EP4200041B1 - Pump unit for mobile surf device with a centrifugal pump and a diffuser - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a pump cell for an almost ubiquitous, in particular mobile (i.e. transportable), surfing system for generating a surfable standing wave (simulator for wave water sports, such as surfing, bodyboarding, etc.) and a corresponding surfing system. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to the use of a special pump in a surfing system.

Such a facility will be referred to below as a “surfing facility” or just a “facility”. The system has a modular structure. The modules include inflatable elements. The modules are designed to be stowed (preferably as weight-saving as possible) in trucks and/or freight containers in order to transport the system from one (event) location to another location.

There are basically two different types of conventional surfing systems, namely mobile systems and stationary systems.

Stationary systems are immobile, i.e. they are always in one (single) location and are permanently installed there. Stationary systems usually have a concrete (water) basin that serves as a water reservoir. A surfable surface over which a film of water or a surfable layer of water is directed or flowed and on which a user can carry out surfing maneuvers is usually also concrete or can be assembled from pre-formed glass fiber mat sections. The production of the surfable surface, i.e. the corresponding surface, is complex and expensive. The construction of the concrete surface is done manually and must be carried out by skilled workers who are able to shape the desired contour of the base. The smallest unevenness in the surface can have a negative impact on the layer of water flowing over it.

The US 2005/0148398 A1 proposes a stationary system (e.g. in a water park), in which the surfable surface is realized by a trampoline-like membrane, which is coupled laterally to a frame of the system that is fixed in or on the water basin and which is downstream from the Horizontal (progressively) rising. The frame (cf. Fig. 1 US` 398 A1) forms an outer frame that surrounds and supports the membrane laterally, ie to the left and right of the flow direction of the water layer. The frame has clamping bars oriented transversely to the direction of flow, which are arranged below and to the side of the membrane (see Fig. 4A of US 398 A1) and which extend over the entire width of the membrane (and beyond). The clamping bars are connected to side frame elements that extend parallel to the flow direction (ie along the longitudinal direction). Using hydraulically operated actuators (not shown), the clamping bars can be pushed laterally outwards transversely to the direction of flow in order to tension the membrane in this transverse direction.

Advantages of a membrane can generally be seen in the fact that i.) a sufficient, desired stiffness of the surfable surface is achieved via the tension, which supports the layer of water flowing over it and the surfer at the same time, and ii.) sufficient flexibility is provided in the vertical direction is when the surfer falls, and in US 398 A1 in particular in that iii.) the tension of the membrane can be actively adjusted by applying appropriate pressure on the actuators in order to achieve different Simulate surfing conditions (e.g. to adapt to the surfer's weight).

In addition, the use of air cushions and foam support elements of the like is known to influence the shape or shape of the membrane - and thus the size and shape of the layer of water flowing over it.

The US` 398 A1 uses axial pumps to create the flowing water layer with the outlet velocity (m/s) and water volume (m <sup>3</sup> /h) required for surfing. The axial pumps can be upright (cf. Fig. 2A the US` 398 A1) or lying (cf. Fig. 2B the US` 398 A1) must be installed. In both cases, a very deep and large water basin is required in order to sink the pumps sufficiently deep for safe operation. A large amount of water is required, especially to safely prevent air from being sucked in during operation of the pumps. The pumps require diver maintenance due to their size and installation depth. The pumps must be operated at very high speeds (>2500 rpm) to ensure the water outlet speed and quantity required for surfing, which results in higher noise output and sound emissions in higher frequency ranges - (shrill turbine noise), which spoils the experience surfing as a natural sport is negatively affected.

Mobile portable (ie particularly transportable) systems are exemplary in the documents US 2017 / 0 136 373 A1 and US 10,501,953 B2 described. US 373 A1 is examined in more detail below.

US '373 A1 shows a system with an inflatable base element (see Fig. 4C of US '373 A1), in which a U-shaped basic structure that is open on one side is connected to a pump arrangement on the front side (see Fig. 3A, 3B and 5C the US` 373 A1) is coupled to generate the water jet. The pump is installed horizontally during operation. On the floor of the basic structure, a plurality of identically designed, cylindrical support bodies are arranged in a grid pattern in order to carry a wedge-shaped support body and a cuboid-shaped support body, which define the surfing surface. The cylindrical ones Support bodies are positioned within a water reservoir. The cylindrical support bodies are connected to one another via a grid-shaped tubular frame. The wedge-shaped support body and the cuboid-shaped support body are inflatable and rest on top of the plurality of cylindrical support bodies. The wedge-shaped support body borders directly on the pump arrangement in the direction of flow and supports the surfable surface from below. The cuboid support body borders the wedge-shaped body downstream and serves as a drainage element for (vertically) returning the water to the reservoir after the water flow has flowed over the wedge. The pump arrangement does not extend over the entire width of the surfable area, but has external lateral areas where returning water can also be fed to the water reservoir.

The design of the membrane, which is arranged above the wedge-shaped body and the cuboid body, is not described in more detail in US 373 A1. Attachment of the membrane to the basic structure is not described in more detail. Furthermore, it is not described how the mobile system can be set up on different surfaces in such a way that the water flow on the surfable surface is as uniform as possible in its width direction. US 373 A1 assumes that the surface of the subsurface is flat and horizontally oriented. This ideally means that the subsurface surface coincides with a level surface (horizontal surface) of the Earth's gravity field.

The DE 23 19 902 A1 According to its introduction, relates to a circulation device for swimming pools for generating a water flow in the swimming pool with a suction area located between a suction opening and a circulation pump and a pressure area located between the circulation pump and a jet nozzle. With a circulation device of this type, a surface current is usually created in the swimming pool water, against which the swimmers can swim, for example for training purposes.

The WO 2005/ 066 436 A1 According to its summary, relates to an apparatus for creating a countercurrent in a body of water contained in a reservoir, the apparatus comprising: a flow path with a withdrawal inlet of water from the water body, and a drain for returning the water drawn through the inlet to the reservoir in the form of the countercurrent against which a swimmer can swim; and water propulsion means for generating a flow of water along the flow path from the inlet to the outlet; the arrangement being that the countercurrent has an initial width that is less than the width of the reservoir and diverges laterally away from the swimmer in a manner whereby the divergence is substantially unimpeded, thereby causing the velocity of the waters to decrease relatively quickly downstream, allowing the swimmer to vary his or her swimming speed over a significant range without changing his or her distance from the drain by more than a few meters.

