EP4114536A1

EP4114536A1 - Dynamic artificial wave facility for surfing practice

Info

Publication number: EP4114536A1
Application number: EP21706355.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yves Lecoffre; Laurent HEQUILY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-28
Publication date: 2023-01-11
Also published as: CA3165970A1; CN115397526A; AU2021212341A1; WO2021152263A1; BR112022014820A2; US20230074233A1; KR20230018357A; FR3106500A1; JP2023511983A; IL295087A; MX2022009291A

Abstract

The facility comprises an artificial wave generator (12) having a mobile water entraining element (20') which is movable along a predetermined path (21), comprising a body (60) defining a water flow chamber (61) opening out through a forward-facing inlet opening (62) located at the front and through an outlet opening (63) located at the rear of the inlet opening (62) and facing the wave-forming area (16), the body (60) comprising peripheral walls (64, 65, 66, 67) which completely seal the chamber (61) from the inlet opening (62) to the outlet opening (63) except, optionally, on the side facing upwards.

Description

Installation with dynamic artificial waves for surfing

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to dynamic artificial wave installations for surfing.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known that dynamic artificial waves reproduce natural waves which propagate and should not be confused with static artificial waves which are formed by a layer of water of uniform thickness, for example of the order of 10 cm, projected on an inclined wall.

In this document, it is understood that references to artificial waves are to be understood as referring to dynamic artificial waves and not to static artificial waves.

French patent application 3 039421, to which international application WO 2017/017319 corresponds, an installation with artificial waves for the practice of surfing, comprising: a support having an upper surface comprising an edge zone, a zone wave evolution and a culminating zone, the wave evolution zone extending, sloping upwards, from the edge zone to the culminating zone; water above said edge area and said waveform area; and an artificial wave generator having at least one water driving element movable above the edge area along a predetermined path, said wave generator and said upper surface of the support being configured so that when the wave generator is in service, the mobile element is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the wave development zone in contact with which the generated wave breaks towards the culminating zone.

Examples of embodiment of this installation are described below in support of Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings. [Fig 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of this installation, the artificial wave generator of which is at rest.

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is the sectional view marked by II-ll in Figure 1. [Fig 3] Figure 3 is the sectional view marked by III-III in Figure

1.

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the artificial wave generator in service.

[Fig 5] Figure 5 is the sectional view marked V-V in Figure 4.

[Fig 6] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2 for a second embodiment of this installation.

The installation 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a floating platform 11 here with a circular outer contour and an artificial wave generator 12 installed on the platform 11.

The platform 11 has an upper surface 14 comprising an edge zone 15, a wave development zone 16 and a culminating zone 17.

The artificial wave generator 12 comprises four water entrainment elements 20, each movable along a predetermined path 21, which is here circular.

Each movable element 20 moves over the edge area 15.

Facility 10 is located in a calm body of water, with little or no disturbance such as natural waves. The shore of the body of water is remote from facility 10, which therefore forms an island.

When the wave generator 12 is at rest, that is to say when the movable elements 20 are stationary, the culminating zone 17 has emerged.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, the limit between the emerged and submerged zones when the wave generator is at rest, is represented by a line 18 in phantom. When the wave generator 12 is in service, each mobile element 20 is followed laterally, as can be seen clearly in FIG. 4, by a wave 22 moving towards the wave development zone 16, in contact with which the generated wave 22 surges towards the culminating zone 17.

The platform 11 has for example a diameter of 60 to 80 m or even more and the waves 22 a height of the order of 2 m for the practice of traditional surfing (surfer standing on a board); while for the practice of surfing lying on a suitable board (bodyboard), for example, the installation has a diameter of 18 to 22 m or even more and the waves 22 have a height of the order of 50 to 60 cm.

Here, the body of water is formed by a cove or a sheltered sea bay.

As a variant, the cove or maritime bay is replaced by another body of water in a natural environment, for example a lake or a river if there is not too much current, or in an artificial environment, for example a basin. in masonry.

The aquatic environment 23 (here, the sea) with which the platform 11 and the wave generator 12 cooperate comprises a region 24, called the internal aquatic region, located above the edge zone 15 and the evolution zone of waves 16.

In addition to the internal aquatic region 24, the aquatic environment 23 comprises, outside the platform 11 along the edge zone 15, a region 25, called the upper external aquatic region, located higher than the edge zone 15 and a region 26, called the deep outer aquatic region, located lower than the edge zone 15.

The aquatic environment 23 finally comprises, below the platform 11, a region 27, called the underlying aquatic region.

The deep outer aquatic region 26 and the upper outer aquatic region 25 are horizontally contiguous.

The inner aquatic region 24 and the upper outer aquatic region 25 are vertically contiguous. Likewise, the underlying aquatic region 27 and the deep outer aquatic region 26 are vertically contiguous.

It is understood that the subdivision of the aquatic environment 23 into aquatic regions 24 to 27 is solely based on the location of the regions in question relative to the platform 11, that is to say that the regions 24 to 27 designate places where there is water and not isolated volumes of water.

It should be noted in this regard that there are no liquid tight walls isolating the various aquatic regions 24 to 27 from each other.

On the contrary, the water of the aquatic environment 23 (here, sea water) circulates between the different aquatic regions 24 to 27.

Thus, when the wave generator 12 is at rest, the entire aquatic environment 23 has the same surface level.

In particular, as can be seen clearly in Figures 1 to 3, the level of the surface of the inner aquatic region 24 is identical to the level of the surface of the upper outer aquatic region 25.

To protect the surfers against possible marine predators, a grid or a net 28 (shown schematically in only Figures 2, 3 and 5) can be provided between the internal aquatic region 24 and the upper external aquatic region 25. Similarly , a grid or a net (not shown) can be provided around the path 21 to avoid any contact between the mobile elements 20 and the riders.

The upper surface 14 of the platform 11 comprises, in addition to the edge zone 15, the wave development zone 16 and the culminating zone 17, a ridge 30 and a zone 31 in depression with respect to the ridge 30. .

The ridge 30 is located between the culminating zone 17 and the depressed zone 31. More precisely, the ridge 30 is located between the top of the culminating zone 17 and the top of the depressed zone 31.

As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the culminating zone 17 and the depressed zone 31 are configured so that when the wave generator 12 is in service, the water at the end of the course of the waves 22 crosses the water. peak 30 and falls into a volume 32 delimited by the depressed zone 31, this volume being called the collection volume.

Openings 33 or 39 formed through the platform 11 open respectively into the collection volume 32 and into the underlying aquatic region 27.

The underlying aquatic region 27 provides fluid communication connecting the deep outer aquatic region 26 to the openings 33 or 39, and therefore to the collection volume 32.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the result is that the level of the surface of the collection volume 32 remains the same as for the whole of the aquatic environment 23 when the wave generator 12 is at rest or, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the same as for the aquatic medium 23 outside the internal aquatic region 24 when the wave generator 12 is in use. Thus, when the wave generator 12 is in service, the water at the end of the wave path 22 leaves the internal aquatic region 24 by falling into the collection volume 32 from where it is discharged without passing through the internal aquatic region 24. since the fluidic communication is located under the platform 11. The upper external aquatic region 25 is not disturbed either, or very little, since it is the deep external aquatic region 26 which is in communication with the collection volume 32 .

