FLOODED PLENUM FOR SURF POOL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/698,500, filed September 24, 2024, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure are related to various configurations for a wave pool having a plenum in fluid communication with a caisson of a wave generating structure.

BACKGROUND

Water parks often include a variety of water related attractions. Surf pools are one of the many water related attractions that can be provided. Surf pools invariably include movement of large volumes of water to create a series of waves configured for surfing enthusiasts. Surf pools utilizing pneumatic driven chambers to create the waves often create substantial amounts of heat that can create unfavorable temperature conditions for the various components operating to generate waves. Surf pools also tend to utilize fixed volume plenums for storing pressurized air before it is used to generate waves. Unfortunately, fixed volume plenums require a lot of energy to be expended to fully pressurize them even when the surf pool is only being used to generate small waves. The additional energy expended also contributes to unwanted heating of the components operating to generate the waves. Additionally, air within the fixed volume plenum must be vented when the fixed volume plenum reaches maximum pressure, thereby wasting energy. For these reasons, mechanisms capable of reducing thermal loading and increasing efficiency of the surf pools are beneficial to operation of the surf pools.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are various embodiments that relate to managing the operation of a surf pool in a way that maintains a desired operating temperature and efficiency of a wave generator of the surf pool, reducing energy spent, and/or improving wave quality.

A surf pool is described and includes a surf basin; and a wave generator disposed on a first side of the surf basin that is configured to generate waves that travel from the first side of the surf basin to a second side of the surf basin opposite the first side of the surf basin, the wave generator comprising a plenum configured to hold pressurized air and multiple wave generating structures, where each wave generating structure includes a caisson defined by a plurality of caisson walls, one or more openings extending through one of the plurality of caisson walls and allowing water to move between the caisson and the plenum, a supply valve configured to release pressurized air from the plenum into the caisson to expel water from the caisson and into the surf basin, and a vent valve configured to release pressurized air from the caisson to draw water in to the caisson from the surf basin.

Also disclosed is a method of generating a wave in a surf pool, the method comprising providing a wave generator disposed at a first side of a surf basin, the wave generator comprising: a plenum configured to hold pressurized air; and a plurality of wave generating structures, wherein each wave generating structure comprising: a caisson defined by a plurality of caisson walls; a supply valve; and a vent valve; releasing pressurized air from the plenum into the caisson via the supply valve; expelling water from the caisson and into the surf basin to generate the wave in the surf basin, the wave configured to travel from the first side of the surf basin to a second side of the surf basin opposite the first side; releasing pressurized air from the caisson via the vent valve to draw water into the caisson from the surf basin; and moving water from at least one of the surf basin and the caisson to the plenum to cool the plenum.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary surf pool;

FIGS. 1B and 1C show partial cross-sectional top-down views of various configurations of an exemplary surf pool;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, show cross-sectional views illustrating operation of a wave generating structure in fluid communication with a plenum;

FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional perspective view of the wave generator and a portion of the surf basin; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary cut-away views of a wall defining a caisson and various configurations of openings allowing for fluid communication of water between the caisson and a plenum.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view illustrating operation of the wave generating structure, in accordance with another example aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view illustrating operation of the wave generating structure, in accordance with another example aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional top-down view of the surf pool, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional top-down view of the surf pool, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A surf pool utilizes a device often referred to as a wave generator to create a series of surf waves. Wave generators can be configured to produce a variety of different types of waves with varying sizes and shapes suitable for surfers of various experience and skill level. Accordingly, the surf pool should be operable to provide customizable waves for multiple ability levels.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary surf pool 100 in accordance with the disclosure. Surf pool 100 includes a wave generator 102 located on a first side 104 of surf pool 100. The wave generator assembly 102 is operable to generate waves that travel from first side 104 of surf pool 100 to a second side 106 of surf pool 100. In some embodiments, wave generator assembly 102 can take the form of a pneumatically driven wave generator assembly. When wave generator assembly 102 takes the form of a pneumatically-driven wave generator assembly, the wave generator assembly 102 includes multiple wave generating structures operable to be filled with pressurized air, which in turn periodically pushes water into a surf basin 104 through one or more delivery channels 106 in a manner suitable for generating waves. It should be appreciated that while a specific wave generator assembly 102 is depicted and described, the described embodiments are compatible with a variety of different wave generator assemblies. For example, FIG. 1A shows a configuration with 48 delivery wave generating structures with openings 108 for water to be pushed into the surf basin visible in FIG. 1A. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a larger or smaller number of wave generating structures could be used depending on the size of a respective surf pool and an amount of flexibility desired for the types of waves to be generated in the surf pool 100 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1B - 1C show partial cross-sectional top-down views of various configurations of an exemplary surf pool. In particular, FIG. 1B shows a top down view of surf pool 100 with a cross-sectional view of wave generator 102. A close up view 150-1 showing greater detail of nine wave generating structures is also provided. Close up view 150 shows caissons 152 – 168 and how each of the caissons is defined by multiple walls. The depiction being a cross-sectional view it shows two different sides of each of caissons 152 – 168. The gap between the two sides of the caissons can leave room for incorporation of a walkway shown in greater detail in subsequent figures. Each of the depicted caissons extends beneath the region shown beneath them to form a connection. FIG. 1B also shows plenum 170, which is shown being in fluid communication with each of caissons 152 - 168 by way of openings extending through a wall of each respective caisson. In some embodiments, plenum 170 can have dimensions of 2m x 3m x 160m. In some aspects, the plenum can have a max volume of about 2m x 2m x160, or about 640 cubic meters of water. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of a given plenum will vary based on a size and desired operating characteristics of the surf pool. One or more openings 172 can create a fluid communication path between each caisson 152 and the plenum 170. Two openings 172 are shown connecting each caisson 152 to the plenum 170 in the present aspect, but other aspects can comprise more or fewer openings. For example, other aspects may comprise a single opening 172 per caisson 152.These openings 172 can allow water within caissons 152 – 168 to flow into and out of plenum 170 to provide a mechanism by which the walls forming plenum 170 can be cooled by water drawn in from the surf pool. Changes in pressure within plenum 170 and caissons 152 – 168 due to operation of wave generator 102 results in a back and forth exchange of water between plenum 170 and caissons 152 – 168 that helps avoid a situation in which water contained within plenum 170 increases substantially in temperature, causing a reduction in the effectiveness of the water at removing heat from plenum 170. Removing heat from plenum 170 in this manner can also be effective at providing a warming effect to water contained within the surf basin.

While the walls used to form the wave generating structures are often formed of concrete, it should be appreciated that other materials can be used to form the walls of the wave generating structures. For example, concrete can be embedded with thermally conductive particles to improve thermal conduction throughout the structure and specifically to the water contained in plenum 170. In other embodiments, a thermally conductive core can be embedded within the concrete to help distribute heat evenly around plenum 170 and help improve the efficiency of the heat transfer.

FIG. 1C shows some variations in the design of wave generator 102. In particular, piping 110-1 and 110-2 can be configured to supply additional water into plenum 170 directly from water disposed within surf basin 104. Piping 104 allows water to flow directly from surf basin 104 to plenum 170. The piping 110-1 can extend from a first end of the plenum 170 and can connect to a first end of the surf basin 104, and the piping 110-2 can extend from an opposite second end of the plenum 170 and can connect to an opposite second end of the surf basin 104. In some embodiments, plenum 170 can be positioned lower than an end of piping 110 leading into surf basin 104. This can allow for water to flow into plenum 170 without the need for a pump. A downward angle of piping 110, or a portion(s) thereof, can be selected to help provide a desired rate at which water flows into plenum 170. It should be appreciated that when plenum 170 is pressurized water contained within plenum 170 can be forced back out of plenum 170, into piping 110 and into surf basin 104. With a configuration that includes piping 110 and openings 172, water can exit plenum 170 through both openings 172 and piping 110 when plenum 170 is pressurized. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, wave generator 102 can be configured with a plenum 170 only configured to exchange water with surf basin 104 through piping 104 rather than through openings 172. Close up view 150-2 shows how portions of plenum can include baffles 174 (e.g. short walls) that help to prevent or inhibit the creation of small waves flowing through plenum 170. In some aspects, the wave generator 102 can be provided with any number and any suitable type of valve, such as a gate, to allow for selectively controlling the flow of water through piping 110-1 and piping 110-2. For example, in a particular aspect, each of piping 110-1 and piping 110-2 can be provided with a gate or other valve (e.g., similar to gate 510 shown in FIG. 5) at or proximate to a piping entrance 112 connected to the surf basin 104. In other aspects, the valve(s) and/or gate(s) can be arranged at any other suitable location.