The WO 2021/ 051 092 A1 According to its abstract, relates to systems and methods that include an inflatable floating water attraction system for generating a wave. Example embodiments also include a power and jet module for use with a water attraction system.

The DE 28 37 391 A1 According to its summary, concerns a method for learning water skiing without the need for a motorboat and a large body of water. Instead, a relatively small basin is used. One end of the pool has a series of jets connected to a pump that draws water from the opposite end, maintaining a constant flow of water from one end of the pool to the other. The student stands on skis and holds onto a rope attached to a post, and the flow of water simulates the movement of a motorboat.

It is an object of the invention to provide a pump cell for a ubiquitous surfing system which provides a surfable water flow with improved properties and with less effort.

In particular, a standardized, inexpensive pump that has already been tested in practice should be used in a (mobile) surfing system.

Preferably, there should be less noise when generating the wave.

In particular, the simulated wave should be generated with a flow speed that is as close as possible to the travel speed of a real wave normally ridden by a surfer (15-30 km/h), i.e. the speed should be less than or equal to 30 km/h.

This task is solved by a pump cell for a (mobile) surfing system according to claim 1.

The developers have recognized that the use of a commercially available radial pump for use in a mobile surfing system is of great advantage. The corresponding pumps are inexpensive and have already been tried and tested in practice. The pumps only have to be operated horizontally, which meets the requirement to store as little water as possible in the surfing facility's pool.

The radial pumps work at speeds that cause a low noise level. This refers to the reduction of the sound pressure and in particular a shift to a low frequency range due to a slower number of revolutions of the pump.

The radial pumps, together with the diffuser, create a surfable water flow that flows at a speed of less than or equal to 30 km/h and is still surfable.

The water flow emerges from the diffuser without turbulence, unlike axial pumps.

The radial pump can be installed in a compact and, in particular, transportable frame that can be arranged directly adjacent to another frame in a width direction in order to generate a wider shaft. The direction of the water flow is achieved by simply positioning a second pump cell on a first pump cell.

The pump has a pump housing which, when the pump cell is used in the surfing system, has a vertically oriented inlet opening, with the outlet opening being horizontally oriented.

In particular, the pump further comprises a motor which, when the pump cell is used in the surfing system, is positioned outside a water reservoir and which has a drive shaft which is vertically oriented.

The filling height of the reservoir can be minimized because, after taking into account a maximum immersion depth of the suction (so that the pump does not get stuck on the bottom of the reservoir), the filling height results from the maximum height of the pump housing, which must be completely filled with water to function properly. This preferably results in a filling height of 40 cm and the resulting correspondingly low surface loads, which correlate with the most common building regulations. This means that the surfing system can be used in a variety of ways, for example in a parking garage.

The engine is freely accessible from above the water and can be easily maintained. The drive shaft is already oriented parallel to the shaft of the pump wheel, so that a complex shaft coupling is not necessary.

In particular, the pump frame has: a base plate; a mounting plate which is arranged at a distance from the base plate, preferably via height-adjustable feet, to form a suction area for the pump and which is firmly connected to the pump and the base plate; and a frame configured to couple the diffuser to the base plate in a predetermined orientation that is parallel to a desired flow direction.

The pump frame can be assembled in advance in order to finally assemble the pump and diffuser later - especially at the location of the mobile surfing system. With this installation, the pump and diffuser automatically align themselves in a desired orientation. Complex adjustment work is no longer necessary and is only limited to a bottom area of the pump frame.

The pump rack simplifies scaling the number of pump cells within a pump arrangement because the pump cells can be aligned with one another via the racks.

Preferably, downstream, the diffuser has in sequence: an inlet section which has a cross section at a downstream end which corresponds to an outlet cross section of the pump, and which flows water exiting horizontally from the pump at an angle of preferably 20°-45° upwards with respect to the horizontal redirects; a cross-sectional deformation section configured to continuously enlarge the cross-section and deform into a rectangular shape having a width several times larger than a height; and an outlet section adapted to redirect the water flow back to horizontal.

There is no energy-losing 90° deflection downstream to the pump. The cross section is constantly expanded, which suppresses turbulence in the water flow. The water jet emerging horizontally from the pump is continuously transformed into the flat and wide flow. The water flow is raised gently (i.e. with little loss and free of turbulence) above the level of the water reservoir to the height of the surfing surface.

In particular, the pump is not self-priming and can be operated without a backing pump.

Furthermore, the task is solved by a, in particular mobile, surfing system according to claim 7.

In particular, a membrane is also provided which defines the surfable surface and which is coupled laterally to the support structure and frontally to the frame.

During operation, the membrane stretches itself in the longitudinal direction due to the water jet flowing over it and has a tension that conveys a realistic surfing feeling. The water current is slightly compliant vertically as the surfer rides on it. More radical maneuvers are also possible for ambitious users because the surfing surface gives way vertically but still remains taut. Due to the flexible surface, it is not possible for a board, for example, to completely displace the water underneath it and get stuck on the surface.

In particular, the mobile surfing system also includes the pool.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by using a radial pump as a pump in a pump cell for a surfing system to generate a layer-like water flow for a surfable, standing wave according to claim 11.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the pump arrangement, and in particular the pump frame, is connected to a, preferably releasably mounted, cross member which extends in the transverse direction, the membrane in particular having a pocket at its downstream end which is used to permanently accommodate the cross member is set up so that the membrane is stretched in the operating state by the water flow in the longitudinal direction.

In a special embodiment, the membrane is stretched over a wedge in such a way that the wedge supports the membrane from below in the operating state, the membrane being connected laterally to the support structure via tensioning elements, so that the membrane is independently tensioned in the transverse direction.

It is also advantageous if the wedge has a vertical cross section along the transverse direction Y, which can be influenced by an adjustable air pressure, so that the cross section is higher in the middle than on the outside and the membrane allows lateral return channels to be defined.

In particular, the system also has a compressor for regulating the air pressures in the support structure and/or the wedge.

The leveling device is preferably arranged on an underside of the pump frame.