The internal aquatic region 24, and moreover the upper external aquatic region 25, thus not being disturbed by the surf, or at the very least very little disturbed, it is possible to have a very short delay between two waves 22 successive.

In addition, the platform 11 is relatively little mechanically stressed by the waves 22 since the water is guided towards the collection volume 32 from which it naturally joins the underlying aquatic region 27 which communicates with the deep external aquatic region 26. We will now explain how the platform 11, which is floating as indicated above, is held in place in the aquatic environment 23.

In general, the buoyancy of the platform 11 is provided so that the edge area 15 is at a predetermined distance below the surface level of the aquatic environment 23.

This predetermined distance is that which is suitable for the correct operation of the wave generator 12.

To maintain the platform 11 vis-à-vis the bottom 35 of the aquatic environment 23, links 36 such as chains are provided between the platform 11 and the moorings 37 placed on the bottom 35.

There is also provided a stake 38 fixed to the bottom 35, engaged in a central opening 39 of the platform 11.

During changes in the surface level of the platform due to the tide, the platform 11 slides vis-à-vis the pile 38 and the links 36 retain the platform 11, in particular to prevent it from rotating around the pile 38.

As a variant, the platform 11 is held differently with respect to the bottom 35, for example only with links such as 36 or only with stakes such as 38.

Here, platform 11 is made of composite materials like a ship's hull wall.

Alternatively, the composite materials are replaced by other materials used in the manufacture of boat hulls, for example aluminum or wood.

To adjust the buoyancy of the platform 11, caissons (not shown) are provided which can be more or less filled with water.

In normal use, the boxes are filled to adjust the buoyancy as just indicated, that is to say so that the edge zone 15 is at the desired predetermined distance below the surface level of the aquatic environment. If it is desired that the platform 11 emerge further, for example for maintenance operations, the boxes are emptied.

If it is desired for the platform 11 to sink further, for example to rest on the bottom 35 in the event of a storm, the boxes are filled.

As a variant, the platform 11 is not floating but for example supported by pylons fixed to the bottom 35.

In addition to the platform 11 and the wave generator 12, the installation 10 includes an ear 40 secured to the platform 11.

Groyne 40 protrudes upward from wave development zone 16 extending through internal aquatic region 24 from peak zone 17 to edge zone 15.

The ear 40 has an upper surface 41 comprising a first lateral zone 42, a second lateral zone 43 situated on the side opposite to the first lateral zone 42 and an intermediate zone 44 extending from the first lateral zone 42 to the second lateral zone 43.

Here, the intermediate zone 44 comprises a first ridge 45 and a second ridge 46, each emerged when the wave generator 12 is at rest.

The intermediate zone 44 also comprises a zone 47 in depression with respect to the first ridge 45 and to the second ridge 46, the first ridge 45 located between the first lateral zone 42 and the depression zone 47, the second ridge 46 being located. between the second lateral zone 43 and the depressed zone 47.

More precisely, the first ridge 45 is located between the top of the first lateral zone 42 and one of the two vertices of the depressed zone 47; and the second ridge 46 is between the top of the second side area 43 and the other top the depressed area 47.

The first ridge 45, the second ridge 46 and the depressed area 47 are configured so that when the wave generator 12 is in use, the water at the end of the wave path 22 crosses the first ridge 45 or the second ridge 46 and falls into a volume 48 delimited by the depressed area 47, hereinafter called the collection volume. Here, the collection volume 48 of the ear 40 and the collection volume 32 of the platform 11 are vertically contiguous.

More precisely, here, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the depressed area 47 which delimits the collection volume 48 has a U-shaped profile and the depressed zone 31 which defines the collection volume 32 is shaped generally frustoconical with an interruption to the right of the spike 40. The depressed areas 31 and 47 are connected at the level of the interruption.

The ridge 30 of platform 11 connects at one end to the first ridge 45 of the groyne 40 and connects at the other end to the second ridge 46 of the groyne 40.

On the side opposite to that where it connects to the collection volume 32, the collection volume 48 opens here at the level of the junction between the wave development zone 16 and the edge zone 15.

The collection volume 48 is thus in fluid communication with the upper external aquatic region 25 via the part of the internal aquatic region 24 which is located above the edge zone 15.

Openings 49, similar to openings 33, are formed through the lower part of the wall which forms the depressed zone 47. The openings 49 open respectively into the collection volume 48 and into the underlying aquatic region 27 .

The collection volume 48 is thus in fluid communication, via the underlying aquatic region 27, with the deep outer aquatic region 26.

The water at the end of the wave path that has fallen into the collection volume 48 is thus discharged to the deep outer aquatic region 26 and / or the upper outer aquatic region 25.

The collection volume 48, because it joins the collection volume 32, can participate in the evacuation of water that has fallen into the collection volume 32.

The subjection between the platform 11 and the spike 40 is here achieved due to the fact that the platform 11 and the spike 40 are in one piece, the platform 11 and the spike 40 being made jointly of composite materials in the manner of a boat hull wall. As a variant, the composite materials are replaced by other materials used for the manufacture of boat hulls, for example aluminum or wood.

As a variant, the ear 40 is an attached part on the platform 11.

The wave generator 12 comprises, as indicated above, four water entrainment elements 20, each movable along the predetermined path 21, which is here circular.

Each movable element 20 moves over edge area 15, in the direction shown by arrows in Figure 4, dragging water towards wave development area 16.

More precisely, each mobile element 20 is followed laterally by a wave 22 moving towards the wave development zone 16. In contact with the wave development zone 16, the wave 22 surges towards the culminating zone 17.

The movable elements 20 are arranged on the path 21 while being angularly equidistant.

The artificial wave generator 12 is of a well known type, for example as described by US Pat. No. 3,913,332.

Note that it is possible to shape the mobile elements 20 so that they can also generate waves by moving in the opposite direction to that illustrated in Figure 4.

The installation 10 thus offers surfers the possibility of riding on waves breaking to the right or on waves breaking to the left, depending on the direction of movement of the mobile elements 20.

The upper surface 14 of the platform 11 comprises here, between the edge zone 15, which is horizontal, and the wave development zone 16, which is inclined, a shoulder zone 50 which is vertical or substantially vertical.

The shoulder zone 50 creates an obstacle to the propagation of the water set in motion by the mobile element 20, which is favorable to the quality, for the practice of surfing, of the wave generated before it breaks over. the wave development zone 16. The groyne 40, which is placed across the internal aquatic region 24, makes it possible to interrupt a possible current of water revolving around the culminating zone 17.

It should be noted in particular that the waves 22 are stopped by the groyne 40; and that after the moving element 20 has crossed the groyne 40 a new wave 22 starts in calm water or at least that was not disturbed by the previous wave 22.

The presence of the upper outer aquatic region 25 is also favorable to the limitation of currents in the inner aquatic region 24.

Alternatively, the cob is implemented in a facility where there is no external aquatic region.

To avoid the surf as much as possible, the first lateral zone 42 of the spike 40, which is the one which is the most stressed by the waves 22 since the mobile elements 20 rotate in the direction in which they approach this lateral zone, is provided arrows 51.

As explained above, the groyne 40 is also used for the evacuation of water at the end of the wave course.

To prevent the mobile elements 20 from allowing water to enter the collection volume 48, appropriate measures are implemented, for example a shutter which closes the outlet to the outside of the collection volume 48 when the mobile element 20 passes in front, or the path 21 is configured so that the movable elements 20 pass above the surface of the water at that point.

