sont destinés à projeter de l'eau, et les moyens de production 100 du jet central 101 sont destinés à projeter de l'air. A l'inverse, dans le second mode de réalisation de l'invention (voir figures 5 et 6), les moyens de production 210 du jet périphérique 211 sont destinés à projeter de l'air, et les moyens de production 200 du jet central 201 sont destinés à projeter de l'eau.As will be explained in more detail below, in the first embodiment of the invention (see figures 1 to 4 ), the means of production 110 of the peripheral jet 111 are intended to project water, and the means of production 100 of the central jet 101 are intended to project air. Conversely, in the second embodiment of the invention (see figures 5 and 6 ), the means of production 210 of the peripheral jet 211 are intended to project air, and the means of production 200 of the central jet 201 are intended to project water.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 4, la tuyère 2 présente une forme cylindrique creuse s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal X et elle est délimitée par une enveloppe externe 24. L'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2 présente ici une section de forme circulaire s'étendant dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal X, et son logement interne 21 présente une forme cylindrique.According to the first embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 4 , the nozzle 2 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis X and it is delimited by an outer casing 24. The outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2 here has a section of circular shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and its internal housing 21 has a cylindrical shape.

Les moyens de production 100 du jet central d'air 101 sont agencés dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2 et consistent en une hélice 31 entrainée par un moteur électrique 32 fixé à l'enveloppe externe 24 de la tuyère 2. Ainsi, l'enveloppe externe 24, par sa face tournée vers le logement interne 21, est adaptée à guider et à conformer le flux d'air jusqu'à l'orifice de sortie 23, selon un axe de projection porté par l'axe longitudinal X.The means of production 100 of the central air jet 101 are arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2 and consist of a propeller 31 driven by an electric motor 32 fixed to the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2. Thus, the The outer casing 24, with its face facing the internal housing 21, is adapted to guide and conform the air flow to the outlet orifice 23, along a projection axis carried by the longitudinal axis X.

Comme le montrent les figures 1 à 4, la tuyère 2 comprend une bague de support 4 plane sur laquelle sont agencés les moyens de production 110 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 et les moyens de nucléation 120 pour la production du jet de nucléation 121.As shown by the figures 1 to 4 , the nozzle 2 comprises a planar support ring 4 on which are arranged the means 110 for producing the peripheral jet of water 111 and the nucleation means 120 for producing the nucleation jet 121.

Cette bague de support 4 s'étend, à partir d'une extrémité de l'enveloppe externe 24 orientée du côté de l'orifice de sortie 23, dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2, à l'opposé du logement interne 21. Elle est délimitée par une bordure intérieure 40A et par une bordure extérieure 40B, séparées l'une de l'autre par une distance radiale qui peut être comprise entre 15 centimètres et 25 centimètres.This support ring 4 extends, from one end of the outer casing 24 oriented on the side of the outlet orifice 23, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, at the opposite the internal housing 21. It is delimited by an inner border 40A and by an outer border 40B, separated from each other by a radial distance which may be between 15 centimeters and 25 centimeters. centimeters.

Les moyens de production 110 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 comportent ici quatre buses de pulvérisation 112 d'un jet individuel d'eau, agencées dans la bague de support 4, de sorte qu'elles débouchent sur une face avant 40C de celle-ci. Les quatre buses de pulvérisation 112 sont agencées sur une couronne fictive C1 centrée sur l'axe longitudinal X.The means of production 110 of the peripheral jet of water 111 here comprise four spray nozzles 112 of an individual jet of water, arranged in the support ring 4, so that they emerge on a front face 40C thereof. this. The four spray nozzles 112 are arranged on a fictitious crown C1 centered on the longitudinal axis X.

Ces quatre buses de pulvérisation 112 sont agencées de manière régulière autour de l'axe longitudinal X. Plus particulièrement, elles sont espacées deux à deux d'un quart de périmètre de cercle pour pulvériser chacune un jet individuel l'eau sous pression selon un axe de pulvérisation A parallèle ou sensiblement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal X pour former ledit jet périphérique d'eau 111.These four spray nozzles 112 are arranged in a regular manner around the longitudinal axis X. More particularly, they are spaced apart two by two by a quarter of the perimeter of a circle to each spray an individual jet of pressurized water along an axis spray A parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X to form said peripheral jet of water 111.