In particular, the leveling device is formed by: individually height-adjustable threaded feet; a variety of shims, preferably of different thicknesses; and/or one or more gel pads that can be positioned under the pump frame.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one level is provided for horizontal alignment of the pump arrangement in the longitudinal direction X and/or in the transverse direction Y, with the transverse members and longitudinal members of the frame preferably serving as measuring surfaces for the levels.

Fig. 1A

eine Draufsicht einer Surf-Anlage;

Fig. 1B

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht der Surf-Anlage der Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A-D

verschiedene Ansichten einer Pumpenzelle einer Pumpenanordnung;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf eine isoliert dargestellte Tragstruktur, die einen Keil in sich aufnimmt, über den eine Membran gespannt wird;

Fig.4

eine perspektive Ansicht eines Details der Fig. 3; und

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht (Fig. 5A) des Diffusors der Fig. 2 sowie Querschnittsansichten (Fig. 5B-H) entlang von Linien B-B bis H-H in Fig. 5A.

Nachfolgend wird der allgemeine Aufbau einer mobilen und portablen Surfanlage (kurz "Anlage") 10 gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung unter gleichzeitiger Bezugnahme auf die Fig. 1A und 1B beschrieben werden. Fig. 1A zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Anlage 10 und Fig. 1B zeigt eine teilweise geschnitten dargestellte Seitenansicht entlang einer Linie I-B - I-B in Fig. 1A. Die Fig. 1A und 1B sind nicht maßstabsgetreu wiedergegeben. Ferner ist für ein leichteres Orientierungsverständnis in nahezu allen Figuren ein kartesisches Koordinatensystem gezeigt, wobei eine Länge bzw. Längsrichtung mit X, eine Breite bzw. Querrichtung mit Y und eine Höhe bzw. Höhenrichtung mit Z bezeichnet sind.Embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1A

a top view of a surf facility;

Fig. 1B

a partially sectioned side view of the surf facility Fig. 1A ;

Figs. 2A-D

different views of a pump cell of a pump arrangement;

Fig. 3

a top view of a support structure shown in isolation, which accommodates a wedge over which a membrane is stretched;

Fig.4

a perspective view of a detail of the Fig. 3 ; and

Fig. 5

a side view ( Fig. 5A ) of the diffuser Fig. 2 as well as cross-sectional views ( Fig. 5B-H ) along lines BB to HH in Fig. 5A .

Below is the general structure of a mobile and portable surfing system (“system” for short) 10 according to the present disclosure with simultaneous reference to Fig. 1A and 1B to be discribed. Fig. 1A shows a schematic top view of the system 10 and Fig. 1B shows a partially sectioned side view along a line IB - IB in Fig. 1A . The Fig. 1A and 1B are not reproduced to scale. Furthermore, to make it easier to understand the orientation, a Cartesian coordinate system is shown in almost all figures, with a length or longitudinal direction being denoted by X, a width or transverse direction by Y and a height or height direction by Z.

In general, the system 10 is characterized by a floating structure that aligns itself. Only a flow-generating drive needs to be positioned and, if necessary, leveled. The system 10 works with a relatively slow water current (v less than or equal to 30 km/h), which can break down more easily, but provides a more realistic surfing feeling, comparable to surfing in the open ocean. The water flow moves essentially parallel to the The water flow is stable and essentially laminar. The slower flow speed (conventional systems are operated at speeds of 50-60 km/h) prevents, for example, a user (surfer) from getting stuck on the surfable surface with the underside of his gliding aid (surfboard, bodyboard, etc.) when cornering.

The system 10 has a modular structure in order to be transportable. The modules of the system 10 are designed so that they can be loaded into a truck and/or a freight container in a dismantled state in order to unload and rebuild the system 10 at any other location.

A (first) optional module of the system 10 is a basin 12 which has a floor 14 and a side wall 16. In Fig. 1 the floor 14 is positioned directly on a surface (e.g. ground, hall floor or similar) where the system 10 is to be set up. The pool 12 the Fig. 1 is positioned above ground and transportable, that is, the pool 12 can be assembled and dismantled on site. The pool 12 can be inflatable.

It is understood that the pool 12 can alternatively be permanently installed in the ground, such as in a public or private swimming pool, in which case the pool 12 is then not a module of the system 10.

The floor 14 of the Fig. 1 exemplarily has an area of approx. 126 m ² (9m x 14m). The floor 14 extends essentially along the horizontal, ie the XY plane. The (one-part or multi-part) side wall 16 extends circumferentially around the bottom 14 and is essentially vertically oriented. The side wall 16 usually has a height of 60 cm to 70 cm. When we speak of “essentially horizontal” or “essentially vertical,” this means that smaller angular deviations of, for example, +/- 5° compared to 0° or 90° and in particular tolerances are included.

The pool 12 the Fig. 1 can be defined, for example, by a circumferentially arranged frame, not specified here, over which a tarpaulin, also not specified, is placed in order to define the bottom 14 and the side wall 16 (in one piece). It goes without saying that the bottom 14 and the side wall 16 can each also be designed in several parts, for example in the form of plates (not shown) that can be connected to one another in a watertight manner.

The basin 12 is open at the top and watertight. The basin 12 is filled with a predetermined amount of water and serves as a water reservoir 18. The water in the water reservoir 18 is required to produce a flowing water layer 20, which will also be equivalently referred to as a water flow 20, 20, which will be explained in more detail below becomes. The water reservoir 18 contains, for example, a water quantity of 35,000 liters.

A (floating) support structure 22 forms a further (second) module of the system 10. The support structure 22 is preferably inflatable or is formed, for example, by foam elements. The support structure 22 is positioned in the pool 12 and floats on top of the water. The support structure 22 is floating in the pool 12.

The support structure 22 is in plan view (cf. Fig. 1A ) in particular U- or V-shaped to accommodate a membrane 38 in its interior, which forms the surfing surface. The membrane 38 can form a further module of the system, which will be explained in more detail below.

The support structure 22 can have several (air-filled) elements that are coupled together to form the U- or V-shaped basic shape. The U or V shape is formed (in plan view) by two long, approximately parallel legs 42 and a short leg 44 (see also Fig. 3 ) is defined, which connects the two parallel legs 42 to one another. In the operating state of the system 10, the longer legs 42 extend essentially along the longitudinal direction X, whereas the short leg 44 extends along the transverse direction Y at a downstream end.

