Silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation

Abstract

A new use of existing dry material storage silos. The massive capacity, proportions of height to diameter, uniform lateral strength attributed to vertical cylindrical and elevated configuration, and very existence provides for a cost effective and efficient means of water storage and release of massive volumes of water for the purpose of creating wave energy in a pool for water surfing and other water recreational entertainment or sport activities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage silos and, more particularly, to silos utilized for storage of grain or other dry materials such as portland cement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water recreation parks are becoming increasingly popular, in particular those water parks with wave generating pools that produce waves of substantial size for water surfing. Over the past several years, surfing pools have been constructed whereby a variety of means in producing waves have been utilized. Moving a massive volume of water to create sizable waves has been attempted by means of hydraulics, pneumatics, a combination thereof and other mechanical means. In all variations of man-made wave generation, the cost of producing the “perfect wave”, that is to say a wave that is substantial in size, speed, shape, frequency, and duration before decay becomes extremely cost prohibitive. The creation of a man-made wave meeting these criteria has been restricted because of available space for wave generation and propagation, construction costs exceeding return on investment, or simply cost prohibitive.

Man-made wave generation has been attempted in a variety of inventions. Pneumatics and hydraulics can be utilized to mechanically drive pistons that push massive volumes of water quickly into a pool, thereby creating waves. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,476, issued to Edwards, a platform is supported beneath the surface of a body of water and is raised and lowered to a height causing waves passing thereover to break. Similar to Edwards is U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,823, issued to Koster whereby a swimming pool is equipped with an oscillating blade for actuating water in the pool. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,557,559, issued to Barr, a surge generating ram imparts motion to the water therein, with the breaking waves forming and propagating outwardly toward a beach. In another approach to wave generation, water is forced into motion by means of jets, as in United States Patent 4,662,781, issued to Tinkler for creating a jump in the water by means of water jets. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,535, issued to Bastenhof, waves are produced in a pool by an adjacent water-filled caisson which is coupled to a swimming pool at the base of the pool and caisson. High pressure air is vented into the caisson, forcing water through an opening the wall adjoining the pool from the chambers into the swimming pool. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,334, issued to Dexter, an open water reservoir is comprised of a rear wall, two side walls, a means of defining a passageway in a said front wall, and a deflector with a screen or shield to protect occupants. The water is elevated thereby relying on gravity to produce a predetermined head and subsequent releasing of the water, as in for producing translatory waves suitable for surfing are generated. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,332, issued to Forsman for wave generation, a plurality of a plow-like wave generator provides serial waves on opposite sides of a tunnel structure in a circular motion track. Yet another means of creating waves is accomplished by a plow-like device that is pushed or pulled along the length of the pool, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,670, issued to Lochtefeld, et al for a Moving reef wave generator. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,260, issued to Sauerbier, a generator hull partially submerged in the water is propelled through the water in the direction of motion thereby generating a sustainable wave. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,697, issued to LeMehaute for a wave generator, a water filled channel and a wave forming body is positioned in the channel so as to deflect the water by the upper surface of the body by means of a two-faced inclined plane, thereby simulating to a rider of a boat or surfboard, the thrill of the ride. The wave forming body is either movable or stationary. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,612, issued to Richard et al, a tapered enclosure for a body of water has a wave generator positioned in a relatively narrow and deeper end. The wave generator is a chamber comprised of a plunger.

In relying on pneumatics, hydraulics or combination thereof to excite and force water into desired motion for the purpose of wave generation, the risks of human injury and costs become high. The concept of generating waves by means of elevating water, much like the flushing of a giant toilet is highly successful. However, the rectilinear configuration of the water storage container is limiting to wave generation and performance due to structural limitations and lack of conformity to fluid dynamics. Construction of a rectilinear water storage container of adequate height for the desired wave size and frequency in generation would be cost prohibitive and prove to be a poor return on investment. Furthermore, the recovery time required to cycle the necessary volumes of water for wave generation is excessive. Still another shortcoming of the rectilinear tank is the exposure to the atmosphere and ambient conditions. Exposure to weather conditions such as freezing cold temperatures greatly limit the operation of the pool to seasonal. Exposure to factors such as dust, and bird droppings affect the efficiency of the use of the pool as these foreign particulates increase costs for filtration and sanitation. The moving wave generator, “plow-like” device is limited to wave size because of the ideal speed of travel of the device, volume of water captured by the device, safety concerns, potential obstacles, and excessive recirculation time thereby greatly reducing the number of wave riders per unit time. In skimming the water, the “plow-like” device requires excessive speed to generate an adequately sized wave. The moving wave generator should not travel at a speed that would exceed that of the most “perfect wave” as found in nature as this would prove most dangerous and unsatisfying to the most skillful surfer due to insufficient reaction time and excessive force caused by the dynamics. Furthermore, the length of the pool required in providing a suitable time to “ride” the wave would be excessive and therefore cost prohibitive. Furthermore, the moving wave generator introduces a tremendous risk in bodily harm in the event of collision with the moving device.