Chaque buse de pulvérisation 112 d'eau sous pression est adaptée à pulvériser un jet individuel d'eau réglable présentant une forme générale plate, conique ou elliptique, plein ou creux, sous forme de gouttelettes d'eau dont la taille est comprise préférentiellement entre 100 micromètres et 800 micromètres.Each pressurized water spray nozzle 112 is adapted to spray an individual jet of adjustable water having a generally flat, conical or elliptical, solid or hollow shape, in the form of water droplets whose size is preferably between 100 micrometers and 800 micrometers.

On peut par exemple utiliser des buses à section fixe ou à section variable telles que décrites dans le document EP-1 386 668 .It is for example possible to use nozzles with a fixed section or with a variable section as described in the document EP-1 386 668 .

Les moyens de nucléation 120 sont ici agencés sur la bordure extérieure 40B de la bague de support 4, chacune de manière à projeter un jet de nucléation 121 selon un axe de projection B incliné vers l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2, du côté de son orifice de sortie 23. Cet axe de projection B forme avec l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2 un angle θ1 compris entre -15 degrés et +15 degrés.The nucleation means 120 are here arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4, each so as to project a nucleation jet 121 along a projection axis B inclined towards the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, on the side from its outlet orifice 23. This projection axis B forms with the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 an angle θ1 of between -15 degrees and +15 degrees.

Ces moyens de production 120 des jets de nucléation 121 comportent quatre couples de buses de nucléation 122, régulièrement répartis autour de l'axe longitudinal X. Plus particulièrement, ces couples de buses de nucléation 122 sont espacées chacun deux à deux d'un quart de périmètre de cercle, au droit ou sensiblement au droit de la buse de pulvérisation 112 d'eau correspondante. Les couples de buses de nucléation 122 sont disposés sur un cercle centré sur l'axe longitudinal X.These means 120 for producing nucleation jets 121 comprise four pairs of nucleation nozzles 122, regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X. More particularly, these pairs of nucleation nozzles 122 are each spaced two by two by a quarter of a circle perimeter, to the right or substantially to the right of the spray nozzle 112 of corresponding water. The pairs of nucleation nozzles 122 are arranged on a circle centered on the longitudinal axis X.

Chaque buse de nucléation 122 propulse un mélange de nucléation, formé d'eau et d'air sous pression, destiné à former des cristaux de glace, pour favoriser la production de neige de culture à partir de la coopération du jet central d'air 101 et du jet périphérique d'eau 111.Each nucleation nozzle 122 propels a nucleation mixture, formed of water and pressurized air, intended to form ice crystals, to promote the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of the central air jet 101 and the peripheral water jet 111.

En pratique, pour la production de neige de culture à partir du dispositif 1 des figures 1 et 2, on produit simultanément le jet central d'air 101, le jet périphérique d'eau 111 et le jet de nucléation 121 en activant des moyens de commande dédiés.In practice, for the production of artificial snow from device 1 of the figures 1 and 2 , the central jet of air 101, the peripheral jet of water 111 and the nucleation jet 121 by activating dedicated control means.

Pour générer le jet central d'air 101, l'hélice 31 est mise en rotation de manière à créer une dépression dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2, qui forme une aspiration d'air à l'orifice d'entrée 22, et ledit jet central d'air 101 au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23.To generate the central jet of air 101, the propeller 31 is rotated so as to create a vacuum in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, which forms an air suction at the inlet 22, and said central jet of air 101 at the level of the outlet orifice 23.

Ainsi, le jet central d'air 101 est ici plein et il présente une section délimitée par un contour extérieur 103 de forme circulaire en sortant de l'orifice 23. Dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, la tuyère 2 peut présenter une section elliptique pour la projection d'un jet central d'air dont le contour extérieur est elliptique au niveau de la sortie 23.Thus, the central air jet 101 is full here and it has a section delimited by an outer contour 103 of circular shape on leaving the orifice 23. In a variant embodiment not shown, the nozzle 2 may have an elliptical section for the projection of a central jet of air whose outer contour is elliptical at the outlet 23.

Pour générer le jet périphérique d'eau 111, les buses de pulvérisation d'eau 112 sont alimentées par des moyens d'alimentation en eau sous pression afin de pulvériser chaque jet individuel d'eau sous forme de gouttelettes. Le jet périphérique d'eau 111 est ici creux de forme annulaire ou conique. Il présente ici une section délimitée par un contour extérieur 113 et un contour intérieur 114, de forme générale circulaire.To generate the peripheral jet of water 111, the water spray nozzles 112 are supplied by pressurized water supply means in order to spray each individual jet of water in the form of droplets. The peripheral water jet 111 is here hollow with an annular or conical shape. It has here a section delimited by an outer contour 113 and an inner contour 114, of generally circular shape.

Dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, on pourrait envisager d'agencer différemment les buses de pulvérisations de manière à ce que le jet périphérique d'eau présente un contour intérieur et/ou extérieur elliptique.In a variant embodiment not shown, one could envisage arranging the spray nozzles differently so that the peripheral jet of water has an internal and/or external elliptical contour.

Le contour intérieur 114 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 délimite ainsi un volume, au sein duquel est projeté le jet central d'air 101.The inner contour 114 of the peripheral jet of water 111 thus delimits a volume, within which the central jet of air 101 is projected.

Pour une production de neige optimale, le jet périphérique d'eau 111 est projeté sur tout le pourtour du jet central d'air 101 de sorte que le contour intérieur 114 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 et le contour extérieur 103 du jet central d'air 101 s'étendent parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.For optimum snow production, the peripheral water jet 111 is projected all around the central air jet 101 so that the inner contour 114 of the peripheral water jet 111 and the outer contour 103 of the central jet of air 101 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.

Plus particulièrement, le contour intérieur 114 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 épouse au mieux le contour extérieur 103 du jet central d'air 101 au moins à proximité de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.More particularly, the inner contour 114 of the peripheral water jet 111 best matches the outer contour 103 of the central air jet 101 at least near the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.

Ainsi, le jet central d'air 101 est quelque peu « protégé » et/ou « isolé » de l'atmosphère par le jet périphérique d'eau 111, jusqu'à une certaine distance d'éloignement de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.Thus, the central air jet 101 is somewhat "protected" and/or "isolated" from the atmosphere by the peripheral water jet 111, up to a certain distance away from the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.

Cette distance d'éloignement dépend notamment de la forme et de la vitesse du jet périphérique d'eau 111 et du jet central d'air 101.This separation distance depends in particular on the shape and speed of the peripheral jet of water 111 and of the central jet of air 101.

En outre, on limite les perturbations de déplacement du jet d'eau par le jet d'air.In addition, the displacement disturbances of the water jet by the air jet are limited.

Le jet périphérique d'eau 111 et le jet central d'air 101 sont avantageusement propulsés à des vitesses identiques l'une par rapport à l'autre, à 20% près.The peripheral water jet 111 and the central air jet 101 are advantageously propelled at identical speeds with respect to each other, to within 20%.

Eventuellement, il peut être prévu que le jet périphérique d'eau 111 présente une vitesse supérieure d'au moins 20% à la vitesse du jet central d'air 101.Optionally, provision may be made for the peripheral water jet 111 to have a speed at least 20% higher than the speed of the central air jet 101.

Pour générer le jet de nucléation 121, les buses de nucléation 122 sont convenablement raccordées à des moyens de production de fluide de nucléation. Ainsi, ce jet de nucléation 121 est ici composé d'une pluralité de jets individuels de nucléation propulsés, par les buses de nucléations 122, en direction du jet périphérique d'eau 111 et du jet central d'air 101.To generate the nucleation jet 121, the nucleation nozzles 122 are suitably connected to means for producing nucleation fluid. Thus, this nucleation jet 121 is here composed of a plurality of individual nucleation jets propelled, by the nucleation nozzles 122, in the direction of the peripheral water jet 111 and the central air jet 101.

Les buses de nucléation 122 qui sont agencées sur la bordure extérieure 40B de la bague de support 4 produisent un jet de nucléation 121 formant une turbulence ou ressaut qui retarde le couplage/mélange entre le jet périphérique d'eau 111 et le jet central l'air 101.The nucleation nozzles 122 which are arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4 produce a nucleation jet 121 forming a turbulence or jump which delays the coupling/mixing between the peripheral jet of water 111 and the central jet the air 101.

Selon la variante de réalisation, représentée sur les figures 3 et 4, du dispositif 1 des figures 1 et 2, les moyens de production 112 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 comprennent plusieurs couronnes C1, C2 de buses de pulvérisation d'eau 115 ménagées dans la bague de support 4. Elles font également saillie de la bague de support 4 par sa face avant 40C.According to the embodiment variant, represented on the figures 3 and 4 , of device 1 of figures 1 and 2 , the means of production 112 of the peripheral jet of water 111 comprise several crowns C1, C2 of water spray nozzles 115 made in the support ring 4. They also project from the support ring 4 by its front face 40C .