As a variant, the ear 40 does not have a collection volume 48, for example by having the intermediate zone 44 of its upper surface 41 which is replaced by a simple ridge.

In another variant not shown, the installation 10 does not include a groyne such as the groyne 40.

We will now describe in support of Figure 6 a variant of the installation 10.

For convenience, the same reference numerals have been kept for similar elements as for the installation 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. In general, the installation 10 illustrated in FIG. 6 is similar to the installation 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, except that the support which provides the upper surface 14 is not a platform. located above an underlying aquatic region but a substrate 55 forming part of the ground and surrounded by an annular basin 56 whose bottom surface 54 is much lower than the edge zone 15; and that the water of the aquatic medium 23 is treated water, in this case swimming pool water.

To implement the fluid communication located under the upper surface 14 of the support formed by the substrate 55, conduits 57 are formed in the substrate 55. Each conduit 57 opens at one end, through an opening 58, into the collection volume 32. of the substrate 55 and, at the other end, by an opening 59, in the deep aquatic region 26.

Here, the substrate 55 and the annular basin 56 are formed by a masonry structure.

In variants not shown: the number of mobile elements such as 20 of the wave generator such as 12 is different from four, for example one, two, three or more than four; an emerged island is provided in the center of the collection volume such as 32 of the support such as the platform 11 or the substrate 55, for example an island on which buildings are arranged; the path such as 21 of the movable element or elements such as 20, and therefore the contour of the support such as the platform 11 or the substrate 55 is annular without being circular, for example oval, oblong and / or with undulations; or else this path is not annular, for example rectilinear or curved.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide an artificial wave installation of the same type but with a more efficient generator of artificial waves.

The invention provides for this purpose an installation with artificial waves for the practice of surfing, comprising: a support having an upper surface comprising a edge zone, a wave development zone and a culminating zone, the wave development zone extending, sloping upwards, from the edge zone to the culminating zone; water located above said edge area and said wave development area; an artificial wave generator having at least one water driving element movable above the edge area along a predetermined path, said wave generator and said upper surface of the support being configured so that when the wave generator is in service, the mobile element is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the wave development zone in contact with which the generated wave breaks towards the culminating zone; characterized in that said movable element of the wave generator comprises a body delimiting a water flow chamber opening out through an inlet opening situated at the front and looking towards the front and by an outlet opening situated at the rear from the inlet opening and looking towards the wave evolution zone, said body comprising peripheral walls which completely close said chamber from said inlet opening to said outlet opening except optionally on the side which faces towards the high.

When the wave generator is in use (when the movable member is driven forward along the predetermined path), the only openings in the water flow chamber through which the water passes are the opening of the water flow chamber. inlet and outlet opening (if there is an opening on the side that looks up, there is no water going through it due to gravity). Water enters the flow chamber through the inlet opening (since it is at the front and looks forward) and leaves the flow chamber through the outlet opening (since it is it is behind the entrance opening). It is thus possible, for example by implementing the advantageous characteristics set out below, to shape the water ejected through the outlet opening into a jet having homogeneous characteristics, in particular of orientation and speed value. Since the outlet opening looks towards the wave development area, the water jet ejected through the opening of exit goes towards the zone of evolution of waves, forming a wave which laterally follows the mobile element.

It will be observed that with the generator described in US Pat. No. 3,913,332, the water flow is free (there is no closed water flow chamber at the periphery from an inlet opening to a outlet opening) and that it is therefore not possible to create a water jet with homogeneous orientation and speed characteristics, unlike the wave generator included in the installation according to the invention, which is therefore much more efficient in terms of controlling the conformation of the waves generated and in terms of energy efficiency.

According to characteristics favorable to the performance of the installation according to the invention: said peripheral walls of said body define in said water flow chamber an inlet section extending rearwardly from said inlet opening and an outlet section extending rearwardly to said outlet opening, with the outlet section being rearward of the inlet section;

- the entry section is delimited on the side of the wave development zone and on the side opposite to the wave development zone by portions of said peripheral walls which are oriented along said path, with said exit section which is delimited on the side opposite to the wave evolution zone and optionally on the side of the wave evolution zone by portions of said peripheral walls which are oriented in an exit direction forming with said path a predetermined angle of change of direction; the entry section is delimited on the side of the wave development zone and on the side opposite to the wave development zone by portions of said peripheral walls which are oriented in an inclined direction forming with said path an angle of incidence, said inclined direction being oriented towards the rear and towards the opposite of the wave development zone, with said exit section which is delimited on the side opposite to the wave development zone and optionally on the side of the wave wave evolution zone by portions of said peripheral walls which are oriented in an exit direction forming with said path a predetermined angle of change of direction; said angle of incidence is between 5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 8 ° and 20 °, and more preferably between 10 ° and 16 °; said predetermined angle of change of direction is between 20 ° and 60 °, preferably between 25 ° and 40 °, and more preferably between 30 ° and 35 °; the speed with which said movable element is driven relative to said support is between and 2 _A / gH, with g being the acceleration of gravity and H being the height of the water above the edge area; the inlet opening is fully submerged while the outlet opening is emerged at its top; said exit section is delimited only on the side opposite to said wave-development zone, said outlet opening extending in the extension of said peripheral wall portion which delimits the entrance section on the side of the movement zone waves; said water flow chamber has a rectangular shape in cross section; said movable member has deflection fins disposed in said water flow chamber, each said fin having, in a change of orientation section in which the flow in said water flow chamber passes from the orientation along said path to the orientation along said exit direction, a general orientation in a direction angularly midway between said path and said exit direction; said fins extend for their major part in said orientation change section; said fins extend over a major part of said inlet section, or then over a major part of said outlet section, or else over a major part of said inlet section and over a major part of said outlet section; said installation comprises an annular structure for driving the movable elements which is floating; said installation comprises thrusters fixed to the annular structure to drive it and / or a fixed driver which rotates a roller in contact with the external surface of the annular structure to drive it; and / or at least one said movable element, said annular structure and the attachment between said annular structure and said at least one movable element are configured so that said at least one movable element is retractable in said annular structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the invention will now be continued with the detailed description of exemplary embodiments, given below by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate an installation of the state of the art, described above, the installation of which according to the invention differs only in the arrangement of the mobile elements of the wave generator.

[Fig 7] Figure 7 is a view similar to the upper part of Figure 4 but for the installation according to the invention, Figure 7 therefore showing a top view of one of the mobile elements of the wave generator of the installation according to the invention and the immediate environment of this mobile element.

[Fig 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the movable member of Figure 7, taken from the waveform area and from above.

[Fig 9] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 but simplified, in which arrows indicate the respective speeds of the moving element and of the water in its immediate environment, relative to the support of the installation.

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, except that the speeds are indicated relative to the movable member. [Fig 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the relationships between the speeds shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[Fig 12] Figure 12 is an elevational view of the movable member shown in Figures 9 and 10, taken from the wave development area with the wave generator at rest.

[Fig 13] Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 10 but for a variant of the movable member which has short deflection fins.

[Fig 14] Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12 but with the movable member of Figure 13. [Fig 15] Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 10 but for a variant the movable member which features long deflection fins.

[Fig 16] Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 14 but with the movable member of Figure 15.

