Classifications

• • 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
  • F25C2303/044—Snow making using additional features, e.g. additives, liquid gas
• • 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 relates to a method and apparatus for making snow, and in particular, to providing a snow-making environment wherein snow can be produced under controlled conditions.
• the present invention seeks to provide a controlled environment, such that the production of snow 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is facilitated, by providing a snow-making environment, wherein the temperature, humidity and/or other environmental factors are controlled.
• the present invention provides a device for the production of artificial snow, said device comprising: an environment, wherein the temperature, humidity and/or other environmental conditions are adapted to be controlled; at least one snow gun having at least the nozzle thereof provided substantially within or adjacent to said environment.
• the present invention provides a method for the production of artificial snow, comprising the steps of: providing an environment of controlled environmental conditions suitable for the production of artificial snow; a snow gun wherein at least the nozzle thereof is provided substantially within or adjacent to said environment.
• Figure 1 shows an artificial snow-making environment, together with the required machinery and snowgun associated therewith;
• FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred portability of the snow-making apparatus in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 3 illustrates three suitable nozzle arrangements in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 4 shows a silo-like arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 is illustrated an artificial snow-making environment, generally designated by the numeral 1.
• the artificial snow-making environment 1 comprises a tent or dome-like structure 2, which separates a closed environment system 3 from the external natural environment
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 may be constructed in a variety of ways and utilising a variety of materials, however, obviously, the structure 2 preferably has some degree of thermal insulating characteristics, such that the energy required to achieve the desired parameters of the artificial environment 3 is minimised.
• Temperature, humidity and otherwise conditioned air is supplied into the controlled environment 3 by means of appropriate machinery, generally designated by the numeral
• the machinery consists of a fan or air pump 6 which facilitates the recycling or intake of air from the external environment 4.
• the air is passed through a chiller 7 and dehumidifier 8 and is exhaled into the controlled environment 3 via a nozzle 9.
• the water and air pipes 11 also preferably passed through a chiller.
• the nozzle 9 is preferably able to be swivelled such that the chilled and dehumidified air may be supplied into the controlled environment 3 at any desired direction.
• both temperature and humidity are preferably as low as possible, however in an environment which is above 0°C at high humidity, it is still possible to produce snow. The optimum conditions would be at temperatures approaching -273°C and at humidity approaching zero levels.
• a snow gun 10 is also supplied within the closed controlled environment 3.
• the snow gun 10 is of any conventional type, requiring air and water hoses 11 for the production of snow.
• the snow-making apparatus is assembled as follows.
• the apparatus which is preferably on a ski like structure, for easy transportation, is dragged to the required position by means of a skidoo or the like.
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 is then dragged over the snow gun 10 and the nozzle of the chilling and dehumidifying machinery 5.
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 is preferably connected to the ground surface by a plurality of tent pegs or weights around the perimeter thereof.
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 may be be simply inflated by supplying air through the nozzle 9 of the machinery 5.
• FIG. 2 a preferred embodiment of the snow-making apparatus, illustrating the portability of the invention. That is, the snow-making apparatus, comprising the fan 6, the chiller 7 and the dehumidifier 8, together with a storage facility 13 for the tent or dome-like structure 2 are provided on a ski-like arrangement 14.
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 may simply be withdrawn from the storage means 13 and dragged forwardly to cover the nozzle 9 of the machinery 5.
• the snow-making device and method of the present invention provides a closed environment system wherein the temperature, humidity and/or other environmental conditions are regulated as desired, to facilitate the production of snow, via a conventional snow gun. Due to the lightweight construction of the invention, the apparatus may be easily moved-, such that upon completion of the snow-making operating at a particular place, the system may be easily moved to the next desired location. Obviously, in use, a large pile of snow may be produced at one point, and then a snow cat or the like may be utilised to spread the snow. The present invention therefore allows the production of snow in a controlled environment 24 hours a day, 365 days year anywhere in the world.
• the present invention provides a snow making method and apparatus which obviates the need for specific refrigeration machinery.
• gases in any cold form for instance nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which have characteristics of below zero temperatures in their normal gaseous state.
• This may be achieved by utilising gases which are cold in their normal state, or by providing the gases in compressed condition to induce a change of state and consequently provide low temperatures, such as, providing the gas in a compressed (liquid) condition, and allowing the mixture to change state to a gas.
• the tent or dome like structure 2 consequently forms a cold room, in which the snow may be produced, without the need for a mechanical chilling means.
• the gases may be produced from a normal pressure cylinder, or may be machinery made.
• the tent or dome like structure 2 will stop wind from blowing the snow away whilst it is being made, and it will also protect the snow from sun, rain and other natural environmental effects.
• a floor could be provided, either in solid form or in the form of a soft zip-on construction, such being particularly useful in the case where it is desirable to completely isolate the closed environment from the external environment.
• the tent or dome-like structure can also be optionally provided such that it is provided with a hole therein, such that the snow-making device is provided externally therethrough and directed through the wall of the tent or dome-like structure.
• advertising material may be provided on the external face of the tent or dome like structure.
• means is provided on the tent-like structure to recycle the gas, such as Nitrogen, such that same can be re-utilised.
• the dome-like structure also preferably is provided with a humidity exit means to exit any humidity in the closed environment.
• FIG 3 is illustrated three alternative embodiments of nozzle arrangements which may be utilised in conjunction with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• the nozzle of a snow gun is adapted to provide the conditions suitable to induce the production of snow, as the products are emitted from the nozzle.
• Figure 3a is shown a nozzle wherein cold liquid nitrogen or gaseous nitrogen is supplied by the inlet 15 of the nozzle 16. Air 17 and water 18 is supplied at the rear of the nozzle 16, and, due to the nozzle being effectively mixed with or chilled by the nitrogen or other similar gas means provided by inlet 15, the nozzle 16 is effectively chilled such that snow 17 is emitted therefrom.
• the nozzle is provided with an annular arrangement therearound to which the inlet providing the cold nitrogen gas 15 is provided.
• the annular arrangement 20 can for instance be provided with a plurality of orifices around the inside annular surface thereof, to emit nitrogen towards the nozzle output, effectively controlling the temperature at the output such that snow 19 is produced thereby.
• a third possible arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3c shows a horn-like structure 21 adapted to be fitted to the end of a nozzle 16.
• the nitrogen gas, or like gas is supplied by the inlet 15 into the horn-like arrangement 21, such that a mini controlled environment is provided around the extremity of the nozzle, such that snow 19 may be emitted from the output of the horn.
• suitable gases or liquids which may be supplied by the inlet 15 to or near the extremity of the nozzle 16 are gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases with low temperature thermal characteristics in their normal state.
• Fig. 3(d) illustrates a more detailed example of the horn of Fig. 3(c), showing the entry of the air and water into the nozzle and the provision of the liquid nitrogen around the periphery of the horn.
• the nozzle generally designated by the numeral 30 is connected to the horn 31.
• Liquid nitrogen, or other suitable gas 32 may be applied within the nozzle, generally designated by numeral 33, in the horn, at the plurality of outlets 34, or both.
• the liquid nitrogen may either be designed to cool the horn and/or nozzle but not mix with the snow 35, or alternatively, the liquid nitrogen 34 may mix with the snow 35, and be readmitted to the environment.
• FIG 4 is illustrated a silo-like arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
• the silo-like arrangement generally designated by the numeral 22, is built with a plurality of snow guns 23 provided within the silo body 24, the silo body 24 being provided on stuncheons 25 at an elevation such that a snow cat 26 or like device may be driven under the silo body 24, such that the snow 27 which accumulates under the silo may be spread over the ground surface as required.
• the silo-like arrangement preferably is provided with the necessary refrigerant machinery 28 on the top thereof or, alternatively underground, such that the ground surface 29 is not cluttered with unnecessary articles and machinery.
• machinery is provided to extract nitrogen from the surrounding air, and compress same.
• nitrogen, or other appropriate gas can be manufactured on site, rather than having to transport same to the location of the snow making machinery.
• tent-like, dome-like or silo-like arrangements materials are preferably chosen such that they have good thermal insulative properties, such that the energy required to provide the controlled environment is minimised.
• amount of thermal insulation will vary depending on the particular location, and the desired temperature difference which is required in comparison to the surrounding environment.
• a conveyor belt arrangement may be provided to move the snow from the location of production to the desired ground surface.
• the present invention may be preferably embodied such that the snow making device is portable, for instance mounted on a snow cat, however, obviously, with embodiments such as the silo-like arrangement, it is more likely to be implemented as a fixed structure.
• an air flow direction system can be incorporated into the controlled environment. This would preferably take the format of having a plurality of baffles.
• the chillers and dehumidifiers can be supplied underground at a central location at the point where the air and water hoses originate.
• the tent or dome-like structure 2 may be portable or a permanent construction, and is may incorporate a frame or have a frameless structure.
• An air supported frame is also envisaged, wherein an insulating air pocket is supplied between the closed environment and the external environment, for the dual purpose of insulating the two environments and also separating the structure 2.
• the present invention may therefore be utilised in a situation to supplement the natural snow falls in an environment, or provide snow in an environment where snow falls are not normally naturally occuring.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
• Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
• Suspension Of Electric Lines Or Cables (AREA)
• Discharge Heating (AREA)
• Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
• Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
• Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
• Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
• Cleaning Of Streets, Tracks, Or Beaches (AREA)
• Disintegrating Or Milling (AREA)
• Encapsulation Of And Coatings For Semiconductor Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
• Prostheses (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)
• Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
• Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

