Induction technology comes of age: The next step to powering underwater devices

by habiba_abudu | November 27, 2019 4:42 pm

By Pierre-Yves Flattot

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Many pool professionals sometimes think twice about the idea of adding underwater lights to pools. In some cases, service professionals can be shocked or injured when changing out pool lights or winterizing fixtures at the end of the season.

Fortunately, inductive power transfer is now being widely used in pool lighting throughout Canada and Europe and is being produced and distributed in the United States as well. This technology allows manufacturers to provide a wireless and contactless underwater light fixture, which is relatively safer when compared to conventional lighting options currently on the market. In addition, inductive power transfer can be expanded to create an underwater electrical socket for accessories such as pool vacuums and floating sound speakers.

Induction solution

The pool industry has been facing several challenges associated with electricity in water for decades.
Some of the primary concerns are:

• Risk of electric shock;
• Difficulty of wiring through pool walls; and
• Corrosion of contacts and electrical wires due to harsh pool and spa water environments.

However, these problems can be eliminated if the electrical outlet does not come in contact with the inside of the pool or spa. In this case, power is transmitted by ‘electromagnetic induction,’ using a sealed female base housed within the wall of the pool and a male plug that is also sealed. The magnetic coupling between the wall socket and the plug solves any issue associated with waterproofing and insulating electrical layers.

What is induction?

Induction is a physical phenomenon where an electrical current is produced across a conductor exposed to a varying magnetic field rather than having electrical power transmitted over a copper wire. This magnetic field is created by the flow of an alternate current through a coil. Although there is no wire connection, electrons are moving, and current is being generated. This is not a new scientific discovery—the phenomenon was first observed in the 19^th century by the English scientist, Michael Faraday, who concluded that if one creates a moving magnetic field and uses an alternate electric current, they could ‘induce’ current in a proximate coil of wire. Today, this concept is widely known as ‘Faraday’s law of induction.’ For induction to work, the moving magnetic field must be physically close to the device as the magnetic field becomes exponentially weaker with distance.

In this case, the induction pool lights have a sealed plastic exterior wall where the power source is located. This wall fits directly into the sealed power source and, when they come together, the magnetic field transmits or induces power in the adjacent light coils. As a result, when the wireless pool light is moved close to the power source, it turns on.

The transfer of energy between the base and the socket is achieved through (what is commonly known as) ‘magnetic coupling.’ The coil at the base is powered by an alternating voltage frequency. This current creates a magnetic field that passes through the inside wall of the base and transmits to the coil in the plug. The base and plug assembly essentially creates a longitudinal transformer.

The automatic power shut feature is one of the biggest advantages of the induction system. If the light or plug is not in place, the magnetic field is no longer produced, and the power is automatically shut off. This further eliminates any potential for electricity to escape into the pool; thus, reducing the risk of an electric shock. Here, the magnetic contact (reed switch) placed within the socket ignites the magnetic field and starts the power supply.

Inducing a worldwide interest

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Many electrical devices for pools are used underwater—from lighting to robotic cleaners, alarms, and submerged pumps. To power these devices, it is necessary to pass a cable over the edge or into the pool to ensure a perfect connection. In Europe, safety legislation requires no plug to be placed within 2.5 m (8.2 ft) from the edge of the pool. This law originally prompted the creation and production of induction lighting for local pools and spas. Needless to say, the technology’s safety benefits, simplicity of installation, and ease of replacement has induced worldwide interest. Several industry professionals are already using this technology, which makes it faster and easier to winterize pools, replace underwater lights, and market safer lighting fixtures to consumers. Some manufacturers are even promoting induction sockets or pool plugs for devices such as underwater vacuums and floating speakers. According to the author, more than 5000 induction lights have been installed in Quebec since 2015.

Benefits of induction

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There are multiple benefits of induction lighting, especially in the pool and spa industry:

Eliminates electrocution risk 

Most industry professionals are familiar with the number of accidents (including fatalities) that can occur as a result of electricity flowing from a pool light into the water. Also, many service techs can suffer severe injuries or shocks when fixing light fixtures with faulty wiring. Induction lights and accessories eliminate these risks as there are no exposed wires anywhere around the water. Moreover, service techs can work in and around an underwater light fixture without even turning the power off.

Thermal dissipation heat sensors

Some manufacturers have integrated additional safety features within these induction devices to prevent them from failing. For example, some underwater pool lights are equipped with heat sensors that turn the power off when the temperature within the device reaches a certain point.

Easier removal and replacement 

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One the greatest benefits of using this technology is the underwater attachments are easy to remove and replace, thus saving time and effort. In addition, the pool lights are manufactured in such a way that service techs do not need to worry about leaking.

Bill Simpkins, owner of Seaside Marine and Pool in Delaware, has been installing induction lights and finds them really helpful to his business.

“I can’t stress enough how much, as a builder, we love the fact that this light won’t leak,” says Simpkins, who is primarily a builder and has a retail store, but does not do much service. “We were sold on the product and the technology because of this feature alone. It is a huge benefit to our business and clients.

“Selling this product helps us distinguish our company from our competitors,” says Simpkins.

In the busy season, Simpkins caters to his customers, but does not have a lot of available staff.

“The beauty of the product is that anyone on our staff can quickly change the light for a client.  This allows us to keep our customers happy,” says Simpkins.

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Faster winterizing

Simpkins explains the induction technology is extremely beneficial for winterizing in his area.

“It has simplified the entire process,” says Simpkins. “They are so easy to change and replace. You just twist to remove and install the lights.”

Smarter wireless communication integration

Consumers have become accustomed to operating their pools and spas using wireless communication. Lighting is one of the more common features pool owners like to control. The induction socket is also equipped with a serial link, which connects the device to the socket and the power source to the base. The transmission of information between the base and the plug is wireless. Due to the proximity of the transmitter and receiver (plug and base), the plug uses low-power radiowaves—such as the type used in radio-frequency identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) contactless devices. Thus, the socket and the base are each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver.

Energy efficiency

Induction lamps are environmentally friendly as they use less energy and mercury per hour of operation as compared to conventional lighting. Cost savings are estimated from 35 to 55 per cent in energy and maintenance for induction lamps versus other types of commercial lamps.

Conclusion

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The use of electromagnetic induction to power underwater devices is here to stay and will continue to expand in the near future. Pool professionals are beginning to see the concept of an underwater plug as the next big step for this technology. The goal is to be able to power any device underwater—much like the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection that powers a majority of devices. Soon, the norm could be to have a universal underwater plug, which powers lights, pool vacuums, cleaners, speakers, or any other electrical device used by consumers in their pool or spa.

[7]Pierre-Yves Flattot is the president of CCEI USA Inc. After graduating with a master’s degree in international business, he joined CCEI in Marseille, France, and shortly thereafter was appointed to expand the company into North America. In 2014, he started CCEI Inc., in Montreal with a focus on the Canadian market. In 2018, Flattot set up a second North American location of the company, with the opening of CCEI USA facility in Los Angeles, Calif.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/induction-technology-comes-of-age-the-next-step-to-powering-underwater-devices/

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