[Fig 17] Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 12 but for a variant of the movable element which has an inlet section delimited by portions of walls inclined backwards and upwards.

[Fig 18] Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 12 but for a variant of the movable element similar to that illustrated in Figure 17 and which further comprises a louver disposed across its outlet opening, as well as long deflection fins similar to that of the movable member shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[Fig 19] Figure 19 is an elevational view of the movable member shown in Figure 18, taken from the front.

[Fig 20] Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 12 but for a variant of the movable member similar to that illustrated in Figure 18 except that the louver is arranged differently.

[Fig 21] Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 10 but with the movable member of Figure 20.

[Fig 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a variant of the movable member similar to that illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, and which further comprises portions of inclined walls similar to those of the movable member illustrated in figure 17, as well as spacers arranged in its entry section, the view being taken from the wave development zone, the front and the top.

[Fig 23] Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 22, some parts of the movable member having been removed.

[Fig 24] Figure 24 is a top view of the movable member shown in Figure 22, without a top peripheral wall that the movable member has.

[Fig 25] Figure 25 is the sectional view marked XXV-XXV in Figure 24.

[Fig 26] Figure 26 is a view similar to Figure 15, but for a variant of the movable element in which the distance between two successive deflection fins is variable.

[Fig 27] Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 10 but for a variant of the movable member which is similar to that illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 and which further comprises hinged portions.

[Fig 28] Figure 28 illustrates a top view of a variant of the generator of artificial waves which comprises a rotating annular structure to which are fixed movable elements.

[Fig 29] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of a tubular shell that comprises the annular structure.

[Fig 30] Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 26 but for a variant of the movable element whose entry section is delimited on the side of the wave development area and on the side opposite to the area of evolution of waves by portions of peripheral walls which are not oriented along the predetermined path followed by the mobile element but inclined with respect to this path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As indicated above, the installation 10 '(Figures 7 to 12) according to the invention is identical to the installation 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, except that the mobile elements 20 of the wave generator 12 are replaced by movable elements 20 'arranged differently. For convenience, with the exception of the reference numerals 10 'and 20', the same reference numerals as for the installation 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been kept for like elements.

The mobile element 20 'of the wave generator 12 comprises a body 60 delimiting a water flow chamber 61 (FIGS. 8 and 12) opening out through an inlet opening 62 located at the front and looking towards the front. and by an outlet opening 63 located behind the inlet opening 62 and looking towards the wave-development zone 16.

The water flow chamber 61 here has a rectangular shape in section.

The body 60 has peripheral walls which here completely close the chamber 61 from the inlet opening 62 to the outlet opening 63.

In other words, the only openings in the water flow chamber 61 through which water passes are the inlet opening 62 and the outlet opening 63.

The peripheral walls are here an internal wall 64 which delimits the water flow chamber 61 on the side of the wave development zone 16, an external wall 65 which delimits the flow chamber 61 on the side opposite to the zone. evolution of waves 16, a bottom wall 66 which delimits the flow chamber 61 from the side which looks downwards, and a top wall 67 which delimits the flow chamber 61 from the side which looks upwards.

The peripheral walls 64, 65, 66 and 67 define in the water flow chamber 61 an inlet section 68 and an outlet section 69, with the outlet section 69 which is behind the inlet section 68 (figure 8).

Entrance section 68 runs rearward from entrance opening 62.

The outlet section 69 extends rearwardly to the outlet opening 63. The entry section 68 is delimited on the side of the wave development zone 16 and on the side opposite to the wave development zone 16 by portions of the peripheral walls which are oriented along the path 21.

This is a portion 71 of the inner wall 64, as well as a portion 72 of the outer wall 65.

The outlet section 69 is delimited on the side opposite to the wave-development zone 16 by a portion 76 of the outer wall 65 which is oriented in an outlet direction 75 forming with the path 21 a predetermined angle of change of direction, noted a.

Here, the exit section 69 is not demarcated on the side of the wave development zone 16.

As a variant, the outlet section 69 is delimited on the side of the wave development zone 16 by portions of the peripheral walls which are oriented in the direction of the outlet 75.

Here, the output direction 75 is straight.

In addition to the inlet section 68 and the outlet section 69, the peripheral walls 64, 65, 66 and 67 define in the water flow chamber 61 a direction change section 70 connecting the inlet section 68 at exit section 69.

The direction change section 70 is delimited on the side opposite to the wave development zone 16 by a bent portion 78 of the outer wall 65. The concavity of the bent portion 78 faces towards the wave development zone 16 The angled portion 78 here connects the portion 72 to the portion 76.

The change of direction section 70 is delimited on the side of the wave development zone 16 by a bent portion 77, the concavity of which is turned towards the wave development zone 16. The bent portion 77 here connects the portion 71 at the edge of the outlet opening 63.

The top 67 and bottom 66 walls are here each flat and oriented generally horizontally, as seen in Figure 12. The water flows into the chamber 61 first in the inlet section 68 then in the direction change section 70 then in the outlet section 69.

In the direction change section 70, the water flow has an orientation which changes from the orientation it has in the inlet section (following the path 21) to the orientation it has in the exit section 69 (following the exit direction 75).

In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the walls 77 and 78 are curved. As a variant, the direction change section 70 is delimited differently on the side of the wave development zone 16 and on the side opposite to the wave development zone 16, for example the walls 72 and 76 are directly connected to the one to the other (no curved wall such as 78 is provided between them) while the wall 71 goes to the outlet opening 63 (no curved wall such as 77 is provided), the section of change of direction 70 then being entirely open on the side of the wave development zone 16 and delimited on the side opposite to the wave development zone 16 by the walls 72 and 76 in the vicinity of their connection.

In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the walls 71 and 72 are curved. As a variant, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 9 and 10, the walls 71 and 72 are flat.

The operation of the movable element 20 ’will now be described in support of Figures 9 to 12.

For simplicity, it has been considered in these drawings that the path 21 is rectilinear.

This assumption corresponds moreover to an approximation which can be put into practice in cases where the diameter of the path 21 is sufficiently large, for example at least equal to 50 m.

In what follows, it will therefore be considered, with the exception of an explicitly mentioned exception, that the path 21 is rectilinear.

To simplify FIGS. 9 and 10, the exit direction 75 has not been shown and the angle a is indicated between the path 21 and the wall 76 (which is oriented along the exit direction 75). FIG. 9 represents the movable element 20 'and its immediate environment when the wave generator 12 is in service.

The arrows 79 and 80 respectively indicate the speed of the movable member 20 'and the speed of the water ejected from the flow chamber 61 through the outlet opening 63, each relative to the support 11 or 55 of the. 10 'installation.

Note that the arrows 79 and 80 indicate not only the orientation and the direction of the speed, but that their length is also representative of the value of the speed.

When the wave generator 12 is in use, the movable member 20 ’is driven along the predetermined path 21, forward and at a predetermined speed relative to the support 11 or 55 of the installation 10’.

The water enters the flow chamber 61 through the inlet opening 62 (since it is at the front and looks forward) and leaves the flow chamber 61 through the outlet opening 63 (since it is behind the entry opening 62).

Body 60 therefore guides the flow of water like a pipe bend.

Here, the body 60 is configured by applying the rules known to those skilled in the art for sizing the pipe elbows so that the water flows homogeneously or roughly at the level of the outlet opening 63. .

The water ejected through the outlet opening 63 is thus shaped into a jet having homogeneous characteristics, in particular orientation and speed value.