Ces couronnes C1, C2 de buses de pulvérisation d'eau 115 sont ménagées de manière concentrique par rapport à l'axe longitudinal X et elles sont décalées angulairement l'une par rapport à l'autre autre.These crowns C1, C2 of water spray nozzles 115 are formed concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis X and they are angularly offset with respect to each other.

Chaque couronne C1, C2 comprend ici six buses de pulvérisation 115 d'eau, mais on pourrait envisager selon une variante de réalisation qu'elles en comportent un nombre différent, par exemple entre 4 et 10 buses de pulvérisation d'eau. Ces buses de pulvérisation 115 sont ici du type « Jet Fan » et elles sont adaptées à projeter chacune un jet individuel plat à géométrie fixe, selon un axe de propulsion A' qui diverge légèrement dans le sens de propulsion dudit jet individuel. Cet axe de propulsion A' forme avec l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2 un angle compris entre 0 et 5 degrés, de sorte que le contour interne 114 du jet périphérique d'eau 111 s'étende parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement au contour externe 103 du jet central d'air 101.Each ring C1, C2 here comprises six water spray nozzles 115, but it could be envisaged according to a variant embodiment that they comprise a different number, for example between 4 and 10 water spray nozzles. These spray nozzles 115 are here of the “Jet Fan” type and they are each adapted to project a flat individual jet with fixed geometry, along a propulsion axis A′ which diverges slightly in the direction of propulsion of said individual jet. This propulsion axis A' forms with the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 an angle of between 0 and 5 degrees, so that the internal contour 114 of the peripheral jet of water 111 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the external contour 103 of the central air jet 101.

Toujours, selon cette variante de réalisation, les moyens de production 120 du jet de nucléation 121 comportent six buses de nucléation 125, chacune agencée sur la bordure extérieure 40B de la bague de support 4. Elles sont également agencées de manière régulière autour de l'axe longitudinal X et sont espacées angulairement deux à deux d'un sixième de périmètre de cercle. Plus particulièrement, comme le montre la figure 3, chaque buse de nucléation 125 est ici agencée au droit ou sensiblement au droit d'une buse de pulvérisation d'eau 115 de la couronne interne C2.Still, according to this variant embodiment, the means of production 120 of the nucleation jet 121 comprise six nucleation nozzles 125, each arranged on the outer edge 40B of the support ring 4. They are also arranged regularly around the longitudinal axis X and are angularly spaced two by two by a sixth of the perimeter of a circle. More specifically, as shown in picture 3 , each nucleation nozzle 125 is here arranged in line or substantially in line with a water spray nozzle 115 of the inner crown C2.

Le procédé de mise en œuvre de cette variante de réalisation des figures 3 et 4, est similaire à celui décrit précédemment en référence aux figures 1 et 2. Il s'en distingue uniquement par le fait que le jet périphérique d'eau 111 est constitué de l'expansion des jets individuels d'eau des buses de pulvérisation 115 des deux couronnes C1, C2.The method of implementing this alternative embodiment of the figures 3 and 4 , is similar to that previously described with reference to figures 1 and 2 . It is distinguished from it only by the fact that the peripheral jet of water 111 consists of the expansion of the individual jets of water from the spray nozzles 115 of the two crowns C1, C2.

Ces deux couronnes C1 et C2 peuvent fonctionner indépendamment l'une de l'autre, ou simultanément.These two crowns C1 and C2 can operate independently of each other, or simultaneously.

Selon le deuxième mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 5 et 6, le jet central 201 est constitué par un premier fluide d'eau sous pression et le jet périphérique 211 est constitué par un second fluide d'air.According to the second embodiment represented on the figures 5 and 6 , the central jet 201 consists of a first pressurized water fluid and the peripheral jet 211 consists of a second air fluid.

A la différence du premier mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 4, la tuyère 2, qui présente une forme générale cylindrique s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal X, est délimitée par une enveloppe externe 24 et une enveloppe interne 25.Unlike the first embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 4 , the nozzle 2, which has a generally cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis X, is delimited by an outer casing 24 and an inner casing 25.