The “operating state” refers to a state in which the system 10 is completely constructed, is initially aligned and the water flow 20 is active.

With the U-shape (cf. Fig. 1A ), the two long legs 42 are oriented parallel to each other, with the short leg 44 being oriented perpendicular to the long legs 42. In the V-shape (not shown), the long legs 42 are oriented only approximately parallel to one another. However, their relative distance increases downstream in the transverse direction Y off. Both the U-shape and the V-shape have an open side (right in Fig. 1A ), where a pump assembly 24 of the system 10 is positioned at an upstream end of the support structure 22.

For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed below that the base area of the support structure 22 is U-shaped in a resting state, i.e. without active water flow 20. The support structure 22 can also have a rectangular base area.

The pump arrangement 24 forms a further (third) module of the system 10. The pump arrangement 24 generates the water flow 20 by sucking water out of the reservoir 18, accelerating it and ejecting it horizontally along the longitudinal direction X onto the membrane 38. The pump arrangement 24 has at least one pump cell 25, each of which has a pump 26, a diffuser 27 and a pump frame 28 (cf. Fig. 2 ) having.

The pump 26 defines a suction area 30 of the pump arrangement 24, which is under water in the operating state of the system 10. The pump 26 further define an outlet area 32 of the pump arrangement 24, which is above water in the operating state. The water flow 20 emerges from the outlet region 32 under pressure, as a convergent, divergent or parallel water layer. The exit area 32 is essentially defined by the diffuser 27 or its exit opening 84. In the operating state of the system 10, the basin 12 is filled with water to such a level or with so much water that the pump 26 is under water, cf. H1 in Fig. 2B .

The pump 26 is attached to the frame 28 in such a way that when the frame 28 is aligned horizontally (in X and/or Y), the water flow 20 exits horizontally (in X and/or Y), as explained in more detail below becomes.

Since the pump frame 28 usually has a smaller width (in the transverse direction Y) than the surfable surface 40, an elongated rod- or bar-shaped cross member 52 (cf. Fig. 2B , 3 and 4 ), e.g. a round tube with an exemplary diameter of 30 mm and a sufficient wall thickness of, for example, 3-4 mm, are attached to the pump frame 28 and protrude laterally beyond the frame 28. The cross member 52 has, for example, a length that essentially corresponds to the width of the surface 40. The cross member 52 can be formed in one piece or in several parts. The cross member 52 is preferably provided on a front side of the arrangement 24, so that the membrane 38 (not shown) can connect directly to an outlet region 32 of the water flow 20. The cross member 52 is advantageously also arranged at a height directly below the outlet area 32, so that the water flow 20 flows onto the membrane 38 with as little friction as possible.

In the operating state, the cross member 52 extends perpendicular to the flow direction X, i.e. along the transverse direction Y. The pump arrangement 24 must be aligned accordingly in its construction.

The cross member 52 can be welded to the frame 28. The frame 28 can alternatively be designed in such a way that the cross member 52 can be inserted lengthwise into the frame 28 via a coupling, but is nevertheless fixed in the longitudinal direction X (cf. dashed line in Fig. 2B ). The membrane 38 can have a pocket 53 at its upstream end (cf. Fig. 4 ), into which the cross member 52 can be inserted (simultaneously) during the construction or assembly of the system 10. It goes without saying that in this case the pocket 53 does not have to extend over the entire width of the membrane 38 in order to also enable the cross member 52 to engage in the frame 28.

Various types of connection between the membrane 38, the cross member 52 and the frame 28 are possible.

The pump 26 and the diffuser 27 of the pump cell 25 Fig. 2 are fixed to the frame 28 and are positioned (locally fixed) together with the frame 28 in the water reservoir 18. The pump 26 and the diffuser 27 are connected to one another and are usually pre-assembled on the frame 28. Alternatively, the frame 28 is preferably first empty basin 12 is positioned at a desired location and the pump 26 and the diffuser 27 are then mounted on the frame 28.

The pump arrangement 24 preferably comprises three pump cells 25, which are arranged directly next to one another in the transverse direction Y in order to jointly generate the (one) water flow 20, which in this case is composed of three water jets overlapping at the edge. It goes without saying that more or fewer pump cells 25 can also be provided. A single cell 25 may be sufficient to generate the water flow 20.

Another (fourth) module of the system 10 can be formed by a, preferably inflatable, wedge 34. The wedge 34 can be implemented by a (eg air-filled) element. When viewed from the side, the wedge 34 points (cf. Fig. 1B ) has a triangular cross section, so that the wedge 34 becomes higher and higher as the length increases. The wedge shape can rise linearly or curved (e.g. parabolic). In plan view, the wedge 34 is essentially rectangular.

The dimensions of the wedge 34 are chosen so that the wedge 34 fits between the parallel long legs of the support structure 22 with a predetermined tolerance, at least in the transverse direction Y.

The wedge 34 is arranged directly adjacent to the pump arrangement 24 in the longitudinal direction X. The pump arrangement 24 is positioned in the longitudinal direction X opposite the open section of the U- or V-shaped support structure 22 and opposite the wedge 34 within the basin 12. The water flow 20 becomes downstream, i.e. in Fig. 1 in the positive longitudinal direction can move back and forth and laterally in the Y direction on the water flow 20, like on a real wave.

Downstream towards the rising part of the wedge 34, the surfing surface can transition into a (horizontal) (grid) section of constant height which defines a drainage area where the water of the water flow 20 is directed vertically downward, back into the water reservoir 18, to be used again to circulate. Alternatively, a separate, preferably cuboid-shaped and inflatable, floating backflow element 36 can be provided, which connects downstream to the wedge 34 and which is dimensioned so that it (in plan view) fits positively with the wedge 34 inside the U or V -Shape of the support structure 22 is recorded. The drainage area of the wedge 34 or the return element 36 have a structure (e.g. vertical channels, a horizontal grid that is open at the bottom or the like) that is permeable to water in order to return the water that has flowed over the wedge 34 into the reservoir 28.

It goes without saying that the support structure 22 and the wedge 34 can also be designed as a single (e.g. inflatable) part.