Since the outlet opening 63 looks towards the wave development zone 16, the water jet ejected through the outlet opening 63 goes towards the wave development zone 16, forming a wave 22 ( FIG. 4) which laterally follows the movable element 20 '.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but in which the arrows 81 and 82 respectively indicate the speed of the water which enters the flow chamber 61 through the inlet opening 62 and the speed of the water. 'water that is ejected from the flow chamber 61 through the outlet opening 63, each relative to the movable member 20 '.

Before the passage of the movable element 20 ’, the water above the support 11 or 55 is stationary relative to the support 11 or 55.

The water therefore enters the flow chamber 61 with a speed

81 relative to the movable element 20 ’whose value is the same as that of the speed 79 at which the movable element 20’ moves with respect to the support 11 or 55.

It is assumed that the section of the flow remains constant from the inlet opening 62 to the outlet opening 63 and thus the velocity of the flow remains the same.

The value of the water velocity 81 at the inlet opening 62 is therefore the same as the value of the water velocity 82 at the outlet opening 63.

Since the value of the speed 81 of the water is the same as the value of the speed 79 of the movable member 20 ', the value of the speed 82 of the water is also the same as the value of the speed 79 of the mobile element 20 '.

Since the portions of the peripheral walls which delimit the outlet section 69 are oriented along the outlet direction 75, the velocity of the water leaving the flow chamber 61 has the same orientation, with respect to the outlet. movable element 20 ', that these peripheral walls, that is to say the same orientation as the exit direction 75.

The speed 82 is therefore oriented along the output direction 75.

It will now be explained with the aid of the diagram of FIG. 10 what is the speed 80 of the water jet through the outlet opening 63 of the movable element 20 'as a function of the speed 79 of movement of the water jet. movable element 20 'relative to the support 11 or 55 and the angle a.

According to the law of speed composition, the speed 80 of the water jet relative to the platform 11 is equal to the (vector) sum of the speed

82 of the water jet relative to the mobile element 20 'and of the speed 79 of the mobile element 20' relative to the support 11 or 55. In Figure 11, this sum is shown schematically by the arrangement of the speeds 82, 79 and 80 in a triangle, which is isosceles since the value of the speed 82 is the same as the value of the speed 79.

We see that the speed 80 of the water jet is oriented relative to the support 11 or 55 in a direction making an angle α / 2 forward with respect to a direction 84 perpendicular to the path 21.

It can also be shown that the value of the speed 80 of the water jet relative to the support 11 or 55 is 2 tg (a / 2) times that of the speed 82 of the water relative to the mobile element 20 ' .

However, as indicated above, the value of the speed 82 is the same as the value of the speed 79.

In other words, the value of the speed 80 of the water jet relative to the support 11 or 55 has a value of 2 tg (a / 2) times the value of the speed 79 of the mobile element 20 'relative to the support 11 or 55.

For example if a = 30 °, the value of the speed 80 of the water jet relative to the support 11 or 55 is 0.54 times the value of the speed 79 of the moving element 20 ’.

The angle of change of direction a must therefore be (i) sufficiently large so that the value of the speed 80 makes it possible to generate a wave having the characteristics required for the practice of surfing; and (ii) small enough that the direction of the velocity 80 remains close to the direction 84 perpendicular to the path 21, in order to allow good propagation of the wave 22 towards the wave development zone 16.

It emerges from the studies carried out by the inventors that it is advantageous for the angle of change of direction a to be between 20 ° and 60 °, preferably between 25 ° and 40 °, and more preferably between 30 ° and 35 °.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the speed of movement of the mobile element 20 ′ to be greater than the speed of propagation of the waves in the region of the aquatic medium 23 which is located above the edge zone 15, in particular to obtain under good conditions a wave 22 which follows the mobile element 20 '. We can assume that wave 22 is a surface wave of low amplitude propagating in a medium at shallow depth.

The speed of propagation of the waves is then c = _A / g H, g being the acceleration of gravity at the surface of the Earth (the conventional value of which is approximately equal to 9.81 m / s ² ) and H the height of the water above the edge area 15 (distance between the edge area 15 and the water surface, shown in Fig. 12).

For example, if H = 1.5 m, then c = ^ 9.81 _x 1.5 = 3.84 m / s or 13.8 km / h or 7.46 knots.

It is thus advantageous that the value of the speed 79 of the movable element 20 'relative to the support 11 or 55 is at least equal to

It is also advantageous that the value of the speed 79 of the movable element 20 ’relative to the support 11 or 55 is sufficiently small so that the wave 22 is stable.

It emerges from the studies carried out by the inventors that it is advantageous for the speed with which the movable element 20 'is driven relative to the support 11 or 55 is between and 2 _A / gH, that is to say between 3.13VI and 6.26VI, and preferably less than , i.e. preferably less than 4.70VI.

It will be noted that in the case where the diameter of the path 21 is not large enough to make the approximation that the path 21 is rectilinear, for example less than 50 m, it is advantageous that the inlet section 68 is generally curved. , as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the center of curvature being the same as that of the path 21. The portions 71 and 72, which delimit the inlet section 68, are therefore generally curved, which allows these portions 71 and 72 are each oriented as best as possible along the path 21 throughout the entry section 68.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a variant of the movable member 20 'which is identical to the movable member 20' shown in Figures 7 to 12 except that it further comprises deflection fins 85. It will be noted that for simplicity, the deflection fins 85 have been drawn in solid lines in FIG. 13, whereas they should have been in broken lines since they are under the top peripheral wall 67.

The deflection fins 85 are disposed in the orientation change section 70 in which the flow in the chamber 61 changes from the orientation along the path 21 (the orientation that the flow has in the inlet section 68) to the orientation along the outlet direction 75 (orientation that the flow has in the outlet section 69).

Each fin 85 is formed by a standing wall extending the full height of chamber 61 (i.e. from top wall 67 to bottom wall 66) between a leading edge 86 facing towards the inlet opening 62 and a trailing edge 87 looking towards the outlet opening 63. Between the leading edge 86 and the trailing edge 87, the fins 85 have a general orientation in a direction angularly situated between the path 21 and the exit direction 75, here angularly halfway (the angular difference between this direction and the path 21 or the direction 75 is of the order of a / 2).

Here, the fins 85 are identical and arranged parallel to each other at a regular pitch along a direction angularly midway between a direction transverse to the path 21 and a direction transverse to the exit direction 75 and passing through the direction. point of intersection between path 21 and exit direction 75.

It will be noted that the fins 85 are here relatively short, according to their direction of transverse extension, that is to say according to the direction of the flow of water in the mobile element 20 '.

In particular, the fins 85 do not extend, or little, into the inlet section 68 and do not extend, or little, into the outlet section 69.

Thanks to the fins 85, everything happens as if the flow in the chamber 61 were subdivided into a plurality of distinct flows, passing respectively between two neighboring fins 85, between the internal peripheral wall 64 and the neighboring fin 85, and between the outer wall 65 and the neighboring fin 85. In the example illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, where there are seven fins 85, it is as if the flow in chamber 61 were subdivided into eight separate flows.

It is known that a rule of sizing pipe elbows so that the water flows evenly or roughly is that the sum of the length of the inlet section and the length of the outlet section must be selected. depending on the section of the flow.