In some embodiments, baffles 174 can have a height that prevents movement of water within plenum 170 across baffles except when the surf pool is not in a wave generating state but also still allow for air to flow freely across baffles 174. In some embodiments, plenum 170 can include one or more baffles 174 that separate plenum 170 into two or more smaller plenums in order to partition plenum 170 thereby preventing the flow of air and water across each of baffles 174. In some embodiments, one or more baffles 174 can be configured to create and remove a partition of plenum 170. For example, one of baffles 174 can be configured such that it extends entirely across the plenum but includes one or more openings that can be opened or closed so that plenum 170 can act as a single plenum or be configured as multiple plenums. Such a configuration can be useful in the event operation of the surf pool is desired to be limited to only a subset of the caissons. Such a configuration could operate with greater efficiency if only half or some other percentage of the plenum requires pressurization.

FIGS. 2A-2E show cross-sectional side views of wave generator 102 in accordance with section line A-A from FIG. 1A illustrating operation of a wave generating structure in fluid communication with plenum 170. FIG. 2A shows a wave generating structure made up of caisson 202, supply valve 204 and vent valve 206. An opening 208 keeping caisson 202 in fluid communication with plenum 170 regardless of a state of supply valve 204 is also shown. This configuration of opening(s) 208 allows for water to move freely back and forth between plenum 170 and caisson 202. This movement of water between plenum 170 and caisson 202 is particularly active when there is an air pressure differential between plenum 170 and caisson 202. A blower 210 is also depicted within a mechanical room 212 positioned directly above plenum 170. Blower 210 is configured to generate pressurized air and direct it in to plenum 170 during operation of wave generator 102. While only a single blower 210 is shown, it should be appreciated that mechanical room can also have the same length as plenum 170 and support multiple blowers 210. For example, mechanical room 210 can include one blower to support each caisson or in other embodiments a wave generator can only require a blower 210 for every two to five caissons depending on the size / power of blower 210 and power desired for wave generator 102.

FIG. 2A also shows how mechanical room 212 includes a conduit 214 that forms a pathway for guiding pressurized air from plenum 170 to and through supply valve 204 during operation. Supply valve 204 and vent valve 206 can be opened and closed using various electromechanical mechanisms including but not limited to actuators taking the form of one or more solenoids capable of quickly moving the valves between opened and closed states. In some embodiments, the actuators are configured to partially open the valves to allow for a rate at which air moves between the plenum and caissons to be regulated with precision. Wave generator 102 also includes a walkway 216 that can be used for spectators to observe guests utilizing surf pool 100. It should be noted that plenum is almost entirely filled up as depicted when wave generator 102 is not in operation. This allows for more efficient cooling of plenum 170 when wave generator 102 is not in active operation as a greater volume of water within plenum 170 can be in direct contact with a greater area of the walls forming plenum 170, thereby improving a rate of convective cooling achieved between the walls and the water within plenum 170.

FIG. 2A also illustrates how wave generator 102 has access to a large volume of water within the plenum when surf pool 100 is not in active operations. However, even in active operations as described below, plenum 170 will always have some amount of water left in it and at least enough to keep openings 208 submerged. In some embodiments, the water within plenum 170 can act as a system surge tank for filtration purposes. Plenum 170’s depth and relation to being outside the generally accessible surf basin 104 area (mechanical side) allows for safe integration of high velocity end suction pumps and filter water cycling. Being on the mechanical side of surf pool 100 as a whole lends this flooded plenum to be an accessible water resource for many purposes that does not directly affect the wave generation or surfers in surf basin 104. For example, water from plenum 170 could also be used to supply cold water to flow through a heat exchanger that cools various equipment within mechanical room 212, such as e.g., blowers 210. Cool water within plenum 170 can also be pumped into an HVAC heat exchanger to reduce an air temperature within mechanical room 212.

