Experimental study on the effect of nozzle configurations on snow quality for outdoor snow-makers

Abstract

In regions with unfavorable climatic conditions and insufficient natural snowfall, skiing development depends significantly on the support of outdoor snow-makers. The atomized droplets produced by the swirl nozzle of the snow-maker collide with the crystal nucleus produced by the air-assisted atomizer to generate snowflakes. The effects of various configurations of swirl nozzles on snowmaking efficiency and snow quality are notably significant. This study investigates the influence of nozzle number, nozzle diameter, and ambient temperature on snowmaking performance through an outdoor snowmaking experiment. The results indicate that an appropriate nozzle configuration (number and diameter) significantly enhances snow quality. The spatial uniformity of snow density is significantly enhanced when utilizing 24 nozzles with a diameter of 1.9 mm and 72 mixed-diameter nozzles. With a nozzle diameter of 1.7 mm, the snow production of 48 and 80 nozzles is comparable; however, the water consumption of 48 nozzles is lower. Furthermore, at low temperatures, the artificial snow produced by the mixed-diameter nozzles exhibits snow quality characteristics comparable to those produced at high temperatures. Nevertheless, snow production is lower than that of the single-diameter nozzle configuration. Simultaneously, the density of the artificial snow produced at high temperatures is generally greater than that produced at low temperatures. Experimental measurements of the grain size of the artificial snow are concentrated between 0.15 and 0.55 mm. This study provides a basis for regulating snow quality in ski resorts. Additionally, it offers guidance on the design and structuring of efficient snow-makers.