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Country Status (14)

Cited By (7)

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Citations (5)

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• 1990
  • 1990-03-01 EP EP00203328A patent/EP1065456B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1990-03-01 AU AU52679/90A patent/AU640129B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1990-03-01 DK DK90904191T patent/DK0461160T3/da not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1990-03-01 AT AT90904191T patent/ATE164442T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1990-03-01 AT AT00203328T patent/ATE331922T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1990-03-01 CA CA002050324A patent/CA2050324C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1990-03-01 WO PCT/AU1990/000083 patent/WO1990010183A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1990-03-01 EP EP97107403A patent/EP0798520B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1990-03-01 SG SG1996004595A patent/SG47828A1/en unknown
  • 1990-03-01 KR KR1019910701030A patent/KR100237971B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1990-03-01 AT AT97107403T patent/ATE272198T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1990-03-01 DE DE69034228T patent/DE69034228T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1990-03-01 JP JP50449090A patent/JP3176060B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1990-03-01 EP EP90904191A patent/EP0461160B1/de not_active Revoked
  • 1990-03-01 NZ NZ232751A patent/NZ232751A/en unknown
  • 1990-03-01 ES ES97107403T patent/ES2225913T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1990-03-01 ES ES90904191T patent/ES2116980T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1990-03-01 DK DK97107403T patent/DK0798520T3/da active
  • 1990-03-01 DE DE69034154T patent/DE69034154T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1990-03-01 DE DE69032180T patent/DE69032180T2/de not_active Revoked
• 1991
  • 1991-08-28 FI FI914055A patent/FI914055A0/fi not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1991-09-02 NO NO91913438A patent/NO913438L/no unknown
• 1999
  • 1999-06-24 JP JP11178212A patent/JP2000035269A/ja active Pending

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