FIG. 2B shows wave generator 102 preparing for operation. Blower 210 is shown generating pressurize air that is directed through an opening in the floor of mechanical room 212 and into plenum 170. Pressurization of plenum 170 causes a portion of the water filling plenum 170 to be gradually pushed out of plenum through opening 208 and into caisson 202. Some of water from plenum and particularly the water pushed out earlier in this operation can be pushed all the way back in to surf basin 104. Pushing the water into the surf basin 104 can increase a still water level in the surf basin 104. An increased still water level in the surf basin 104 can improve the quality of the waves generated in the surf basin 104. Even if the water ejected from plenum 170 remains within caisson 202 it will still be cooled when mixed with other water disposed within caisson 202.

During this initial pressurization period, supply valve 204 can be left open so that both plenum and caisson 202 are pressurized at the same time. Vent valve 206 can be closed in order to prevent mechanical room 212 from needing to pressurize mechanical room 212. While this particular cross-sectional view does not show any additional valves, it should be appreciated that mechanical room 212 can include vent valves to an exterior of wave generator 102 to prevent mechanical room from being over-pressurized during operation of wave generator 102.

FIG. 2B also shows how pressurization of plenum 170 and caisson 202 causes water to flow out of caisson 202 and plenum 170 into surf basin 104, thereby increasing a depth of water within surf basin 104. As mentioned previously, in one exemplary configuration plenum 170 can hold up to 640 cubic meters of water and the caissons can collectively hold a similar amount of water. Consequently, an increase in depth of water within surf basin 104 can be non-trivial. In some embodiments, moving water out of plenum 170 and caissons 202 in this manner can cause increases in a depth of water in the deep end of surf basin 104 of about 10%. Waves break differently based on a depth of water in surf basin 104 since the waves interact with a floor of the surf basin. Consequently, having a flooded plenum allows for a greater variation in wave types, sizes and behavior given the ability to change the water depth in this manner to effectuate a change in behavior of the waves generated.

FIG. 2C shows wave generator 102 ready to begin wave generating operations. A level of water within plenum 170 is indicated as being about a quarter of the way full. While this level of water within the plenum may work for generation of waves of a first size, when generating waves of other sizes plenum 170 can have a smaller or larger volume of water left remaining due to a pressure of air within plenum 170. Lower levels of water within plenum 170 require a higher air pressure to be maintained within plenum 170 and so would correspond to an operating state configured to generate larger waves. Higher levels of water within plenum 170 require a lower air pressure to be maintained within plenum 170 and so would correspond to an operating state configured to generate smaller waves. The variable depth of water and resulting variation in air volume within plenum 170 allows blowers 210 to operate more efficiently since this allows plenum 170 to vary in size depending on desired pressure states.

When blowers 210 take the form of centrifugal fans or compressors, varying the size of plenum 170 in this way helps avoid blowers 210 suffering from surge or stall conditions that can cause excessive vibrations, premature damage to the equipment and loss of efficiency of the overall system. While U.S. Patent Application No. 18/490,604, entitled “Butterfly Fan Inlet and Chamber Exhaust Valve Controllers for Wave Making System” describes a method for overcoming these types of conditions, the method described results in exhausting pressurized air based on power readings of the blowers. While exhausting the air in this manner helps to avoid surge or stall conditions, exhausting the air also requires the system to pressurize more air to make up for the exhausted pressurized air, thereby resulting in some loss of efficiency. While the operating power of blowers 210 can still be monitored and pressurized air bled off in some circumstances with a flooded plenum configuration, the variation of the size of the plenum greatly reduces the need for bleeding off pressurized air. For example when pressurized air leaves the plenum water gets pulled into the plenum from the caisson, thereby reducing the severity of a pressure drop within the plenum caused by supply valves releasing pressurized air within the plenum into the caissons.

FIG. 2C shows blower 210 continuing to operate. It should be noted that once achieving a state in which wave generator 102 is ready for wave generating operation, blowers 210 can be maintained in a lower power state sufficient only to maintain the achieved pressure within plenum 170 and caisson 202. In some embodiments, a position of vent valve 206 can be modulated in order to prevent an over pressurization condition within caisson 202 and plenum 170 while waiting to initiate wave generating operations. Air can also be released from mechanical room 212 to an exterior of wave generator 102 in the event of an over-pressurization event. As described above, this can be necessary when power readings from blowers 210 indicate imminent development of a surge or stall condition.