Another (fifth) module of the system 10 can be formed by the membrane 38, which largely or completely covers the top of the wedge 34. Preferably, the membrane 38 covers both the rising portion of the wedge 34 and at least a portion of the constant height portion that adjoins the rising portion of the wedge 34 downstream.

The membrane 38 is preferably made of an elastic material (eg Panama tarpaulin with 900 g/m ² or "truck PVC tarpaulin"). Such a membrane 38 can be stretched over the wedge 34 and optionally also at least partially over the return element 36 in order to define the surfable surface or surfing surface 40 over which the water layer 20 flows, on which the surfer can surf and / or glide .

Alternatively, the water layer 20 can also flow directly over the wedge 34, ie the membrane 38 can also be dispensed with, especially if the surface of the wedge 34 or the support structure 22 is designed accordingly.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of the support structure 22, shown in isolation, which has received the wedge 34 essentially in a form-fitting manner. The pool 12, the starting jetty 54 (cf. Fig. 1 ) and stage 56 (cf. Fig. 1 ) are included in order to simplify the explanation Fig. 3 not shown. The membrane 38 is in Fig. 3 indicated by a dashed line. The membrane 38 can be stretched between long legs 42-1 and 42-2 of the support structure 22, so that the membrane 38 completely covers the wedge 34. This mechanical (pre-)tension essentially acts in the transverse direction Y.

As soon as the pump arrangement is in operation, the water flow 20, which is in the Fig. 3 emerges from outlet openings (not designated) of the pumps 26 of the pump arrangement 24 and which are indicated by a large number of (unspecified) arrows in the Fig. 3 is indicated, is active, the membrane 28 is additionally tensioned by the pressure of the water flow 20, essentially in the longitudinal or flow direction X, but also in the transverse direction Y. These additional (tensioning) forces (see arrows 50) cause the long legs 42 in the open area of the U-shaped base of the support structure 22 to be pushed further outwards in the transverse direction Y than in the vicinity of the short leg 44. This can result in the U-shaped Basic shape approximates a V-shape.

The membrane 38 can have tensioning elements 46 (e.g. ropes, preferably elastic), as in the detailed view of Fig. 4 shown, which is a section of the Fig. 3 (see circle IV there) shown enlarged, can be connected to the long legs 42.

For this purpose, the membrane 38 and the legs 42 can have, for example, (through) holes 48, which are provided with eyelets, for example, through which the clamping element or elements 46 are guided. For example, elastic ropes, rubber expander ropes, etc. can be used as tensioning elements 46, which are preferably guided through the holes 48 of the membrane 38 and the legs 42 using a special knotting technique in such a way that the membrane 38 is under load from the (vertically acting) weight of the Surfers and/or by the pressure of the water flow 20 itself, particularly in the transverse direction Y.

This type of connection enables the U-shaped basic shape of the support structure 22 to be deformed into a V-shape during operation by the long legs 42 being pressed transversely outwards in an area close to the pump by the emerging water flow 20.

Furthermore, this type of suspension of the membrane 38 generally results in a self-regulating system that ensures that the water flow 20 has a constant thickness (in the height direction Z) over its entire width (in the transverse direction Y). There are also fewer stalls. Should a flow stall nevertheless occur, so that the water flow 20 no longer flows in a uniform laminar manner, as is preferred, over the surfable surface 40 and thus results, for example, in an uncontrolled turbulent - and therefore difficult to surf or not surfable - flow, The preferred type of water flow quickly reestablishes itself. The user only has to wait a short time until ideal surfing or current conditions prevail on area 40 again. The water can flow back laterally, as in Fig. 1A is illustrated by bright arrows.

In order to enhance the above-mentioned effects, the membrane 38 can also be connected at its upstream end, i.e. opposite the pump arrangement 24, to the pump arrangement 24 and in particular to the pump frame 28 or the frame 71, in particular using a rod-like cross member 52 ( see. Fig. 4 ). In this case, the membrane 38 is also connected to the pump frame 28 essentially over the entire width in the transverse direction Y of the surfable surface 40, as in Fig. 3 shown. “Substantially over the entire width” means that the membrane 38 is connected to the pump arrangement 24 over a width of the pump arrangement 24. Ideally, the membrane 38 is connected to the pump arrangement 24 over its entire width. Slightly different widths of +/- 10-25%, preferably 5-10%, are also still acceptable.

The pump cell 25, which represents one of the core elements of the present disclosure, will be described in more detail below.

In the Fig. 2A (Perspective), 2B (Side View), 2C (Front View) and 2D (Top View) is one of the pump cells 25-1 to 25-3 of the Fig. 3 exemplified in isolated form. It is understood that the following explanations apply to all pump cells 25 of a pump arrangement 24.

The pump 26 is generally a radial pump. Radial pumps are centrifugal pumps in which the medium (here: water) is pumped radially, i.e. perpendicular to an in Fig. 2A vertically oriented pump shaft (not shown) which revolves around the axis A in Fig. 2A rotates, emerges from a (not illustrated, horizontally oriented) impeller or pump wheel. In contrast to axial pumps, a flow deflection within the impeller enables the use of centrifugal force for higher delivery pressures, although the volume flow is reduced accordingly. The medium to be pumped enters the pump 26 vertically via a suction pipe (not shown), is captured by the rotating pump wheel and carried outwards on a spiral path. By expanding the area between the (not shown) blades of the pump wheel, a radial velocity of the water decreases (radially) outwards, while at the same time a tangential velocity - and thus the pressure - increases.

The pump 26 includes a motor 60, a (shaft) clutch 62 and an impeller (not shown), as shown in Fig. 2A shown. The impeller, ie the impeller or pump wheel, is arranged within a snail-shell-shaped (pump) housing 64, which is shown in plan view Fig. 2D is easy to see. The housing has a circular section radially on the inside, which is followed by a spiral-shaped section on the radial outside. The pressure and momentum (mass times tangential velocity) of the pump wheel transport the accelerated water into a tangentially oriented pipe section 63 of the housing 64 (cf. Fig. 2D ), which is followed by an end section 65, which allows the generated water jet to emerge parallel to the X direction with a circular cross section (diameter 150 mm). The diffuser 27 is connected (tightly) to the outlet opening of the pump 26 with its inlet opening in order to i.) change the cross section of the water jet from circular to flat rectangular and ii.) a height difference between the outlet opening of the pump 26 and the membrane 38 or the surfing surface 40 to overcome, cf. Fig. 2B .

