Solutions for your Market > Ski Resorts > Automation > Discreet Fully Automatic Control

Discreet Fully Automatic Control

This type of automation allows a computer program to assess and control all of the operating parameters, priorities, and utilities available and to make snow based on that analysis. The operator does not even have to be on site because he can remotely monitor and operate a Fully Automatic System. There are over 275 of these systems operating world wide today.

Johnson Controls offers a complete range of hardware and software options to meet specified needs. The fully automatic system is based on a patented technique using computers. The operator programs the computer for the following possibilities:

Possibilities:

  • Type of snow gun installed on each housing unit
  • Priority in the use of snow gun
  • Quality of the snow
  • Operating temperatures
  • Operating hours
According to the data transmitted by the on-hill weather stations, the machine room sensors and the priorities determined by the operator, the computer will determine the automatic starting and stopping of each snow gun. It will also control and adjust, at any time during the operation of the system, the setting of each automatic hydrant located in the housing units.

The very accurate control of the air/water ratio according to local atmospheric factors insures that every snow gun has the optimum production of snow and the right quality of pre-selected snow. Thanks to the constant monitoring of (on-hill) air temperature and humidity in all areas of the installation, the computer is able to determine when to switch to any area in line with the predetermined priorities, so that the snow guns will function according to the most favorable temperatures. All available hours of cold temperatures are thus systematically used throughout the area to be covered by snow. The computer also monitors the rotation of the snow guns, enabling a better coverage area.

All data (temperature, humidity, snow production, power consumption, operating hours, etc...) is recorded and stored to allow optimal use of the installation. In conjunction with a highly sophisticated safety and control apparatus, the computer monitors and protects the installation against any risk of malfunction. The reaction time of the system, allows fast response to any changes in weather conditions or to any anomalies from within the system.