It is therefore an object of the invention to utilize existing dry material storage silos for water storage and release thereby supplying sufficient volumes water for surfing and other water recreational activities

It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for maintaining water sanitation

It is another object of the invention to utilize the height of existing silos for obtaining the water pressure necessary to generate massive man-made waves

It is another object of the invention to utilize the cylindrical shape of existing silos to sustain efficient fluid dynamics

It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for maintaining water temperature

It is another object of the invention to utilize the elevated configuration of the existing silos for concentrically interconnecting effluence of water from beneath the silos for transmission by pipe to a water pool

It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for providing a means of water and air recirculation with the enclosed pool facility

It is another object of the invention to utilize the plurality of the existing silos whereby the cycling in filling and expelling water within each silo can be synchronized to maintain adequate volumes of water, thereby greatly increasing wave generation frequency

It is another object of the invention to utilize the plurality of the existing silos whereby the cycling in filling and expelling water within each silo can be synchronized to maintain adequate volumes of water, thereby maintaining a reserve of water at all times so as to avoid disruption of the operation of the invention

It is another object of the invention to utilize the vertical integration of the plurality or matrix of the silos which substantially increases the structural integrity and stability of each said silo and matrix thereof

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new use of existing dry material cylindrical storage silos. The massive capacity, proportions of height to diameter, uniform lateral strength due to vertical cylindrical and elevated configuration, plurality of chambers, and very existence provides for a cost effective and efficient means of water storage and release of water for the generation of wave energy for water surfing and other water recreational activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of a silo configured in a matrix of rows and columns with substantial capacity in supplying water by means of a manifold system to a water-pool for the purpose of a wave generation in said water-pool;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume into a water-pool showing the static mode of water prior to a wave generation;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume into a water-pool showing the dynamic mode of water to create a wave generation;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port thereby providing an introduced-volume of water into a water-pool showing a wave generation and propagation to a beach;

