Buoyant Solar Power Supply With Inductive Coupling for Pool Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically-powered pool and spa equipment requires external power supplies and cables, which are unsightly and limit the pool cleaner's operation due to battery capacity constraints, necessitating frequent recharging.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant power supply with photovoltaic cells and inductive power couplings that wirelessly transmit energy to underwater devices, eliminating the need for external power sources and cables, and optionally incorporating rechargeable batteries for extended operation during low sunlight periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external power supply with cable is used, then the pool cleaner can operate continuously with sufficient power, but the cable extends out of the pool across the walkway which is unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is extracted from the external environment and relocated to float within the pool itself, eliminating the need for cables to extend across the walkway. The power supply unit is self-contained and positioned in the pool water, removing the visual obstruction while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A floating power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the pool cleaner. This mediator floats on the pool surface and wirelessly or via short cable connection provides power to the cleaner, eliminating the need for long external cables while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Ease of operation
If a battery-powered pool cleaner is used, then the need for external cables is eliminated, but the limited battery capacity requires frequent recharging and removal from the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the advantages of both cable-powered and battery-powered systems by merging a floating power supply with extended operational capacity into a single system. The power supply floats on the pool and provides continuous power to the cleaner, eliminating the need for frequent recharging while maintaining operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply transitions from a two-dimensional surface-level external placement to a three-dimensional floating position within the pool volume. This allows the power supply to be positioned optimally for power delivery while remaining aesthetically pleasing and accessible, enabling continuous operation without cable extensions or frequent recharging.
3Ease of operation
If a floating power supply with solar cells is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved and external cables are eliminated, but power availability is limited by sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system incorporates multiple power sources with different operational characteristics - solar cells for daytime operation and battery storage for nighttime or low-light conditions. This parameter change in power source activation based on environmental conditions ensures continuous reliable operation while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating power supply uses a composite energy system combining photovoltaic cells and rechargeable batteries. This composite approach allows the system to harness solar energy when available and switch to stored battery energy when sunlight is insufficient, ensuring reliable power delivery while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of a floating, cable-free design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a self-sufficient, aesthetically pleasing power solution that extends the operation of pool and spa equipment by harnessing solar energy and wireless inductive power transfer, reducing the need for frequent recharging and external cables.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic (solar) cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The inductive power coupling in the wall or floor includes an inductor circuit powered by an associated power supply unit. An underwater device (e.g., a pool cleaner) could be connected to a complementary inductive power coupling which includes an inductor circuit. The complementary inductive power coupling of the underwater device can be inserted into the inductive power coupling of the pool/spa. Mating of the inductive power couplings allows energy to be wirelessly transferred from the first inductor circuit to the second inductor circuit through an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.