FIG. 2D shows how caisson 202 can be initially actuated. As depicted, vent valve 206 is fully or partially opened and supply valve 204 is fully closed. This results in a rapid depressurization of caisson 202 that draws water from surf basin 104 and into caisson 202 as air flows from caisson 202 and into mechanical room 212 as depicted. Water being drawn into caisson 202 also enters plenum 170 as hydrostatic pressure within caisson 202 increases as a result of all the water flowing quickly into caisson 202. In some embodiments, vent valve 206 can be closed or partially closed during filling of water into caisson 202 in order to control the amount of water getting drawn into caisson 202 and allow for more rapid pressurization of caisson 202. The over pressurization state of caisson 202 and height of water within caisson 202, would then cause some water from caisson 202 to flow into plenum 170, thereby increasing the level of water and air pressure within plenum 170. Additionally, if hydrostatic pressure in the caisson 202 is higher than the pressure in the plenum 170, water will flow from the caisson 202 into the plenum 170. A position of supply valve 204 and vent valve 206 can then be modulated in order to keep a desired level of water within caisson 202 and plenum 170. For example, a position of supply valve 204 can be left half open to reduce a rate at which pressurized air moves between plenum 170 and caisson 202.

FIG. 2E shows how by opening supply valve 204 fully and closing vent valve 206 a large amount of pressurized air can be forced in to caisson 202. When the water level in the caisson 202 is at a high water level and the pressurized air is forced into the caisson 202, a large portion of the water in the caisson 202 can be forced out of caisson 202 and into surf basin 104, creating a large swell that can be used to generate a wave. As water flows into the surf basin 104, some of the water will also flow through opening 208 and into the plenum 170. Once the water in the caisson 202 reaches a low water level, water can moves out of plenum 170, through opening 208 and into caisson 202. Once this down stroke is complete, water levels in plenum 170 are close to those shown in FIG. 2C, thereby allowing caisson 202 to continue generating waves by alternating performance of the same steps described in the text accompanying FIGS. 2D and 2E. Timing between the valve release and pressurization applied will vary in accordance with a wave program or instructions provided to a controller responsible for generating a desired set of waves. The controller will generally include a processor configured to execute instructions stored on a non-transient computer readable storage medium that contains one or more wave programs that provide the controller with parameters for operating at least supply valve 204, vent valve 206 and blower 210 to generate a desired set of waves in surf pool 100.

The preceding FIGS. 2A-2E show various water levels during operation of wave generator 102. Generally the water level within caisson 202 and plenum 170 is maintained such that opening 208 remains covered in water. This prevents a situation in which pressurized air moves from within plenum 170 directly in to caisson 202 through opening 208. It should also be noted that since plenum 170 is tied to all of the caissons pressure it interacts with the caissons in different ways at any particular point in time. For example, when one caisson is mostly empty after having just expelled its water another may be full and ready to release its water into surf basin 104. In the event the wave generating structures are actuated in rapid succession a pressure within the plenum can begin to drop over time. In response water will begin to fill the plenum to a higher level in order to prevent pressure within the plenum from dropping and allowing surf pool 100 to continue operating with a pressure within plenum 170 at or near a desired level.

FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional perspective view of wave generator 102 and a portion of the surf basin 104 adjacent to wave generator 102. Equipment within mechanical room 212 has been removed to provide better view of the depicted features. A portion of caisson 302 is shown, providing a better idea of one way in which openings 304 can provide fluid communication between plenum 170 and caisson 302. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which two openings 304 are associated with each caisson 302 of wave generator 102. Other aspects can comprise more or fewer openings 304 per caisson 302. For example, other aspects may comprise a single opening 304 per caisson 302. FIG. 3 also illustrates openings for pneumatic and vent valves associated with each caisson. In particular, opening 306 is for a vent valve for caisson 302 and opening 308 is associated with a vent valve for caisson 302.