The motor 60 is preferably a controllable electric motor that is controllably operated at a maximum of 1,500 rpm.

The frame 28 includes a base plate 66, a mounting plate 68, feet 70 between the plates 66 and 68, and a multi-part frame 71, as in Fig. 2A shown.

The base plate 66 is preferably rectangular, approximately 100 cm long and approximately 60 cm wide. The base plate 66 is preferably made of metal, and in particular approximately 5 cm high, in order to be sufficiently heavy to fix the pump 26 during operation within the basin 12 by gravity alone. This means that the pump cell 25 is preferably fixed solely by its own weight, to which the weight of the base plate 66 also contributes.

The mounting plate 68 is also preferably rectangular and has, for example, a length of approximately 60 cm and the same width as the base plate 66. The mounting plate 68 is preferably also made of metal and 5 cm high. The mounting plate 68 is vertically spaced in its corners via feet 70 (distance is, for example, approximately 20 cm) from the base plate 66 in order to define a space between the plates 66 and 68 from which the pump 26 can suck water into its interior. The feet 70 are preferably arranged in a downstream end region of the plate 66. The pump 26 therefore sucks water from the reservoir 18 vertically upwards. It is important to prevent the pump 26 from sucking in air or an air-water mixture because the radial pump 26 is not self-priming. No backing pump should and will not be used. This means that the pump housing 64 is preferably completely submerged so that the interior of the pump 26 is always filled with water and remains filled.

The mounting plate 68 has a central hole (not shown) to which an inlet opening of the pump housing 64 is coupled, in particular via a sealing ring 72. The central hole is circumferentially surrounded by a ring of holes (not shown), which is designed to be congruent with a ring of holes in the housing 64 in order to firmly connect the pump 26 to the frame 28. Screws (not shown) are used for the connection.

Optionally, a ring 74 (cf. Fig. 2B ) can be provided in order to move the suction opening or inlet opening of the pump 26 further downward, ie deeper into the reservoir 18. The ring 74 is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the pump 26 and is adapted to the central hole in the mounting plate 68 (and the congruent inlet opening of the pump) and is preferably approximately 7cm high.

Furthermore, optional reinforcing struts (not shown) can be provided on the underside and/or top of the mounting plate 68, preferably in a star shape starting from the central hole, so that the mounting plate 68 can withstand the high weight and the large forces that the pump 26 generates during operation. to be able to better absorb and pass on information.

The frame 71 has several parts. The frame 71 includes a plurality of legs 76, supports 78 and optional (cross) struts 80. Furthermore, the frame 71 may have connecting members 82 in a downstream end region to connect the rod-like cross member 52, to which the membrane 38 is attached, to the pump assembly 24 to couple, as will be explained below.

The legs 76 extend vertically and are secured to the plates 66 and 68 at respective downstream end portions of the plates 66 and 68. The supports 78 extend horizontally and are attached to upper ends of the legs 76. The carriers 78 are set up, the starting bridge 54 (cf. Fig. 1 ) to wear where the surfer begins his ride.

The struts 80 serve to stabilize the legs 76 and can extend in all directions, even if in the Fig. 2 only a single strut 80 is shown, which extends in the transverse direction Y. The brace 80 the Fig. 2 also serves to fix the diffuser 27 on the frame 71, as will be explained below.

The starting jetty 54, ie the platform on which the surfer initially stands in order to then enter the surfing area 40, can be implemented by an ordinary stage scaffolding be that a standard width of 200 cm, under which three of the pump cells 25 can be arranged next to each other (in the Y direction). The starting jetty 54 is in Fig. 2B indicated by dashed lines and extends in the flow direction X preferably up to an outlet opening 84 of the diffuser 27, as in Fig. 2B illustrated. The surfer standing on the starting pier 54 gets the feeling that the water current 20 appears out of nowhere. The surfing surface 40 is not visible to the surfer. The surfer therefore gets the impression of a perfect, real wave.

One or more further cladding elements 55 can be connected to the starting bridge 54, for example in order to cover the engine 60, as shown in Fig. 2B is indicated by dashed lines. This engine cover can also be used as a seat.

The pump 26 is in the Fig. 2 shown in its surfing installation position. In this position, the housing 64 of the pump 26, which is usually operated standing on its feet 86, is tilted horizontally in order to suck in the water vertically, see arrows 86 in Fig. 2B between the plates 66 and 68, and to be output horizontally, see arrow 90 in Fig. 2B . In this position, the housing 64 is completely submerged. In other words, this means that the pump 26 is operated standing when used as intended (eg as a water pump in a house). In this use, the pump 26 stands on the feet 86 so that the inlet opening is oriented horizontally and the outlet opening is oriented vertically (upwards). However, when the (radial) pump 26 is used in the surfing system 10, the pump 26 is horizontally aligned. The inlet opening coupling (ring of holes), to which a water pipe (pipe) is normally connected, is used to attach the pump 26 to the frame 28 and as a suction opening which is in direct contact with the water of the reservoir 18.

The (lying) use of (actually operating upright) radial pumps 26, in particular in combination with a respective diffuser 27, as pumps in mobile surfing systems 10 represents an independent invention.

