Snow making method and device

Abstract: A device and method for the production of artificial snow, the device (Fig. I) comprising an environment (3) wherein the temperature, humidity and/or other environmental conditions are adapted to be controlled, the device also having at least one snow gun (10) having at least the nozzle portion thereof provided substantially within or adjacent to the environment (3). Within the environment (3) the humidity and temperature may be controlled by a dehumidifier (8) and a cooler or chiller (7), such that the conditions within the environment (3) are satisfactory for snow production. Alternatively, the mini controlled environment may be provided wherein the nozzle or the environment adjacent the nozzle (16) (Fig. 3) is controlled to be of desired temperature and humidity.

Description: 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. At present, snow-making production is controlled by the natural environmental weather conditions. To produce man-made snow, low temperature and low humidity conditions are required. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, for example, Australia, conditions are often such that the temperature and/or humidity may be low, but the other environmental factors are still unsuitable for the production of man-made snow. The greatly restricts the suitable times when snow can be made. FR-A-1,372,024 describes an apparatus for the production of snow for use on ski slopes. The apparatus comprises a rigid fixed collecting tank in which the temperature within the tank is reduced and into which the "snow" is deposited from a spray head mounted within the tank. 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 snow, as defined in claim 1. The invention also provides a method for the production of snow, as defined in claim 4. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows an artificial snow-making environment, together with the required machinery and snow gun associated therewith; and Figure 2 illustrates the preferred portability of the snow-making apparatus in accordance with the present invention; In Figure 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 4. 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 5. In particular, 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. It should be obvious to persons skilled in the art that 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. In use, 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 12 or weights around the perimeter thereof. The tent or dome-like structure 2 may be simply inflated by supplying air through the nozzle 9 of the machinery 5. Once the required parameters are achieved within the closed environment 3, the snow-making operation may be commenced. In Figure 2 is shown 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. Therefore, 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 operation 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 a year anywhere in the world. Other advantages are also provided by the dome-like structure of the present invention. In particular, 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. Optionally, 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. Another advantage also provided by the present invention is that advertising material may be provided on the external face of the tent or dome-like structure. Preferably, 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. Obviously, in the implementation of the tent or dome-like structure, materials are preferably chosen such that they have good thermal insulative properties, such that the energy required to provide the controlled environment is minimised. Obviously the 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. It will be understood that numerous other modifications are envisaged to the present invention. For instance, if desired, a conveyor belt arrangement may be provided to move the snow from the location of production to the desired ground surface. Also, optionally, an air flow direction system can be incorporated into the controlled environment. This would preferably take the format of having a plurality of baffles. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that numerous other variations or modifications are envisaged to the present invention. For example, instead of supplying the machinery 5, totally separated to the snow gun 10, an integrated system may be envisaged, wherein the air and water hoses 11 or the contents therein may be chilled or dehumidified. In such an embodiment, it would then only be necessary to supply the snow gun 10 within the tent or dome-like structure 2, further increasing the portability of the invention. Such an integrated system wherein the chilling and dehumidifying machinery 5 is incorporated with the snow gun 10, would be particularly suitable in Australian conditions, wherein there is a high probability that the chillers and dehumidifiers are required most of the time. The tent or dome-like structure 2 is portable and 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 occurring.

Claims: A device for the production of snow, comprising an artificial snow-making environment (1) comprising a stowable tent or dome-like structure (2), which separates a closed environment (3) from the natural environment (4); machinery (5) consisting of a fan or air pump (6), a chiller (7), a dehumidifier (8) and a nozzle (9) for supplying air into the closed environment (3); a snow gun (10) having air and water hoses (11), said snow gun being located within the closed controlled environment(3); whereby, in use, water emitted via an outlet of said snow gun (10) travels through said closed environment (3), the temperature of said water being lowered such that snow is produced within said artificial environment(1), said snow thereby being prevented from being affected by adverse environmental conditions such as wind, sun, rain, etc, said device being provided on a sled, skidoo, snowcat or the like transportation means. A device for the production of snow, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tent or dome-like structure is configured as a double layered membrane. A device for the production of snow as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a conveyor belt, to convey said snow to a desired position. A method for the production of snow using the device of any one of the preceding claims.

Inventors: FRENCH ANDREW BOYD, FRENCH, ANDREW BOYD
Applicants: POLAR TECHNOLOGIES INTERNAT PT, POLAR TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED
Application year: 1990
Main classification: F25C3
IPC codes: F25C3