Battery Vending Machine

Batteries are essential in providing portable, efficient, and reliable power in mechatronics projects, such as those in large-scale robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The CPP BANSHEE UAV team members have utilized numerous 4S Lithium Polymer batteries to engage in regular drone missions. Due to the number of identical batteries used, it has become difficult to identify batteries based on their characteristics, such as calculating their capacity, identifying how many times they have been charged, and calculating their depreciation in efficiency over time. Therefore, testing batteries for their inherent capacity is time-consuming and inefficient. Batteries stored in close proximity to each other are also unsafe and unorganized. The purpose of the Battery Vending Machine project is to perform research and development in producing a solution to store batteries, identify information about each battery, and provide an end user with a safe and efficient method of retrieving charged batteries.

Throughout the project, the team has explored many technical aspects of battery organization, creating a multidisciplinary learning environment for all. The power team explores lithium polymer battery charging circuitry, optimizing the safety and rate of charge for batteries that are stored in the solution. The manufacturing team creates the chassis for the batteries using 3D modeling technology and ensures safety through interlocking components. The software team provides the end user with a visual interface using data gathered from the machine. Finally, the hardware team manages the robotic systems that produce precise and accurate movements with a robotic arm.