Cette enveloppe interne 25 est formée par un élément de support 35 de forme générale conique qui est agencé dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2, et qui est fixé à l'enveloppe externe 24 de la tuyère 2 par tout moyen approprié par exemple des tirants 35'.This internal casing 25 is formed by a support element 35 of generally conical shape which is arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, and which is fixed to the external casing 24 of the nozzle 2 by any appropriate means, for example 35' tie rods.

Cet élément de support 35 comprend - une face avant 35A plane perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2 dans le plan de l'orifice de sortie 23, - une pointe 36 agencée dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2, à l'opposé de la face avant 35A, et - une face de jonction 35B tronconique s'étendant entre la pointe 36 et la face avant 35A.This support element 35 comprises - a flat front face 35A perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2 in the plane of the outlet orifice 23, - a tip 36 arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, opposite the front face 35A, and - a tapered junction face 35B extending between the tip 36 and the front face 35A.

La face avant 35A de l'élément de support 35 est circulaire de sorte que l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2 présente une section en forme d'anneau ou encore de couronne s'étendant dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal X.The front face 35A of the support element 35 is circular so that the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2 has a section in the shape of a ring or even a crown extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. X.

Les moyens 200 de production du jet central d'eau 201 comportent ici une unique buse de pulvérisation 202 agencée au centre de la face avant 35A de l'élément de support 35, en saillie de celle-ci.The means 200 for producing the central jet of water 201 here comprise a single spray nozzle 202 arranged in the center of the front face 35A of the support element 35, projecting therefrom.

Cette buse de pulvérisation 202 est adaptée à pulvériser un jet individuel l'eau, selon un axe de pulvérisation porté par l'axe longitudinal X, qui forme à lui seul ledit jet central d'eau 201.This spray nozzle 202 is suitable for spraying an individual jet of water, along a spray axis carried by the longitudinal axis X, which alone forms said central water jet 201.

Cette buse de pulvérisation d'eau sous pression 202 est adaptée à pulvériser un jet individuel d'eau réglable présentant une forme générale conique ou elliptique, plein ou creux, sous forme de gouttelettes d'eau dont la taille est comprise préférentiellement entre 100 micromètres et 800 micromètres.This pressurized water spray nozzle 202 is suitable for spraying an adjustable individual jet of water having a generally conical or elliptical shape, solid or hollow, in the form of water droplets whose size is preferably between 100 micrometers and 800 micrometers.

On peut, par exemple, utiliser des buses à section fixe ou à section variable telles que décrites dans le document EP-1 386 668 . En variante, on peut utiliser plusieurs buses pour former le jet central d'eau. On peut aussi utiliser des buses produisant un jet dissymétrique.It is possible, for example, to use nozzles with a fixed section or with a variable section as described in the document EP-1 386 668 . Alternatively, several nozzles can be used to form the central jet of water. It is also possible to use nozzles producing an asymmetrical jet.

Cette buse de pulvérisation 202 est réglée pour que le contour extérieur 203 du jet central d'eau 201 forme une génératrice, qui consiste en une droite inclinée, par rapport à l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2, d'un angle θ2 compris entre 10 degrés et 40 degrés, préférentiellement égal à ou voisin de 30 degrés. Cet angle peut ne pas être régulier si on utilise une ou des buses à jet dissymétrique.This spray nozzle 202 is adjusted so that the outer contour 203 of the central jet of water 201 forms a generatrix, which consists of a straight line inclined, with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, by an angle θ2 included between 10 degrees and 40 degrees, preferably equal to or close to 30 degrees. This angle may not be regular if one or more asymmetrical jet nozzles are used.

Les moyens 210 de production du jet périphérique d'air 211 sont agencés dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2 et ils consistent en une hélice 31 entrainée par un moteur électrique 32 fixé à l'enveloppe externe 24 de la tuyère 2. Ainsi, l'enveloppe externe 24 et l'enveloppe interne 25 sont adaptées à guider et à conformer le flux d'air jusqu'à l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, selon un axe de projection porté par l'axe longitudinal X.The means 210 for producing the peripheral air jet 211 are arranged in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2 and they consist of a propeller 31 driven by an electric motor 32 fixed to the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2. Thus, the outer casing 24 and the inner casing 25 are adapted to guide and conform the air flow to the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, along a projection axis carried by the longitudinal axis X.

L'enveloppe externe 24 et l'enveloppe interne 25 de la tuyère 2 présentent ici une forme particulière, adaptée pour que le contour interne 214 du jet périphérique 211 soit parallèle ou sensiblement parallèle au contour externe 203 du jet central d'eau 201.The outer casing 24 and the inner casing 25 of the nozzle 2 here have a particular shape, adapted so that the inner contour 214 of the peripheral jet 211 is parallel or substantially parallel to the outer contour 203 of the central water jet 201.