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a single silo showing interconnections of water and air cycling systems to a silo; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo interconnected and arranged in a matrix of rows and columns whereby the cross section is taken along plane 1 of FIG. 1 showing an interface of the adjacent silo along vertical tangential lines of contact between said silo.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of a silo 10 arranged in a matrix of rows and columns with substantial capacity in supplying water to a water-pool 50 for the purpose of a wave 70 generation. The silo 10 height to diameter proportion is such that the considerable height provides a means of elevating the water supply within the silo 10 thereby creating tremendous force for the purpose of generating the wave 70 (shown in FIG. 4) upon release of water from said silo 10 through a water-effluence-manifold 20 and into a water-pool 50. The vertical cylindrical shape of the silo 10 enhances the hydrodynamic flow of water upon release from the silo 10. The silo 10 is comprised of a cap 12 communicating with a cylinder-wall 14 thereto communicating with a conical-base 16 which is actually a frustrum of a cone. The terminus of the conical-base 16 is connected to a water-effluence-pipe 18 communicating with the water-effluence-manifold 20 thereto communicating with the water-pool 50. Water flow from the silo 10 is controlled by means of a silo-flow-valve 24 before passing into the water-effluence-manifold 20. In providing a plurality of the silo 10 for each in a plurality of water-effluence-manifold 20, a complete control of flow rate, water replenishment and conservation can be attained to meet the demands in wave 70 frequency and size. These variations in wave 70 generation are necessary for meeting specific needs as determined by the population for water entertainment. A total-effluence-valve 26 located proximal the terminus of the water-effluence-manifold 20 is utilized to throttle, open and close providing for a predetermined water volume supplied from a predetermined number and selection from the silo 10 matrix. Water released through the total-effluence-valve 26 flows through an inlet-port 22 located on a pool wall 54 thereto transmitting the introduced-water-volume 66 into the water-pool 50. The inlet-port 22 is positioned at a predetermined height from a bed 52 within the water-pool 50. Furthermore, a predetermined spacing between each of the inlet-port 22 is provided to obtain optimum uniform flow of the introduced-water-volume 66. It is essential to maintain an even flow of introduced-water-volume 66 thereby reducing as much as possible the chance for undesirable turbulence for uniform wave 70 generation. In providing a plurality of the water-effluence-manifold 20, each said manifold 20 is comprised of a plurality of the silo 10 thereby providing for variation in control of an introduced-water-volume 66 to the water-pool 50, and maintaining a reserve of water within the predetermined selection of the silo 10. Therefore, when operating the invention, a reserve of introduced-water-volume 66 with be maintained by providing a reciprocation of replenishing and dispensing water volumes from the silo 10 system in a predetermined sequence thereby avoiding disruption in the frequency of wave 70 generation. Therefore, at any give time in the operation of the invention, there is at least one of the silo 10 full of water. wave 70 generation is enhanced by providing an elastomeric-reef 60 of predetermined shape and size and is generally positioned so as to span the width of the water-pool 50 at a predetermined distance from the inlet-port 22 end of the water-pool 50. The elastomeric-reef 60 provides for variation in reef size and shape by virtue of the volume of water contained within said elastomeric-reef 60 so as to control the size, shape and direction of “peel” of the wave 70. Hence, when the volume of water contained within the elastomeric-reef 60 is increased or decreased, the reef changes in size and configuration, thereby affecting the type, shape, and size of the wave 70 generated. Furthermore, the elastomeric-reef 60 provides a substantial reduction in risk of bodily harm in the event a swimmer or surfer impacts with said elastomeric-reef 60. A basin 62 within the pool is established between the elastomeric-reef 60 and a wall 54 for the purpose of blending the introduced-water-volume 66 so as to perform as a uniform mass as said introduced-water-volume 66 enters the water-pool 50 through a plurality of the inlet-port 22.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo 10 configured with a water-effluence-manifold 20 communicating with an inlet-port 22 for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume 66 into a water-pool 50 showing a static mode of water containment prior to a wave 70 generation. The silo 10 is comprised of a water-supply-pipe 28 for providing treated, filtered and heated water to the silo 10. The silo 10 is sealed from the environmental atmosphere to maintain water sanitation and for the purpose of maintaining a predetermined water temperature as desired for swimming or surfing. Furthermore, the silo 10 is sealed for the purpose of providing a means for regulating the flow of air into said silo 10 from a pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) and conversely, from the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) to said silo 10. Referring also for the moment to FIG. 5, stale air contained within the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) is transmitted by means of an air-return-duct 42 communicating with an air-return-check-valve 44 connected to the silo 10 at a predetermined elevation above a maximum-water-level 46. When water is released from the silo 10, a negative air pressure within the silo 10 occurs causing the air-return-check-valve 44 to open thereby allowing the stale air to displace water as the introduced-water-volume 66 is released. Fresh air is introduced into the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) by means of an air-supply-filtration-system 38. The fresh air is transmitted to the air-supply-filtration-system 38 by means of an air-supply-duct 36 communicating with an air-supply-check-valve 40 interconnected to the silo 10 at a predetermined elevation above the maximum-water-level 46. In the process of filling or replenishing the water contained within the silo 10, air trapped within the silo 10 creates a positive pressure thereby forcing the air-supply-check-valve 40 to open, providing for air to pass through the air-supply-check-valve 40 through the air-supply-duct 36 into the air-supply-filtration-system 38 and subsequently into the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown). The maximum-water-level 46 elevation provides for a maximum hydraulic force due to gravity thereby providing substantial energy for wave 70 generation. A minimum-water-level 48 is maintained at a predetermined elevation above the elevation and location of the silo 10 flow-valve so as to avoid cavitation or undesirable turbulence that could otherwise occur within the water-effluence-manifold 20 caused by the presence of air within said manifold 20. A displacement 80 shown in FIG. 3) between the maximum-water-level 46 and the minimum-water-level 48 establishes an introduced-water-volume 66 for the purpose of providing water mass for the wave 70. When the total-effluence-valve 26 is closed, a static mode is maintained within the water-effluence-manifold 20 and never permitted to be void of water. In the event air is trapped within the water-effluence manifold 20, cavitation or undesirable turbulence could occur when water is released from the silo 10. The water level above a bed 52 is maintained at a predetermined level or depth corresponding to the predetermined height and volume of the elastomeric-reef 60 for the purpose of generating the desired size, type, and direction of peel of the wave 70. The term “peel” refers to the direction of travel of the white-capping or breaking of the wave 70 along the length of the wave 70, normal to the direction of motion of the wave 70.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo 10 configured in a matrix of rows and columns interconnected with a water-effluence-manifold 20 showing the release of water from the silo 10 for the purpose of a wave 70 generation. In this specific matrix model, two of the silo-flow-valve 24 are in the closed mode and one silo-flow-valve 24 is in the open mode. Sequential to the opening of the silo-flow-valve 24 is the opening of the total-effluence-valve 26, thereby releasing and transmitting the introduced-water-volume 66 from the silo 10 along with the water volume contained within the water-effluent-manifold 20 through the inlet-port 22 and into the water-pool 50. The introduced-water-volume 66 passes through the inlet-port 22 and into the water-pool 50 within the confines of the basin 62 bounded by the elastomeric-reef 60 and a wall 54. The introduced-water-volume 66 is forced over the weir of the elastomeric-reef 60 thereby creating a swell 68 within the water-pool 50. Configuration of the plurality of the silo-flow-valve 24 and the plurality of the total-effluence-valve 26 allows for optimal variations in operation of the invention, thereby providing variations in the wave 70 height, type, direction of “peel” and frequency. These variations are desirable in meeting expectations and skills of swimmers and surfers.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo 10 communicating with a water-effluence-manifold 20 thereto communicating with an inlet-port 22 thereto communicating a water-pool 50 for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume 66 to the water-pool 50 showing a wave 70 generation and propagation to a beach 58. In this specific matrix model, two of the silo-flow-valve 24 are in the closed mode and one silo-flow-valve 24 is in the open mode. Sequential to the opening of the silo-flow-valve 24 is the opening of the total-effluence-valve 26, thereby releasing the introduced-water-volume 66 from the silo 10 through the water-effluence-manifold 20 and through the inlet-port 22 and into the water-pool 50 within the confines of a basin 62 bounded by the elastomeric-reef 60 and the wall 54. The introduced-water-volume 66 is forced over the weir of the elastomeric-reef 60 thereby creating a swell 68 within the water-pool 50. The momentum and energy generated by the introduced-water-volume 66 passing over the elastomeric-reef 60 causes a static-water-level 64 to become overtaken by the introduced-water-volume 66. An inclination 56 of the bed 52 causes the water depth to diminish to zero toward the approach to a beach 58, thereby causing the water volume nearer in elevation to the inclined bed 52 to decelerate in velocity and the introduced-water-volume 66 nearer to the elevation of the surface to accelerate in velocity, thereby creating formation and generation of the wave 70. The momentum of flow of introduced-water-volume 66 moving onto the beach 58 is captured within a catch-basin 72 located across the width of the beach 58 thereby creating a boundary 82 between the adjoining edges of the basin 62 and the static-water-level 64. A grating 74 is provided across and along the length of the catch-basin 72 conforming to the surface elevation of the beach 58 so as to avoid large foreign objects and occupants from inadvertently falling into the catch-basin 72. The water-supply-pipe 28 is interconnected between the catch-basin 72 and the silo 10 for the purpose of returning the introduced-water-volume 66 to the silo 10, thereby returning and replenishing the introduced-water-volume 66 released from the silo 10 for the previous wave 70, thereby providing for another of the wave 70 to be generated from said silo 10.