The fact that thanks to the fins 85 everything happens as if there were eight distinct flows therefore makes it possible to considerably reduce the sum of the length of the inlet section and the length of the outlet section, and therefore to have a body 60 particularly compact.

For example, by adding the seven fins 85, it is possible to have for the body 60 a width (greatest transverse dimension, in this case the distance between the walls 64 and 65) which is 1, 20 m and a length (greatest longitudinal dimension, in this case the longitudinal dimension of the face of the body 60 looking towards the wave development zone 16) which is 3 m.

Here, each fin 85 is curved and shaped as a load-bearing wing with a leading edge formed by its front edge 86, a trailing edge formed by its rear edge 87, an intrados face 88 looking towards the evolution zone of waves 16 and an extrados face 89 looking towards the side opposite to the wave development zone 16, the extrados face 89 here having a developed length greater than the developed length of the intrados face 88.

As a variant, the fins are shaped differently, for example by being curved at constant thickness or flat.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a variant of the movable member 20 'which is similar to the variant of the movable member 20' illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 except that its deflection fins 90 are of constant thickness and extend over the entire length of the water flow chamber 61, i.e. from the inlet opening 62 to the outlet opening 63, such fins 90 being hereinafter referred to as fins long deflection. The portions of the long fins 90 located in the inlet section 68 are oriented along the path 21, while the portions of the long fins 90 located in the outlet section 69 are oriented along the outlet direction 75. The portions of the long fins 90 located in the direction change section 70 have a general orientation in a direction angularly between the path 21 and the exit direction 75, here angularly halfway like the short fins 85.

The long fins 90 make it possible to have a particularly compact body 60, for the same reasons as for the short fins 85. The extension of the long fins 90 over the entire length of the chamber 61 provides particularly high flow homogeneity and therefore a jet of water ejected through the outlet opening which is particularly homogeneous.

As a variant, the fins 90 do not extend over the entire length of the chamber 61 but over only a part of the inlet section 68 and / or a part of the outlet section 69.

The movable element 20 ’illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 here comprises four long fins 90.

As a variant, the movable element 20 'comprises less than four long fins such as 90, for example one, two or three, or comprises more than four long fins, for example five, six (figures 22 to 24) or thirteen (figure 19).

Note that in the examples of the movable element 20 ’described above, the openings 62 and 63 are at the same level and are also each fully submerged (Figure 12).

Figure 17 illustrates a variant of the movable member 20 'which is identical to the movable member 20' illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 and 12, except that the portions of the walls from above 67 and from below 66 which delimit the section inlet 68 are each oriented in a direction inclined rearwardly and upward.

The outlet opening 63 is thus positioned higher than the inlet opening 62. Here, the mobile element 20 'is arranged in the aquatic environment 23 so that the inlet opening 62 is fully submerged while the outlet opening 63 is emerged at its top.

This configuration is favorable to the quality, for the practice of surfing, of wave 22, in particular as regards its power and its shape.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a variant of the movable element 20 'which is identical to the variant of the movable element illustrated in Figure 17 except that a louver 92 is provided, arranged across its outlet opening 63 , as well as long deflection fins 90 similar to those of the movable member shown in Figures 15 and 16.

The shutter 92 comprises a plurality of slats 93 which are oriented in a lying direction, here horizontal. Here, the slats 93 are inclined towards the wave development zone 16 and downwards, so as to direct the jet of water ejected through the outlet opening 63 downwards. The slats 93 are here fixed with respect. to the mobile element 20 '.

Alternatively, the slats such as 93 are rotatably mounted so that their inclination towards the wave-forming zone 16 is adjustable up or down.

The louver 92 is favorable to the quality, for the practice of surfing, of the wave 22, in particular as regards its power and its shape.

The possibility of changing the orientation of the slats 93 of the louver 92 makes it possible to adjust the conformation of the wave 22, in particular its thickness.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a variant of the movable element 20 'which is similar to that illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 except that the long deflection fins 90 are less numerous and that the slats 98 are oriented in an upright direction, here vertical.

The slats 98 are here rotatably mounted so that their inclination towards the wave development zone 16 is adjustable forwards or backwards, which makes it possible to vary the orientation and the breaking speed of the wave. 22 produced by the movable element 20 '. Here, the sipes 98 are inclined towards the wave development zone 16 and backwards.

In variants not shown, a louver such as 92, with upright or lying slats such as 93 or 98, is provided on a movable element configured differently than that illustrated in FIG. 17, for example on a movable element such as that illustrated. in Figures 7 to 10 and 12, or in Figures 13 and 14, or in Figures 15 and 16, or in Figures 22 to 25 which will now be described.

Figures 22 to 25 illustrate a variant of the movable member 20 'which is similar to the movable member 20' shown in Figures 7 to 10 and 12, except that it is provided with long deflection fins 90, d an inlet section 68 delimited by inclined top and bottom walls similar to those of the movable element illustrated in FIG. 17, and of spacers 94.

The struts 94 are here formed by planar walls which are each oriented transversely to the inner peripheral wall 64 and to the outer peripheral wall 65 and which here extend from the inlet opening 62 to the rear.

As seen in Figure 25, struts 94 here extend approximately 2/5 of the length of inlet section 68.

As a variant, the spacers 94 extend over a greater length, or even over the entire length of the chamber 61. As a further variant, the spacers 94 are arranged differently, for example only in the direction change section 70, only in the output section 69 or then both in the output section 69 and in the input section 68 and / or the direction change section 70.

Each strut 94 here extends from the outer peripheral wall 65 to the inner peripheral wall 64 (this wall 64, as well as the deflection fin 90 which adjoins it, have been removed in Figure 23).

The spacers 94 are mechanically connected to the peripheral walls 64 and 65 as well as to the fins 90 at the location of their intersection. The spacers 94 thus make it possible to stiffen the mobile element 20 'and in particular to limit the vibrations of the fins 90 when the water flows into the chamber 61. Here, as explained below, the spacers 94 are favorable to the homogeneity of the flow.

The spacers 94 are here regularly distributed between the top peripheral wall 67 (this wall 67 has been removed in FIG. 23) and the bottom peripheral wall 66, and are each oriented in a respective direction inclined towards the rear and towards the rear. high. Here, the spacers 94, as well as the portions of the top 67 and bottom 66 walls to the right of which the spacers 94 are located, are each oriented in the same direction.

Thanks to the spacers 94, everything happens as if the flow in the chamber 61 were subdivided into a plurality of separate flows, passing respectively between two neighboring spacers 94, between the bottom peripheral wall 66 and the neighboring spacer 94, and between the top peripheral wall 67 and the neighboring spacer 94.

For reasons similar to those set out above but for the change of orientation between a horizontal direction and a direction inclined backwards and upwards, the spacers 94 make it possible to have both a homogeneous flow and a inlet section of the chamber 61 which is particularly compact.

Note that here the mobile element 20 ′ has 6 deflection fins 90.

The spacers 94 and the deflection fins 90 are here arranged so as to form a grid.

As can be seen in Figure 22, the inlet opening 62 and the outlet opening 63 here each have a respective rectangular shape. The inlet opening 62 is here elongated in a substantially vertical direction while the outlet opening 63 is here elongated in a substantially horizontal direction.