Plus particulièrement, la face de jonction 35B de l'élément de support 35 forme une génératrice qui consiste en une droite inclinée d'angle θ2 par rapport à l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2.More particularly, the junction face 35B of the support element 35 forms a generatrix which consists of a straight line inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2.

Ainsi, du fait de cette inclinaison, le contour intérieur 214 du jet périphérique d'air 211 est guidé par cette face de jonction 35B pour être projeté parallèlement au contour externe 203 du jet central d'eau 201 au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.Thus, because of this inclination, the inner contour 214 of the peripheral air jet 211 is guided by this junction face 35B to be projected parallel to the outer contour 203 of the central water jet 201 at the level of the outlet orifice. 23 of nozzle 2.

De manière à réduire les turbulences au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2, l'extrémité de l'enveloppe externe 24 de la tuyère 2 comporte une couronne 24A qui est évasée selon le même angle d'inclinaison θ2 précité.In order to reduce the turbulence at the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2, the end of the outer casing 24 of the nozzle 2 comprises a crown 24A which is flared according to the same angle of inclination θ2 mentioned above.

Le dispositif 1 représenté sur les figures 5 et 6, comprend, de manière similaire à celui représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, une bague de support 4 plane sur laquelle sont agencés les moyens de nucléation 120 pour la production du jet de nucléation 121.The device 1 represented on the figures 5 and 6 , understands, in a way similar to that shown on the figures 1 and 2 , a flat support ring 4 on which are arranged the nucleation means 120 for the production of the nucleation jet 121.

De manière similaire au dispositif 1 des figures 1 et 2, celui représenté sur les figures 5 et 6 comprend également des moyens de production 120 du jet de nucléation 121 propulsé autour de l'axe de projection B incliné par rapport à l'axe longitudinal X de la tuyère 2, de préférence selon un angle θ1 compris entre 0 degrés et 20 degrés, avantageusement de l'ordre de 15 degrés.Similar to device 1 of figures 1 and 2 , the one represented on the figures 5 and 6 also comprises means 120 for producing the nucleation jet 121 propelled around the projection axis B inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2, preferably at an angle θ1 comprised between 0 degrees and 20 degrees, advantageously around 15 degrees.

En pratique, pour la production de neige de culture à partir du dispositif 1 de production de neige de culture des figures 5 et 6, on produit simultanément le jet central d'eau 201, le jet périphérique d'air 211 et le jet de nucléation 121 en activant des moyens de commande dédiés.In practice, for the production of artificial snow from the artificial snow production device 1 of the figures 5 and 6 , the central water jet 201, the peripheral air jet 211 and the nucleation jet 121 are produced simultaneously by activating dedicated control means.

Pour générer le jet central d'eau 201, la buse de pulvérisation d'eau unique 202 est alimentée par des moyens d'alimentation en eau sous pression afin de pulvériser de l'eau sous forme de gouttelettes. Le jet central d'eau 201 est de forme conique, plein ou creux.To generate the central jet of water 201, the single water spray nozzle 202 is fed by pressurized water supply means to spray water in the form of droplets. The central water jet 201 is conical in shape, solid or hollow.

Dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, on pourrait envisager des moyens de production du jet d'eau différents, de manière à ce que le jet central d'eau présente un contour intérieur et/ou extérieur elliptique.In a variant embodiment not shown, it would be possible to envisage different means of producing the water jet, so that the central water jet has an internal and/or external elliptical contour.

Pour générer le jet périphérique d'air 211, l'hélice 31 est mise en rotation pour créer une dépression dans le logement interne 21 de la tuyère 2, qui forme une aspiration d'air à l'orifice 22 d'entrée, et ledit jet périphérique d'air 211 à l'orifice de sortie 23.To generate the peripheral air jet 211, the propeller 31 is rotated to create a vacuum in the internal housing 21 of the nozzle 2, which forms an air suction at the inlet orifice 22, and said peripheral jet of air 211 at outlet orifice 23.

Ainsi, le jet périphérique d'air 211 est ici creux, de forme conique défini par le contour extérieur 213 et le contour intérieur 214.Thus, the peripheral air jet 211 is here hollow, of conical shape defined by the outer contour 213 and the inner contour 214.

