Intelligent Pool Cover Swimming Pool Becomes a Sustainable Energy Source

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Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

If you have a pool in your garden, you can not only swim in it during the summer but also generate electricity. Skyvolution Energy GmbH has developed an intelligent pool cover with integrated PV modules. The energy chains for this were supplied by Igus.

The intelligent pool enclosure from Skyvolution combines innovation and sustainability: if guests swim in the pool before grilling, the individual segments are stacked at the poolside. Optionally, even when retracted, the largest roof element generates electricity. To then utilize the full potential of the system, one person can slide the segments like a telescope on an especially flat, single-sided linear guide over the pool. The monocrystalline half-cells integrated into the roof skin made of laminated safety glass generate electricity, depending on configuration and location, up to 8,400 kWh per year. The construction allows plenty of daylight into the pool, enabling reflected sunlight to also be used for power generation. At the same time, the enclosure reduces evaporation and heat loss from the pool.

From the outside, as little of the technology as possible should be visible. This presented a challenge for Skyvolution founder Roland Altenberger: the electrical infrastructure is fully integrated into the construction. Each enclosure segment has its own control cabinet, into which the PV module cables are directly connected. For cable management, Skyvolution relied on specially developed energy chains made of high-performance plastic by Igus. This allows the cable bundle to be securely and almost invisibly guided from element to element. In the largest roof element, the protected transition into the ground is managed via an energy chain from the E4.31L series. From there, the connection is routed through a conduit to the inverter. This ensures that the technical complexity remains nearly invisible to the observer, without compromising functionality or reliability.

Energy Chains Are Resistant to Humidity and Chlorine

The components inside the PV cover are constantly exposed to chlorinated air. However, chlorine is significantly more aggressive than ordinary moisture. It deposits on surfaces along with water vapor, leading to corrosion on metal components. Conventional plastic components, on the other hand, suffer from embrittlement, microcracks, and a loss of impact strength. Additionally, substantial temperature fluctuations between day and night add further stress to the material. "The energy chains from Igus reliably withstand these conditions," says Altenberger. "The material is so durable that the cable management in the pool cover can operate failure-free and maintenance-free for many years. This is a clear advantage for us and our customers and reflects our high standards for quality and durability."

Custom Design Compensates for Small Installation Space

The installation space for the telescopic pool enclosure is limited. "Since the individual segments slide into each other, there is very little space available for the moving cables," Altenberger confirms. "Standard solutions could not meet the requirements for space and mobility." Therefore, in close coordination with Igus, Skyvolution developed a specially adapted solution based on the energy chain series 1400, which safely guides the solar cables through the moving segments to the control cabinet in the tightest of spaces.

The series 1400 is characterized by easy and versatile installation, high stability combined with quiet operation, as well as long service life and diverse mounting options. According to Igus, the use of tribologically optimized high-performance plastics makes their energy chains particularly robust and wear-resistant. "Igus strives to ensure that technology does not hinder the creativity of designers. This flexibility was crucial to the implementation of the project. The result is a reliable solution that combines protection, sustainable energy generation, and appealing design in one system," says Altenberger.