FIG. 26 illustrates a variant of the movable element 20 'similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, except that the distance between two successive deflection fins 90 progresses, here geometrically, increasing from the internal wall 64 towards the outer wall 65. FIG. 27 illustrates a variant of the movable element 20 'similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 except that its outer wall 65 and the long deflection fin 90 closest to it each have a portion 29 which can be folded down into the water flow chamber 61.

Each portion 29 is connected to the rest of the outer wall or fin 90 by a hinge 95.

Each portion 29 is configured to admit a folded-down position in the chamber 61, in which its distal end (end opposite to the hinge 95) comes into contact with the fin 90 situated immediately after it in the direction of the internal wall 64, so to (i) interrupt the fluid communication between the inlet section 68 and the outlet section 69 in the portions of the chamber 61 which are delimited by the outer wall 65 and the fin 90 closest to it, and to (ii) allow fluid communication between the inlet section 68 and the openings 99 in the outer wall 65 and the fin 90 closest to it when these portions 29 are folded down. The water entering the compartment of the chamber 60 located between the wall 65 and the closest fin 90 as well as into the compartment located between this fin 90 and the neighboring fin is thus ejected behind the body 60.

Therefore, when the portions 29 are folded down, the stream of water ejected from the outlet opening 63 has a lower flow rate.

It is thus possible to selectively modify the conformation of the wave 22, by folding the two portions 29, a single portion 29 or no portion 29.

In particular, it is thus possible to selectively modify the thickness of wave 22 (distance between its front front and its rear front).

As a variant, only the outer wall such as 65 comprises a folding portion such as 29. As a further variant, several deflection fins such as 90 comprise a folding portion such as 29.

The driving of the movable element 20 ’along the path 21 takes place as described in US Pat. No. 3,913,332.

As a variant, as shown in FIG. 22, the movable element 20 'has at its top a mounting tab 96 fixed to the body 60 and projecting of the top wall 67. The mounting tab 96 is connected to a drive structure (not shown) arranged in the manner of a merry-go-round.

Alternatively, the tab 96 is positioned differently, for example the tab 96 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall 65, or the movable element has several mounting tabs such as 96.

The tab 96 is here a profiled element having a rectangular shape in section.

As a variant, the lug has a different shape in section, in particular to be more hydrodynamic, for example a wing shape in which the opposite upper and lower surfaces are symmetrical.

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a variant in which the drive structure arranged in the manner of a merry-go-round (to which the mobile element 20 ’is attached) is replaced by an annular structure 100.

To the annular structure 100 are attached thrusters 101 configured to rotate it while keeping the same centering as the path 21, thus driving the movable elements 20 ’along the path 21.

The annular structure 100 is here floating.

To do this, the annular structure 100 comprises a tubular shell 102 whose internal space 103 is here filled with air (Figure 29).

Alternatively, the internal space 103 is at least partially filled with a low density material, for example foam.

The annular structure 100 here has a diameter of about 100 m.

The support 11 or 55 to be used with this generator 12 has of course a diameter adapted accordingly.

The tubular shell here has a diameter of about 1.0 m.

As a variant, the diameter of the tubular shell is different, for example between 1.0 and 1.5 meters, or even more.

The thrusters 101, here four in number, are arranged along the annular structure 100 while being angularly equidistant. The thrusters 101 are here configured to cooperate with the aquatic environment and are therefore submerged. The thrusters here include propellers, ducted or not. The thrusters 101 are for example arranged in the manner of a water scooter thruster.

Batteries or fuel tanks, for example hydrogen fuel cells to supply a fuel cell which itself powers the electric motors of the thrusters, can be installed on the annular structure 100.

As a variant, the energy is supplied to the motors from the outside, for example by means of catenaries carried by posts 104 arranged outside the annular structure 100. As a variant, rollers are provided on posts such as 104 to guide the annular structure 100.

To limit the resistance to the advancement of the annular structure, hydrofoils can be provided in order to plane the structure 100 when it moves at its cruising speed. These hydrofoils can be orientable in order to vary the height position of the structure 100 when it is cruising speed, and thus to vary the configuration of wave 22.

It is also possible to provide fins and / or rudders to help maintain the annular structure 100 on its path. The thrusters can of course be associated with hydrofoils, daggerboards and / or rudders.

The annular structure 100 and the thrusters 101 are here configured to rotate clockwise.

Alternatively, at least one thruster such as 101 is configured to cooperate with the air environment and is therefore emerged, such a thruster comprising for example a turbine, a sail, or a rotating cylindrical structure configured to exploit the Magnus effect.

As a variant, the number of thrusters is less than four, for example one, two or three thrusters, or more than four, for example five or six. Alternatively, the thrusters are configured to rotate the ring structure counterclockwise, the movable elements being configured accordingly.

As a variant, the thrusters on board the annular structure 100 are replaced by a fixed driver and by a transmission, for example a geared motor which rotates a roller in contact with the external surface of the annular structure 100 or else a pump which produces a jet. of water directed on vanes present on the external surface of the annular structure 100.

As a variant, the movable element (s) 20 ', the annular structure 100 and the fixings between the annular structure 100 and the movable element (s) 20' are configured so that the mobile element (s) 20 'can be retracted into the annular structure 100. It is thus possible to operate the installation with zero, one or more wave (s) depending on the number of mobile element (s) ( s) deployed outside the annular structure 100. As a variant, the mobile element (s) 20 ′, the annular structure

100 and the fixings between the annular structure 100 and the movable element (s) 20 'are configured so that the movable element (s) 20' do not protrude from the internal side of the structure annular 100. This improves the safety of users in a simple and convenient manner. As a variant, as for the platform 11, there is provided for the annular structure 100 boxes (not shown) which can be filled with water to rest the annular structure 100 on the bottom in the event of a storm.

Of course, in other variants, the characteristics of the variants set out above are combined.

It will be observed that the annular structure 100 is also suitable as a drive structure for mobile elements of a wave generator other than the mobile elements 20 ', for example as described by US patent 3,913,332. FIG. 30 illustrates a variant of the mobile element 20 'similar to that illustrated in FIG. 26, except that the inlet section 68 is delimited on the side of the wave development zone and on the side opposite to the zone of 'evolution waves by portions 71 and 72 of peripheral walls which are not oriented along the predetermined path 21 followed by the mobile element 20 'but along an inclined direction 105 forming with the path 21 a predetermined angle of incidence, denoted i.

Specifically, the inclined direction 105 is oriented rearward and away from the wave development zone 16.

Although this is surprising, it emerges from the studies carried out by the inventors that such an inclination facilitates the entry of water into the water flow chamber 61, and is therefore favorable to the quality of the wave obtained and the energy efficiency of the installation.

It seems that the entry of water into the chamber 61 is thus facilitated because when the wave generator is in use, the bypassing of the movable element by the surrounding water occurs as shown in Fig. 30 by the lines. arrows 106, in particular because of the obstacle that the water jet exiting from the flow chamber 61 constitutes for the surrounding water.

This bypass occurs upstream of the mobile element 20 ’, which induces an orientation of the water in the inclined direction 105.

It emerges from the studies carried out by the inventors that it is advantageous for the angle of incidence i to be between 5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 8 ° and 20 °, and more preferably between 10 ° and 16 °.

It will be observed that in the variant illustrated in FIG. 30, the number of deflection fins 90 is three whereas it is four for the variant illustrated in FIG. 26. In variants not illustrated, the number of fins 90 is different from three or four, for example two or five.

