Pool Wall Sensor Mounting With Power-Line Data Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems for swimming pools and spas face issues with reliability and accuracy due to their reliance on battery power and RF signals, which can lead to sensor damage and inaccuracies, especially when not in contact with water, and lack integration with control systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with sensors submerged in the water, connected via wired power lines using power-line communication (PLC) protocols, allowing for reliable data transmission and power supply, and featuring a modem for communication with a transformer to facilitate data exchange, enabling continuous monitoring and control of water conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart floaters are used to transmit sensor data wirelessly, then data transmission is enabled, but the sensors are subject to undesired removal and permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into a fixed mounting structure and a removable sensor cartridge. The mounting structure remains permanently installed on the pool wall to ensure stability and prevent removal, while only the sensor cartridge is designed to be removable for maintenance or replacement purposes.
2Device complexity
If conventional thermometers are used without power supply, then device complexity is reduced, but integration with control systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the sensor system and enables bidirectional data communication between the sensor and control system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication hardware while maintaining system integration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensors are located within circulatory systems, then power supply is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
A modem is introduced as an intermediary device that communicates with the sensor through the power line. The modem is positioned in the control system rather than with the sensor, allowing accurate measurement of main pool water temperature while maintaining electrical power supply through the circulatory system's power line infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If RF signals are used for communication, then wireless operation is achieved, but reliability is reduced due to signal interference and battery dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless RF communication system is replaced with a wired power-line communication system. The electrical wiring that already exists for power supply is utilized as the communication medium, eliminating battery dependency and RF signal interference while maintaining reliable data transmission between sensor and control system.
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
This solution provides a reliable and accurate means of monitoring water conditions in swimming pools and spas, enabling continuous data collection and control, even when pumps are not active, and allows for easy replacement of sensors without disrupting the system.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive coupling in the housing that is electrically coupled to a power line. The power line enables transmission of electrical power from a transformer to the first inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
data communications from a modem to the first inductive coupling using a power-line communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
A pool or spa control system includes a sensor system with one or more sensors in contact with a main body of water. The sensor system measures water condition data of the body of water and is mounted on a wall submerged in the main body of water. The pool or spa control system also includes a modem that facilitates data communications between the sensor system and communication equipment positioned at a different location from the main body of water.