Power Systems
While it is recommended to use Bench Power supply as much as possible, each battery has it's own use-case.
Battery Types
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries
Advantages:
High energy density
Lightweight
Flexible form factor
High discharge rates
Low self-discharge
Disadvantages:
Requires careful charging/discharging
Sensitive to damage (risk of swelling, fire, explosion)
Shorter lifespan than Li-ion
Use Cases: Drones, racing robots, small mobile robots
Image: 
Advantages:
High energy density
Long cycle life
Lightweight
Low self-discharge
Disadvantages:
More expensive
Risk of thermal runaway if mishandled
Uses rare materials
Use Cases: Service robots, autonomous vehicles, endurance robots
Image:  Batteries
Advantages:
No memory effect
Higher energy density than NiCd
Environmentally friendlier
Disadvantages:
Lower energy density than Li-ion
Higher self-discharge
Heavier and bulkier
Use Cases: Educational robots, hobby kits, legacy systems
Image:  Batteries
Advantages:
Good low-temperature performance
High current delivery
Low cost
Disadvantages:
Memory effect
Toxic cadmium
Heavy, lower energy density
Use Cases: Older robots, cold environments
Image: 
Advantages:
Low cost
High current output
Deep discharge capable
Disadvantages:
Heavy and bulky
Low energy density
Hazardous materials
Use Cases: Large stationary robots, AGVs, backup power
Image: 
Purpose: Convert one DC voltage to another (e.g., 24V to 5V).
Types: Buck (step-down), Boost (step-up), Buck-Boost (step-up/down), Isolated.
Use Cases: Powering microcontrollers, sensors, actuators from a single battery.
Image: 
AC-DC Power Supplies
Purpose: Convert AC mains to DC for robots with fixed bases or charging stations.
Use Cases: Industrial arms, manufacturing robots, charging docks.
Image: 
Purpose: Protect batteries from overcharge, over-discharge, and balance cells.
Use Cases: Essential for LiPo/Li-ion packs for safety and longevity.
Image: 
Power Supply Units
Purpose: Provide regulated DC voltage for testing, development, or powering robots on the bench.
Features: Adjustable voltage/current, multiple outputs, display meters.
Use Cases: Lab testing, prototyping, powering robots during development.
Image: 
Management Strategies
Energy-Efficient Design: Use efficient motors, sleep modes, low-power electronics.
Dynamic Power Allocation: Adjust power to subsystems based on task.
Thermal Management: Use heat sinks, fans, or pads to dissipate heat.
Voltage Regulation: Ensure stable supply to sensitive electronics using regulators and converters.
6. Choosing the Right Power System
Assess Power Needs: Calculate voltage and current for all components.
Select Battery Type: Match energy density, size, and safety to your robot’s needs.
Add Power Conversion: Use DC-DC converters for correct subsystem voltages.
Implement Protection: Use BMS for LiPo/Li-ion, fuses for short-circuit protection.
Consider Portability: Use power banks or swappable battery packs for field robots.
Summary Table: Robotics Power Solutions
Last updated