Le contour intérieur 214 du jet périphérique d'air 211 délimite ainsi un volume, au sein duquel est projeté le jet central d'eau 201.The inner contour 214 of the peripheral jet of air 211 thus delimits a volume, within which the central jet of water 201 is projected.

Pour une production de neige de culture optimale, le jet périphérique d'air 211 est projeté sur tout le pourtour du jet central d'eau 201 de sorte que le contour intérieur 214 du jet périphérique d'air 211 et le contour extérieur 203 du jet central d'eau 201 s'étendent parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.For optimal artificial snow production, the peripheral air jet 211 is projected all around the central water jet 201 so that the inner contour 214 of the peripheral air jet 211 and the outer contour 203 of the jet central water 201 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the level of the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.

Ainsi, le jet central d'eau 201 est alors quelque peu « protégé » et/ou « isolé » de l'atmosphère par le jet périphérique d'air 211, jusqu'à une certaine distance d'éloignement de l'orifice de sortie 23 de la tuyère 2.Thus, the central water jet 201 is then somewhat "protected" and/or "isolated" from the atmosphere by the peripheral air jet 211, up to a certain distance away from the outlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 2.

Cette distance d'éloignement dépend notamment de la forme et de la vitesse du jet central d'eau 201 et du jet périphérique d'air 211.This separation distance depends in particular on the shape and speed of the central jet of water 201 and of the peripheral jet of air 211.

Le jet périphérique d'air 211 et le jet central d'eau 201 sont propulsés à des vitesses identiques l'une par rapport à l'autre, à 20% près.The peripheral air jet 211 and the central water jet 201 are propelled at identical speeds with respect to each other, within 20%.

Eventuellement, il peut être prévu que le jet périphérique d'air 211 présente une vitesse supérieure d'au moins 20 % à la vitesse du jet central d'eau 201.Optionally, provision may be made for the peripheral air jet 211 to have a speed at least 20% higher than the speed of the central water jet 201.

Enfin, on génère de la même manière que précité le jet de nucléation 221 pour produire la neige de culture.Finally, the nucleation jet 221 is generated in the same way as mentioned above to produce artificial snow.

Claims (15)

