Project Volta: Senior Capstone Design of a Remote Management System for Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery Storage

Abstract

This paper presents a senior capstone research experience in developing a remote Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery management system for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). LiPo batteries are rechargeable batteries of lithium-ion technology using a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. These batteries are versatile and dissipate large amounts of power rapidly which leads them to be a battery of choice typically used in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as UAVs and other high-powered mobile vehicles. However, these cells are hypersensitive to overcharge, over-discharge and high temperatures causing them to become a hazard to any personnel who utilize them. Another concern is the stability of LiPo batteries' chemical makeup if handled incorrectly. The polymer interlined between the cells are known to degrade rapidly and can even cause spontaneous combustion which makes them erratic and unstable. A set of streamlined operating procedures could reduce the high level of uncertainty with the unpredictable degradation and increase the reliability of LiPo batteries [1][2][3][4]7].