In general, the fact that the inlet section 68 is delimited on the side of the wave development zone and on the side opposite to the wave development zone by portions 71 and 72 of peripheral walls which do not are not oriented along the predetermined path 21 followed by the movable element 10 'but along an inclined direction 105 forming with the path 21 a predetermined angle of incidence, applies to all the embodiments of the movable element 20 '. It will be observed that in the examples illustrated, except in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outlet section 69 is delimited only on the side opposite to the wave development zone 16, the outlet opening 63 extending in the extension of the portion 64 of the peripheral wall which delimits the inlet section 68 on the side of the wave-development zone 16.

Thus, the body 60 does not present any protrusion on the side of the wave development zone, which is favorable to its hydrodynamic qualities.

In a variant not shown, spacers such as spacers 94 are mechanically connected to short deflection fins such as 85.

In another variant not shown, the installation 10 ’comprises a louver similar to the louver 92 described above except that it is not secured to the movable element 20’ but to the support 11 or 55; such a louver projecting upwardly from the edge zone 15 and being positioned so as to be bordered on its side which faces away from the wave development zone by the mobile element 20 'when the wave generator 12 is in service; such a louver being disposed along at least a portion of the path 21, along several portions of the path 21, or along the entire path 21.

In another variant not shown, the artificial wave installation such as 10 'comprises another support, similar to the support such as 11 or 55 but the upper surface of which is arranged in mirror image of the upper surface of the support such as 11 or 55; and the generator of artificial waves such as 12 comprises another mobile element, similar to the mobile element such as 20 'but the arrangement of which is in mirror image of the mobile element such as 20'; and with water located above the edge area and the wave development area of this other support; so that when the wave generator is in use, the other moving element is followed laterally by another wave, similar to the wave such as 22 but whose displacement in water and breaking are the mirror image of the displacement and the breaking of the wave such as 22. Interestingly, this other mobile element and the mobile element such as 20 'are arranged side by side and are integral with one another. It will be observed that in all the embodiments described above, the movable element 20 ', and more precisely its body 60, is configured so that the flow of water in the chamber 61 is entirely passive, that is to say. that is, occurring solely because the movable member 20 'is driven along the path 21. In variants not shown, the movable member 20' is configured so that the flow of water in the chamber 61 is at less partially passive, i.e. part of the flow is due to an active element such as an on-board pump; and preferably configured so that the flow of water in chamber 61 is predominantly passive.

In other variants not shown: the water flow chamber can be opened from the side facing upwards, i.e. the peripheral walls only optionally close the water flow chamber. water from the side which faces upwards, for example if the movable element does not have a peripheral wall from above; the outlet section such as 69 is not straight but is generally curved, the portions of the peripheral walls delimiting it, such as the portion 76, being curved; the section of the flow chamber may be different from rectangular, for example oval, circular or triangular; and / or in the installation 10, turbines are provided to recover the energy from the water leaving the collection volume 32 or 48, for example at the openings 33, 39, 49 or 58; these turbines being, for example, Kaplan turbines.

More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

1. Installation with artificial waves for the practice of surfing, comprising: a support (11; 55) having an upper surface (14) comprising an edge zone (15), a wave development zone (16) and a zone culminating (17), the wave evolution zone (16) extending, sloping upwards, from the edge zone (15) to the culminating zone (17); water above said edge area (15) and said waveform area (16); an artificial wave generator (12) having at least one water entrainment element movable above the edge area (15) along a predetermined path (21), said wave generator (12) and said upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) being configured so that when the wave generator (12) is in use, the movable member is followed laterally by a wave (22) moving through the water towards the zone of evolution of waves (16) in contact with which the wave (22) generated breaks towards the culminating zone (17); characterized in that said movable element (20 ') of the wave generator (12) comprises a body (60) delimiting a water flow chamber (61) opening out through an inlet opening (62) located at the forward and looking forward and through an exit opening (63) located behind the entrance opening (62) and looking towards the wave-advancing zone (16), said body (60) comprising peripheral walls (64, 65, 66, 67) which completely close said chamber (61) from said inlet opening (62) to said outlet opening (63) except optionally on the side which faces upwards.

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said peripheral walls (64, 65, 66, 67) of said body (60) define in said water flow chamber (61) an inlet section (68) extending rearwardly from said inlet opening (62) and an outlet section (69) extending rearwardly to said outlet opening (63), with the outlet section ( 69) which is behind the entry section (68).

3. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the inlet section (68) is delimited on the side of the wave development zone (16) and on the side opposite to the wave development zone (16) by portions (71,

72) of said peripheral walls (64, 65, 66, 67) which are oriented along said path (21), with said outlet section (69) which is delimited on the side opposite to the wave development zone (16) and optionally on the side of the wave evolution zone (16) by portions (76) of said peripheral walls which are oriented in an exit direction (75) forming with said path a predetermined angle (a) of change of direction.

4. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the inlet section (68) is delimited on the side of the wave development zone (16) and on the side opposite to the wave development zone (16) by portions (71,

72) of said peripheral walls (64, 65, 66, 67) which are oriented in an inclined direction (105) forming with said path (21) an angle of incidence (i), said inclined direction (105) being oriented towards l 'rear and away from the wave-developing zone (16), with said outlet section (69) which is delimited on the side opposite to the wave-forming zone (16) and optionally on the side of the wave. wave evolution zone (16) by portions (76) of said peripheral walls which are oriented in an exit direction (75) forming with said path a predetermined angle (a) of change of direction.

5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that said angle of incidence (i) is between 5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 8 ° and 20 °, and more preferably between 10 ° and 16 °.

6. Installation according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said predetermined angle (a) of change of direction is between 20 ° and 60 °, preferably between 25 ° and 40 °, and more preferably between 30 ° and 35 °.

7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the speed (79) with which said movable element (20 ') is driven relative to said support (11; 55) is between and 2 _A / gH, with g being the acceleration of gravity and H being the height of the water above the edge zone (15).

8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said outlet section (69) is delimited only on the side opposite to said wave development zone (16), said outlet opening (63). extending in the extension of said portion (71) of peripheral wall (64) which delimits the inlet section (68) on the side of the wave-development zone (16).

9. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said water flow chamber (61) has a rectangular shape in section.

10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said movable element (20 ') comprises deflection fins (85, 90) arranged in said water flow chamber (61), each said fin (85, 90) having, in an orientation change section (70) in which the flow in said water flow chamber (61) changes from the orientation along said path (21) to orientation in said direction of exit (75), a general orientation in a direction angularly midway between said path (21) and said direction of exit (75).

11. Installation according to claim 10, characterized in that said fins (85) extend for the most part in said orientation change section (70).

12. Installation according to claim 10, characterized in that said fins (90) extend over a major part of said inlet section (68), or then over a major part of said outlet section (69), or then over a major part of said inlet section (68) and over a major part of said outlet section (69).

13. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises an annular structure (100) for driving the mobile elements (20 ’) which is floating.

14. Installation according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises thrusters (101) fixed to the annular structure (100) for driving it and / or a fixed driver which rotates a roller in contact with the outer surface of the annular structure (100) to drive it.

15. Installation according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one said movable element (20 '), said annular structure (100) and the attachment between said annular structure (100) and said at least a movable member (20 ') are configured so that said at least one movable member (20') is retractable in said annular structure (100).