Skip to main content

Wireless Induction For Your Light Projects!

wledv2I've had a number of questions along the way about some of the recent concept work I've made public, and in other discussions on different types of social media. I'm looking to break down for you a little bit of the design and science behind using wireless induction technology to add some really cool lighting to your projects as well as maybe spice up other things if you start thinking outside of the box.

Just poking around here in some of the image galleries should entice you and hopefully inspire you to start thinking of ways to take your projects to new places.
 
Don't worry if it stops making sense to you, I'll also include some videos at the bottom here to maybe help out with that little bit. 
 
So, the problem we encounter when wanting to add lights to models, dioramas, or cosplay props just to name a few, is we either have to run wires or figure a way so that each light source has a power supply of some sort connected to it. This can make for bulky builds and introduction of parts or pieces that may not necessarily allow you to fully realize the aesthetic you are going after.
 
Using the wireless technology I'm describing can allow you to work with very small parts, make some of the projects you're doing easier in the long run and cleaner. You can build the components from scratch once you learn how it's done, and you can also buy pre-made setups to begin experimenting with.
 
Depending on the popularity of things I'm working on, I may introduce component kits in the future, optimally, I'd love to do that.

Introduction: Wireless Induction For Your Light Projects

Wireless LEDs operate using induction leverage the principle of electromagnetic induction to transmit power without the need for wires. This method involves a primary coil, or transmitter, and a secondary coil, or receiver, each attached to an LED. When electrical current flows through the primary coil, it generates an alternating magnetic field. This magnetic field, oscillating at a specific frequency (typically in the range of hundreds of kHz), induces an alternating current (AC) in the secondary coil when it is in close proximity. The induced current in the secondary coil is then used to power the LED directly or via a simple circuit that might include a rectifier to convert the AC to DC if necessary. 
 
The efficiency of power transfer depends on factors like the alignment and the distance between the coils, the frequency of the oscillating current, and the inductance of the coils. For example, placing the secondary coil directly above or below the primary coil maximizes the coupling and thus the power transfer. The power levels are generally low, suitable for lighting small LEDs, with the circuit often designed to handle the limited current available from induction. This technology is commonly used in model making, art installations, or for decorative purposes where the absence of wires is aesthetically or functionally beneficial.
 
Generally, wireless LED induction:
 
WLEDCircuit
 
1.  Power Source: 
The process begins with an electrical power source, usually AC (Alternating Current) from a wall outlet, USB, or battery.
 
2.  Transmitter Coil (Primary Coil):
This coil is connected to the power source. When electricity flows through the coil, it creates an alternating magnetic field.
 
3.  Magnetic Field:
The alternating current in the transmitter coil generates a changing magnetic field around it.
 
4.  Receiver Coil (Secondary Coil):
Placed near the transmitter coil, this coil picks up the magnetic field. The changing magnetic field induces an alternating current in the receiver coil through electromagnetic induction.
 
5.  Rectification:
The induced AC in the secondary coil is then converted to DC (Direct Current) using a rectifier circuit.
 
6.  LEDs:
The DC power is then used to light up the LEDs.
 
7.  Resonance (Optional):
For efficiency, both coils might be tuned to resonate at the same frequency, which helps in transferring power more effectively over a distance.
 

Now that we have those general basics out of the way, take a peek at the videos below, I've gathered a few of them together to show you how easy it is to put something like this together and design a setup for your own projects. The parts are relatively inexpensive and can be found on Amazon or AliExpress.

In the near future I hope to put together a sourcing page to help people find these components easier for the various projects I feature on the site here.

 
 
 
 
  • Created on .
  • Hits: 8956