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a single silo 10 showing interconnections of water and air cycling systems to the silo 10. Subsequent to the propagation and decay of the wave 70 created by the introduced-water-volume 66, the introduced-water-volume 66 is collected from the beach 58 end of the water-pool 50 within the confines of a catch-basin 72 and recirculated to the silo 10 by means of a water-supply-pipe 28. The water-supply-pipe 28 is comprised of a water-filtration-system 30 communicating with a water-heating-system 32 thereto communicating with a water-pumping-system 34 for the purpose of providing and maintaining the introduced-water-volume 66, keeping said water clean, and warm for storage and release within the silo 10 and correspondingly to the water-pool 50. Water introduced into the water-supply-pipe 28 is purified by means of the water-filtration-system 30 and is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the water-heating-system 32 thereby providing comfort to those participating the various water activities. The water is subsequently transmitted into the silo 10 for storage and release by means of the water-pumping-system 34. Filling the silo 10 with water is performed within the predetermined minimum-water-level 48. As the level of water rises within the silo 10 to the maximum-water-level 46, water displaces the volume of air within the silo 10 which is sealed from the atmosphere thereby creating a positive air pressure within the silo 10. The maximum volume of either air or water that is exchanged is shown as the displacement 80 (shown in FIG. 3). A predetermined pressure forces the air-return-check-valve 44 to close, and forces the air-supply-check-valve 40 to open, thereby permitting air to pass within the air-supply-duct 36 and subsequently through the air-supply-filtration-system 38 for the purpose of providing fresh air into the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) containing the water-pool 50. Conversely, when the introduced-water-volume 66 in the silo 10 is released, a negative air pressure is created within the silo 10, forcing the air-supply-check-valve 40 to close, and the air-return-check-valve 44 to open, thereby permitting air to pass through the air-return-duct 42 into the silo 10 for the purpose of removing stale air contained within the pool-enclosed-facility 78 (not shown) containing the water-pool 50. Therefore, in the cycle process of expelling and replenishing the introduced-water-volume 66, the air is constantly being filtered. Furthermore, utilizing the sealed system for moving air by means of displacement 80 within the silo 10 provides for noise-free system without need for motor driven fans and the like.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo 10 interconnected and arranged in a matrix of rows and columns whereby the cross section is taken along plane 1 of FIG. 1 showing an interface 84 of the adjacent silo 10 along vertical tangential lines of contact between the silo 10. The silo 10 provides for uniform resistance to internal lateral fluid forces imposed by water contents stored to the level as shown in FIG. 4 by virtue of the circular cross sectional shape. Furthermore, the cylindrical geometry of the silo 10 greatly reduces the chance of turbulence and cavitation during water release from within the silo 10, thereby enhancing the hydrodynamics of the invention. Likewise, the silo 10 has uniform resistance to external lateral forces such as wind and rain. Longitudinal interconnection of the adjacent silo 10 at the interface 84 significantly increases resistance to both internal and external lateral forces. Furthermore, as a means for maintaining water temperature within the silo 10, and preventing possible seepage through existing or potential hair-line cracks within the cylinder-wall 14 and conical-base 16, the thermal-foam-membrane 76 shown is applied onto the cap 12, the cylinder-wall 14, and the conical-base 16 interior surfaces.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation for providing wave energy into a pool of water for surfing or other forms of water sport activities. comprising:

means for storing, powering, maintaining temperature and cleanliness of water utilized for said wave generation and other water sport activities; and

means for containing a massive volume of water substantially elevated so as to create power upon release thereby generating a wave without creating turbulence or loss due to excessive friction, functionally conformed to said means for storing, powering, maintaining temperature and cleanliness of water utilized for said wave generation and other water sport activities.

2. The silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for storing, powering, maintaining temperature and cleanliness of water utilized for said wave generation and other water sport activities comprises a massive capacity, elevated, structurally adequate silo.

3. The silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for containing a massive volume of water substantially elevated so as to create power upon release thereby generating a wave without creating turbulence or loss due to excessive friction comprises an uniform lateral strength, circular cylinder-wall.

4. A silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation for providing wave energy into a pool of water for surfing or other forms of water sport activities. comprising:

a massive capacity, elevated, structurally adequate silo, for storing, powering, maintaining temperature and cleanliness of water utilized for said wave generation and other water sport activities; and

an uniform lateral strength, circular cylinder-wall, for containing a massive volume of water substantially elevated so as to create power upon release thereby generating a wave without creating turbulence or loss due to excessive friction, functionally conformed to said silo.

5. The silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation as recited in claim 4, further comprising:

an adjustable size, impact absorbing elastomeric-reef, for controlling and enhancing the variation in the shape, size and direction of peel in the wave generated, and preventing bodily harm in the event the reef is impacted by an occupant.

6. A silo utilized for water containment and release for the purpose of wave generation for providing wave energy into a pool of water for surfing or other forms of water sport activities. comprising:

a massive capacity, elevated, structurally adequate silo, for storing, powering, maintaining temperature and cleanliness of water utilized for said wave generation and other water sport activities;

an uniform lateral strength, circular cylinder-wall, for containing a massive volume of water substantially elevated so as to create power upon release thereby generating a wave without creating turbulence or loss due to excessive friction, functionally conformed to said silo; and

an adjustable size, impact absorbing elastomeric-reef, for controlling and enhancing the variation in the shape, size and direction of peel in the wave generated, and preventing bodily harm in the event the reef is impacted by an occupant.