FIGS. 4A - 4B show exemplary cut-away views of a wall defining a caisson and various configurations of openings allowing for fluid communication of water between the caisson and plenum 170 (not depicted). FIG. 4A shows caisson 400 and how it includes two rectangular openings 402 for providing fluid flow between caisson 400 and the plenum. FIG. 4A also shows vent valve opening 404 and supply valve opening 406. FIG. 4B shows an alternative configuration in which openings 422 for maintaining fluid communication between caisson 420 and a plenum are circular instead of rectangular and include four openings instead of two. Similarly vent valve opening 424 and supply valve opening 424 are also shown with a round configuration. It should be appreciated that the openings can take many different shapes and sizes depending on a desired configuration. Openings enabling movement of water between the caissons and plenum can also have an upward or downward slanted configuration in circumstances where an amount of water flowing in to the plenum is desired to be increased when water is flowing in a particular direction. Openings may be smaller or larger on one end to reduce any turbulence generated within the caisson in some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example aspect of the wave generator 102. In the present aspect, a gate 510 can be provided at the opening 208. The gate 510 can be a mechanical gate 510 (i.e., operable by mechanical means as opposed to electrical means), for example and without limitation. Other aspects of the gate 510 can be operable by electrical means. Example aspects of the gate 510 can be automated in some aspects, whether mechanical or electrical, and manually operated in other aspects. For example, the gate 510 may be automatically opened and closed based on any number of variables, or a combination of variables, including but not limited to, cycles, timing, temperature sensing, pressure sensing, etc. The gate 510 can be selectively positioned in an open position (shown), a closed position, and any number of partially open positions therebetween to control when and how much water is allowed to flow through the opening 208 between the plenum 170 and the caisson 202. In the open and partially open positions, water flow can be permitted through the opening 208, and in the closed position, water flow through the opening 208 can be prohibited. In other aspects, in addition to or as an alternative to the gate 510, any other suitable type of valve known in the art can be provided at the opening 208 for selectively controlling the flow of water between the plenum 170 and the caisson 202.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example aspect of the wave generator 102. As previously described with respect to FIG. 1C, the wave generator 102 may be provided with piping (e.g., piping 110-1 and 110-2) that can supply additional water into the plenum 170 directly from the surf basin 104. In the present aspect, the wave generator can comprise piping 610 configured to extend underneath the caisson 202 and to directly connect the plenum 170 and the surf basin 104 in fluid communication. The piping 610 can be in fluid communication with the surf basin 104 via a basin opening 612 and in fluid communication with the plenum 170 via a plenum opening 614. While the plenum 170 is illustrated as being positioned at substantially the same height as the surf basin 104, in some other aspects, the plenum 170 and/or the plenum opening 614 can be positioned at a lower height than an end of the piping 610 leading into the surf basin 104 (i.e., at basin opening 612). This can allow for water to flow into plenum 170 without the need for a pump.

A downward angle of the piping 610, or a portion(s) thereof, can encourage the flow of water from the surf basin 104 to the plenum 170. As previously described, the downward angle can be selected to help provide a desired rate at which water flows into plenum 170 from the surf basin 104. According to example aspects, when plenum 170 is suitably pressurized, water contained within plenum 170 can be forced back out of the plenum 170, through the piping 610, and into the surf basin 104. As shown, in aspects comprising both the piping 610 and the opening(s) 208, water can exit the plenum 170 through both the opening(s) 208 and the piping 610 when the plenum 170 is pressurized. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the wave generator 102 can be configured with only the plenum 170 configured to exchange water with surf basin 104 through piping 610, and not through the opening(s) 208, which may not be present in some aspects.

In some aspects, the wave generator 102 can be provided with any number and any suitable type of gate or other valve to allow for selectively controlling the flow of water through piping 610. For example, piping 610 can be provided with a valve (e.g., similar to gate 510 shown in FIG. 5) at or proximate to either or both of the basin opening 612 and the plenum opening 614. In other aspects, the valve(s) and/or gate(s) can be arranged at any other suitable location.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example aspect of the wave generator 102, wherein the wave generator 102 is provided with piping that can supply additional water into the plenum 170 directly from the surf basin 104. In the present aspect, the wave generator can comprise piping 710 configured to extend adjacent to each corresponding caisson 202 and to directly connect the plenum 170 and the surf basin 104 in fluid communication. The piping 710 can be in fluid communication with the surf basin 104 via a basin opening 712 and in fluid communication with the plenum 170 via a plenum opening 714. In example aspects, each adjacent pair of the caissons 152154156 can be separated by a corresponding caisson wall 720, and the piping 710 can extend between the surf basin 104 and the plenum 170 within the caisson wall 720.

