Save Cells from the Landfill, Get a Power Bank For Your Troubles
1 min read
Summary
Chris Doel has designed a 35-cell power bank made from salvaged lithium-ion batteries recovered from discarded vapes.
According to estimates, 260 million vapes are disposed of each year in the UK, with each device containing a rechargeable battery.
The batteries Chris uses are relatively easy to source from vape shops or on the ground after music festivals, for instance.
His power bank design includes a 3D-printed enclosure with two PCBs to connect the cells, and a pre-made board to handle charging and power bank functionality.
Each PCB has three bendy “wings” to centre and hold the cells in place, and spring terminals avoid the need for soldering to individual cells.
The PCBs also double as cell balancers to balance the voltage levels during initial construction, before a solder jumper is closed to bypass this functionality for the final assembly.
This portable power bank can subsequently charge laptops, phones and even e-bikes.