  1. A device for producing artificial snow, comprising:
    - means (100; 200) for producing a central jet (101; 201) consisted by a first fluid chosen among air or water, said central jet (101; 201) including an external contour (103; 203) and an axis of projection (X),
    - means (110; 210) for producing a peripheral jet (111; 211) consisted by a second fluid chosen among water or air, and different from said first fluid, said peripheral jet (111; 211) having a generally tubular shape defining an internal contour (114; 214) and an axis of projection, said peripheral jet (111; 211) being intended to be projected over the whole or substantially the whole periphery of said central jet (101; 201), and
    - nucleation means (120) for the production of at least one nucleation jet (121) intended to form crystal of ice, to favour the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of said central (101; 201) and peripheral (111; 211) jets,
    characterized in that said means (100; 200) for producing the central jet (101; 201) and said means (110; 210) for producing the peripheral jet (111; 211) are arranged in such a manner that the opposite contours (103, 114; 203, 214) of their respective jets each define a generating line, which opposite generating lines extend parallel or at least approximately parallel relative to each other, at least in their initial portion, following their production,
    and in that said nucleation means (120) are distributed over the external periphery of said means (110; 210) for producing the peripheral jet (111; 211).
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (100; 200) for producing the central jet (101; 201) and the means (110; 210) for producing the peripheral jet (111; 211) are arranged in such a manner that their opposite contours (103, 114; 203, 214) are generally cylindrical, conical or elliptical in shape.
  3. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the generating lines of the opposite contours of the central (101, 201) and peripheral (111, 121) jets define between each other an angle comprised between -5° and +5°.
  4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (110) for producing the peripheral jet (111) are intended to project water, and in that the means (100) for producing the central jet (101) are intended to project air.
  5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said means (100) for producing the central jet of air (101) and said means (110) for producing the peripheral jet of water (111) are arranged in such a manner that the internal contour (114) of said peripheral jet of water (111) conforms, at least approximately, the external contour (103) of said central jet of air (101).
  6. The device according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means (110) for producing the peripheral jet of water (111) are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual jets of water intended to form together said peripheral jet of water (111), each of said individual jets of water being intended to extend tangentially, or substantially tangentially, to the external contour (103) of the central jet of air (101).
  7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (110) for producing the peripheral jet of water (111) are structured for the projection of a juxtaposition of a plurality of individual jets of water each having a cross-section generally flat, conical or elliptical in shape.
  8. The device according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the means (110) for producing the peripheral jet of water (111) comprise at least one crown (C1, C2) of nozzles adapted to each project one of the individual jets of water.
  9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (210) for producing the peripheral jet (211) are intended to project air, and in that the means (200) for producing the central jet (201) are intended to project water.
  10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the means (200) for producing the central jet of water (201) comprise at least one nozzle (202) adapted to project an individual jet of water.
  11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the means (100; 210) for producing the jet of air (101; 211) comprise a pipe (2) provided with an outlet (23) delimited by an outer envelope (24) and possibly an inner envelope (25), intended to define the external contour (103, 213) and possibly the internal contour (214), respectively, of said air jet (101; 211).
  12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the pipe (2) is equipped with a planar support ring (4) whose front face (40C), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the pipe (2), serves as a support for nozzles (112; 115) constituting the means (110) for producing the peripheral jet of water (111) and/or for nozzles (122) constituting the nucleation means (120).
  13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the axis of projection (B) of the nucleation jet (121) of the nucleation means (120) defines a convergent angle comprised between 0° and 15° with respect to the axis of projection (X) of the central jet (101; 201).
  14. A method for producing artificial snow, comprising:
    - the production of a central jet (101; 201) consisted by a first fluid chosen among air or water, said central jet (101; 201) having an external contour (103; 203) and an axis of projection,
    - the production of a peripheral jet (111; 211) consisted by a second fluid chosen among water or air and different from said first fluid, said peripheral jet (111; 211) having a generally tubular shape defining an internal contour (114; 214) and an axis of projection, said peripheral jet (111; 211) being intended to be projected over the whole or substantially the whole periphery of said central jet (101; 201), and
    - the production of at least one nucleation jet (121) intended to form crystals of ice, to favour the production of artificial snow from the cooperation of said central (101; 201) and peripheral (111; 211) jets,
    characterised in that the nucleation jet(s) (121) are distributed over the external periphery of said peripheral (111; 211) jet,
    and the opposite contours (103, 114; 203, 214) of the central (101; 201) and peripheral (111; 211) jets extend parallel or at least approximately parallel relative to each other, at least in their initial portion, following their production.
  15. The method for producing artificial snow according to claim 14, characterized in that the speed of the water jet is equal to the speed of the air jet, to within 20 %.
EP14306266.9A 2013-08-26 2014-08-11 Device for producing artificial snow, and method for producing artificial snow Active EP2846115B1 (en)

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FR1358168A FR3009861B1 (en) 2013-08-26 2013-08-26 DEVICE FOR PRODUCING CULTIVATION SNOW, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CULTIVATION SNOW

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ITUB20160735A1 (en) * 2016-02-15 2017-08-15 Technoalpin Holding S P A Nucleatore nozzle and method for the formation of freezing nuclei
CN107543347A (en) * 2017-10-24 2018-01-05 北京宾度明德滑雪设备有限公司 Snowmaker
CN109539651B (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-07-28 天津商业大学 Snow making machine based on ejector
FR3103030B1 (en) * 2019-11-07 2022-06-17 Technoalpin France Spraying device for the manufacture of artificial snow and its method of implementation
FR3112596B1 (en) * 2020-07-15 2022-09-09 Technoalpin France Artificial snow production facility
CN111780467A (en) * 2020-07-16 2020-10-16 祖晓宏 Outdoor snow making machine suitable for zero-top temperature
CN112781292B (en) * 2021-02-01 2021-11-09 西安交通大学 Snow making machine and control method thereof
CN113237261A (en) * 2021-04-23 2021-08-10 西安交通大学 Ultrasonic snow making machine applied to variable environmental temperature and control method
CN115031459B (en) * 2022-07-26 2023-04-18 西安交通大学 Snow making machine capable of adjusting collision position and control method
CN115218573B (en) * 2022-07-26 2023-06-02 西安交通大学 Snow maker capable of automatically adjusting collision position

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Publication number Publication date
EP2846115A1 (en) 2015-03-11
US9599390B2 (en) 2017-03-21
FR3009861B1 (en) 2015-08-07
US20150053785A1 (en) 2015-02-26
CN104422222A (en) 2015-03-18
CN104422222B (en) 2019-07-16
FR3009861A1 (en) 2015-02-27

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