In some aspects, the plenum 170 and/or the plenum opening 714 can be positioned at a lower height than an end of the piping 710 leading into the surf basin 104 (i.e., at basin opening 712). This can allow for water to flow into plenum 170 without the need for a pump. Moreover, a downward angle of the piping 710, or a portion(s) thereof, can be selected to help provide a desired rate at which water flows into plenum 170 from the surf basin 104. In example aspects, when the plenum 170 is suitably pressurized, water contained within plenum 170 can be forced back out of the plenum 170, through the piping 710, and into the surf basin 104. In aspects comprising both the piping 710 and the opening(s) 172, water can exit the plenum 170 through both the opening(s) 172 and the piping 710 when the plenum 170 is pressurized. In other embodiments, the wave generator 102 may be configured with only the plenum 170 configured to exchange water with surf basin 104 through the piping 710, and not through the opening(s) 172, which may not be present in some aspects.

In some aspects, the wave generator 102 can be provided with any number and any suitable type of gate or other valve to allow for selectively controlling the flow of water through piping 710. For example, piping 710 can be provided with a valve (e.g., similar to gate 510 shown in FIG. 5) at or proximate to either or both of the basin opening 712 and the plenum opening 714. In other aspects, the valve(s) and/or gate(s) can be arranged at any other suitable location.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another example aspect of the wave generator 102, wherein the wave generator 102 is provided with piping that can supply additional water into the plenum 170 directly from the surf basin 104. In the present aspect, the wave generator 102 can comprise piping 810 for directly connecting the plenum 170 and the surf basin 104 in fluid communication. The piping 810 can be in fluid communication with the surf basin 104 via a basin opening 812 and in fluid communication with the plenum 170 via a plenum opening 814. In example aspects, each adjacent pair of the caissons 152154156 can be separated by the corresponding caisson wall 720. Additionally, the plenum 170 can comprise one or more of the baffles 174, as previously described. Each baffle 174 can be aligned with a corresponding one of the caisson walls 720. In the present aspect, the piping 810 can extend between the surf basin 104 and the plenum 170 within the baffle 174 and the corresponding caisson wall 720.

As previously described, in some aspects, the plenum 170 and/or the plenum opening 814 can be positioned at a lower height than an end of the piping 810 leading into the surf basin 104 (i.e., at basin opening 812). This can allow for water to flow into plenum 170 without the need for a pump. Moreover, a downward angle of the piping 810, or a portion(s) thereof, can be selected to help provide a desired rate at which water flows into plenum 170 from the surf basin 104. In example aspects, when the plenum 170 is suitably pressurized, water contained within plenum 170 can be forced back out of the plenum 170, through the piping 810, and into the surf basin 104. In aspects comprising both the piping 810 and the opening(s) 172, as shown, water can exit the plenum 170 through both the opening(s) 172 and the piping 810 when the plenum 170 is pressurized. In other embodiments, the wave generator 102 may be configured with only the plenum 170 configured to exchange water with surf basin 104 through the piping 810, and not through the opening(s) 172, which may not be present in some aspects.

In some aspects, the wave generator 102 can be provided with any number and any suitable type of gate or other valve to allow for selectively controlling the flow of water through piping 810. For example, piping 810 can be provided with a valve (e.g., similar to gate 510 shown in FIG. 5) at or proximate to either or both of the basin opening 812 and the plenum opening 814. In other aspects, the valve(s) and/or gate(s) can be arranged at any other suitable location.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter configured in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Unless specific arrangements described herein are mutually exclusive with one another, the various implementations described herein can be combined in whole or in part to enhance system functionality and/or to produce complementary functions. Likewise, aspects of the implementations may be implemented in standalone arrangements. Thus, the above description has been given by way of example only and modification in detail may be made within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.). Also, a phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the use of comprise, or variants such as comprises or comprising, includes a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that any claims presented at any time in this application define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are covered thereby.