The specifications of the pump 26 of the present disclosure are set forth in Table 1 below. Table 1 Normal suction, single-stage centrifugal pump according to ISO 5199 with dimensions and rated performance according to EN 733 (10 bar). The pump is equipped with PN 10 flanges. The dimensions correspond to EN 1092-2. The pump has an axial suction port and radial pressure ports as well as a horizontally arranged shaft. The process design allows disassembly of the motor, motor lantern, cover and impeller without having to separate the pump housing from the piping. The pump is directly connected to a fan-cooled asynchronous motor. For speed control, the motor has a frequency converter and PI controller, which are housed in the motor's terminal box. The electronic speed control enables the motor speed and thus the pump performance to be continuously adjusted to the current requirement. Type of control: Frequency converter: Integrated Conveying medium: Conveying medium: Water Media temperature range: 0 .. 120 °C Media temperature during operation: 20°C Density: 998.2 kg/ ^m3 Technical data: Pump speed on which the pump data is based: 1460 1/min Rated flow rate: 380 ^m3 /h Nominal delivery height: 8,415 m Actual impeller diameter: 213mm Nominal impeller diameter: 200mm GLRD arrangement: Simple mechanical seal GLRD code: BAQE ISO acceptance class: ISO9906:2012 38 Materials: Pump housing: Gray cast iron Pump jacket: EN-GJL-250 Pump housing: ASTM that 35 Wear ring: Brass Impeller material: Gray cast iron Wheel: EN-GJL-200 Impeller material according to ASTM: ASTM that 30 Wave: Stainless steel Shaft: EN 1.4301 Wave: AISI 304 Installation: Maximum ambient temperature: 40°C Max. operating pressure: 10 bar Pipe connection standard: EN 1092-2 Size of the suction nozzle: DN 200 Pressure port size: DN 150 Nominal pressure level: PN10 Pump housing with feet: Yes Support block: N Electrical data: IE efficiency class: IE3 Rated motor power P2: 11kW Mains frequency: 50Hz Rated voltage: 3 x 380-480V Rated current: 22.0-17.8 A Cos phi power factor: 0.91-0.90 Rated speed: 240-1750 rpm Efficiency: IE3 91.4% Motor efficiency at full load: 81:4% Motor poles: 4 Protection class (according to IEC 34-5): IP55 Thermal class (IEC 85): F Motor - product number: 86906207 Miscellaneous: Minimum efficiency index MEI &#8805: 0.70 Net weight: 289kg Gross weight: 322kg

Next, the diffuser 27 will be examined in more detail. The diffuser 27 is generally an element that slows down flows and increases the (static) pressure, ie the pressure that acts on an inner pipe wall at an outlet opening (Bernoulli equation). The diffuser 27 acts inversely like a nozzle. The diffuser 27 is technically used to convert the kinetic energy into pressure energy. To do this, the flow is delayed by expanding a (flow) cross section (continuous or discontinuous). This means that the inlet area of the diffuser 27 is smaller than the area of the outlet opening 84. The water flow 20 therefore emerges from the diffuser 27 at a lower speed (preferably less than or equal to 30 km/h) than from the pump 26, but at a higher (static) pressure, which benefits the surfer. The pump 26 outputs a quantity of water of 380 m ³ /h at its outlet opening (diameter 150 mm or area of approximately 17,671 mm ² ) at a flow speed of approximately 7 m/s at a pressure of approximately 1 bar.

The diffuser 27 has - along its main axis H, which in the installed state is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction X - an inlet section 92, a cross-section changing section 94 and an outlet section 96, as in Fig. 2D shown. The cross-sectional change is described with reference to Fig. 5 will be explained in more detail.

The inlet section 92 is shaped and aligned so that the flow emerging tangentially from the pump housing 64 enters the diffuser 27 as gently as possible, i.e. without loss of energy. The inlet section 92 takes up the tangential orientation and gently deflects it in the direction of the main axis H. Sections 94 and 96 are aligned parallel to the main axis H. The sections 94 and 96 are - in contrast to the section 92 - circular or mirror symmetrical.

The diffuser 27 is preferably manufactured as an injection molding or deep-drawing element. The diffuser can have stiffeners 98 on its outer surface, in particular on its top and bottom, which extend along the main axis H. The stiffeners 98 suppress vibrations and give the diffuser 27 stability. In addition, the stiffeners 98 ensure that the diffuser 27 maintains its shape during operation and remains aligned along the flow direction X.

From the Fig. 2C and 2D It can be seen that the pump cell 25 can have overhangs in the transverse direction Y which protrude beyond the base plate 66. In particular, one of the housing feet 86 and the sections 92 and 94 of the diffuser 27 protrude beyond the base plate 66 in the negative Y direction.

When constructing a pump arrangement 24 which consists of a plurality of pump cells 25, the base plates 66 of the cells 25 will be arranged abutting one another in the transverse direction, as shown in FIG Fig. 2D is illustrated. In the Fig. 2D a second cell 25' is indicated in broken lines in parts below the actual cell 25. The foot 86' of the cell 25' overlaps the cell 25 in the transverse direction Y. The same applies to the sections 92' and 94' of the diffuser 27'. The cells 25 and 25' - and thus their water jets - can be correctly aligned with one another simply by positioning the base plates 66 and 66 together. The pump arrangement 24 can therefore be scaled to any width.

Furthermore, one or more fastening lugs 100 can be provided on the outside, and in particular on the top, of the diffuser 27. The diffuser 27 is connected to the frame 71 - and thus to the frame 28 - via the fastening lugs 100 and aligned. Between the fastening lugs 100 and the frame 71, damping elements 102 (eg silent blocks) can be arranged, which are in the Fig. 2B and 2D are indicated with dashed lines. The damping elements 102, the fastening lugs 100 and the frame 71 can be connected to one another, for example, via screws (not shown), which are preferably aligned horizontally.

In addition to reshaping and increasing the cross-sectional area, the diffuser 27 has the function of creating a height difference H2 (cf. Fig. 2B ) between the water surface or the pump outlet and the surfing surface 40 to overcome. The section 94 of the diffuser 27 is slightly inclined to the horizontal, preferably in an angular range of 20°-45° and in particular at 30°, as in Fig. 2B shown. Such a flat angle of inclination results in less energy loss when redirecting the flow than with a 90° deflection.

Fig. 5 illustrates the cross-sectional change and enlargement from the pump outlet (i.e. diffuser inlet) to the diffuser outlet.

Fig. 5A shows the diffuser 27 of the Fig. 2 more isolated in a side view. The Fig. 5B-H show the cuts along the lines BB to HH in Fig. 5A .

Fig. 5B shows the cross-sectional area of the diffuser 27 at the interface between the diffuser 27 and the pump 26, see also Fig. 2B . The cross section is circular and has a diameter of 150 mm.

