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11.11.2024
High performance at adverse temperatures: More snow whenever it's needed
Marginal temperatures, especially during the critical snowmaking phase in the run-up to Christmas, can create adverse snow conditions. In recent years, innovation leader TechnoAlpin has focused its development work on increasing snow output at marginal temperatures, and on refining a number of products. This applies not only to the snow guns themselves, but to the system overall along with its controls.
Thanks to the latest generation of our ATASSpro software with an integrated weather module, you can precisely identify snow windows for the next few days. This means the team can make through preparations and get the best out of the snow window. The SnowManager enables setting strategic priorities, ensuring that the main slopes are the first to be blanketed in snow. In addition, the software automatically adjusts the snowmaking to the prevailing conditions, so that even colder temperatures are exploited.
The temperature of the water is also instrumental in snowmaking in the marginal range. As a general rule, a water temperature of 4°C lower corresponds to a wet-bulb temperature of around 1°C lower. In extreme cases, the water temperature is the deciding factor between snowmaking or no snowmaking. TechnoAlpin, the market leader, has further improved its cooling towers in recent years. An ingenious functional design cools the water by dispersing it across a wide surface area within a honeycomb system. This honeycomb principle keeps energy consumption low and output incredibly high.
The snow guns have been enhanced in several ways, the main aim being to boost performance at the marginal temperature range. The number of adjustable steps in our lances has been increased, and the nozzle configuration has been adapted to limit ranges to ensure that they work as efficiently as possible throughout the entire temperature range. This increases snow output overall, but particularly at the start of the snow curve - which is where it really counts. Special mention goes to the TL8, with its 8 control stages.
Improved cooling of compressed air and optimized nucleators in our fan guns contribute to impressive snow output in the marginal temperature range.
All these carefully considered solutions form the strengths of the TechnoAlpin systems at the marginal temperature range and make it easier to work in ski areas at this crucial time of year.