The Fig. 5C-G show the change in the cross section downstream, ie in the direction of the outlet opening 84. A width of the cross section increases steadily, whereas a height decreases. The cross section changes its shape from circular to essentially rectangular flat (cf. Fig. 5H ). The cross-sectional area increases from approximately 17,687 mm ² to 22,037 mm ² , ie approximately 20%. The flow speed at the outlet decreases accordingly (e.g. from almost 25 km/h to approx. 20 km/h), which is quite close to the running speed (15 km/h) of a real wave. The outlet cross section has a width B1 of approx. 50 cm and a height H3, cf. Fig. 5H , of approx. 45 mm.

The length L1 of the diffuser 27 is, for example, 800 mm with a height difference H4 of, for example, 480 mm. The length L2 of section 92 is, for example, 100 mm.

Returning to Fig. 1 It has proven to be advantageous if the pump arrangement 24 has a high dead weight, because in this case the pump arrangement 24 fixes the remaining elements, in particular the surfing surface 40, within the pool 12, even during standing wave operation.

Should a fixation outside the pool still be desired, this can be achieved, for example, via the starting bridge 54, which can form another optional module of the system 10. The starting bridge 54 includes the (horizontally oriented) platform 56, which preferably stands on (vertically oriented) feet 58, cf. Fig. 1B . The feet 58 can be anchored (externally) in the ground.

The platform 56 is provided at a height that allows the surfer to enter the surfing surface 40 at the level of the exit area 32 of the pump assembly 24. The platform 56 is typically positioned above and behind the pump assembly 24 (in the longitudinal direction Fig. 1A ).

The launch bridge 54 may further include a staircase (not shown) that allows the user to enter the platform 56.

List of reference symbols:

10

Surf facility

12

pool

14

Floor

16

Side wall

18

Water reservoir

20

water flow

22

Support structure

24

Pump arrangement

25

pump cell

26

pump

27

diffuser

28

pump frame

30

Intake area

32

Exit area

34

wedge

36

Return element

38

membrane

40

Surface, surfable

42

Long thighs of 22

44

Short thigh of 22

45

Exit opening of 26

46

Clamping elements

48

Holes/eyelets in 38 and 46

50

(Tension) forces

52

Cross beam

53

Bag

54

Starting jetty

55

Cladding element

56

Platform/stage

58

Feet of 54

60

engine

62

(Shaft) coupling

64

Pump housing

63

Pipe section of 64

66

Base plate of 28

68

Mounting plate

70

Feet

71

Frame

72

poetry

74

Intake ring

76

Legs of 71

78

carrier

80

Bracing

82

connecting link

84

Exit opening from 27

86

Feet of 64

88

Suction direction

90

exit direction

92

Inlet section from 27

94

Cross-sectional change section

96

Exhaust section of 27

98

stiffening

100

Fastening nose

102

Damping elements

H1

Water level height

H2

Height difference

Claims (12)

1. A pump cell (25) for a surfing facility (10), wherein the pump cell (25) is configured to generate a layer-like water flow (20) for a surfable standing wave, wherein the pump cell (25) comprises:

   a pump (26) being a radial pump (26) and having an outlet opening;

   a diffusor (27) coupled to the pump (26), and configured to enlarge a cross-sectional area of the water flow (20) downstream of the pump (26) as far as an outlet opening (84) of the diffusor (27) and to reshape same into a wide and flat shape; and

   a pump frame (28) to which the pump (26) and the diffusor (27) are fasten-able,

   wherein the pump (26) comprises a pump housing (64), wherein the pump housing (64), when the pump cell (25) is used in the surfing facility (10), has a vertically oriented inlet opening, wherein the outlet opening of the pump (26) is oriented horizontally.
2. The pump cell (25) of claim 1, wherein the outlet opening of the pump (26) is circular.
3. The pump cell (25) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump (26) further comprises a motor (60) being positioned outside a water reservoir, when the pump cell (25) is used in the surfing facility (10), and comprising a drive shaft which is oriented vertically.
4. The pump cell (25) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pump frame (28) comprises:

   a base plate (66);

   a mounting plate (68), which is arranged, preferably via feet (70), spaced apart from the base plate for forming an intake area (30) of the pump (26), and is fixedly connected to the pump (26) and the base plate (66); and

   a frame (71) configured to couple the diffusor (27) in a predetermined orientation, which is parallel to a desired flow direction, to the base plate (66).
5. The pump cell (25) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the diffusor (27) comprises, in a consecutive manner, downstream:

   an inlet portion (92) comprising at a downstream end a cross section corresponding to an outlet cross section of the pump (26), and redirecting the water flow (20), which exits the pump horizontally, in an angle of preferably 20°-45° upward relative to the horizontal;

   a cross-section deforming portion (94) configured to perform a continuous, preferably constant along a main axis (H), cross-section enlargement and reshaping into a rectangular shape having a width many times greater than a height; and

   an outlet portion (96) configured to redirect the water flow (20) back to the horizontal.
6. The pump cell (25) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump (26) is not self-priming and is operated without a backing pump.
7. A surfing facility (10), comprising:

   a, (24) including at least one pump cell (25) in accordance with one of the preceding claims; and

   a supporting structure (22), preferably inflatable, configured to float on top of a water reservoir (18) defined by water within a basin (12), wherein the basin (12) is formed by a basin bottom (14) and a sidewall (16).
8. The surfing facility (10) of claim 7, further comprising a membrane (38) defining a surfable surface (40), and being coupled laterally to the supporting structure (22) and frontally to the frame (28).
9. The surfing facility of claim 7 or 8, further including the basin (12).
10. The surfing facility of any of claims 7 to 8 having a modular structure, and being configured to be transported.
11. A use of a radial pump (26) in a surfing facility (10) as a pump (26) in a pump cell (25) for generating a layer-like water flow (20) for a surfable standing wave, the pump cell (25) comprising a diffusor (27) coupled to the pump (26) and configured to enlarge a cross-sectional area of the water flow (20) downstream of the pump (26) as far as an outlet opening (84) of the diffusor (27) and to reshape same into a wide and flat shape; and wherein the radial pump (26) is used in a lying orientation, in which an inlet opening of the pump is oriented vertically and an outlet opening is oriented horizontally.
12. A use of a pump cell (25) according to any of claims 1 to 6 in a surfing facility (10) for generating a layer-like water flow (20) for a surfable standing wave, wherein the radial pump (26) is used in a lying orientation, in which an inlet opening of the pump is oriented vertically and an outlet opening is oriented horizontally.

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