EDSGN 100 Client Design Project, Fall 2012 Mobile Electronics Alternative Charging System

mobilephonebatteries.org

Project Objective Develop a charger system for mobile devices that operates from energy sources other than standard wall or vehicle power. The charger system will be designed for a specific mobile device and pattern of use (a.k.a. use case). Devices could range from common cell phones to higher power radios and tablets and could be in a building, outside in an urban environment, in a desert, etc. Project Background Harris RF Communications (http://rf.harris.com/) is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, government, and commercial organizations. Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, and transportation markets, with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios. Providing power to cell phones and communication equipment is a challenging task when standard wall or vehicle power is unavailable. Yet there are many resources around us that we can use to harvest energy, from the human body to the sun. Understanding these resources is a key element of this project. Another key element is to understand the usage patterns of a device, as these determine the power demand and energy use that your charging system must support. The use of a device also determines the potential energy resources that can be tapped into. Usage can range from a forest firefighter in the midst of a wildfire battle, a night security guard for a bank, or a student at a football game, all with diverse environments and resources that they can use to charge a radio, tablet, or phone. This project aims to develop a charging solution given the needs of these users and the equipment they commonly use. The concept of a use case is very important and is an important method for identifying and decomposing a problem and defining requirements. Project Requirements Design a charger system for mobile devices that operates from sources other than standard wall or vehicle power. It must meet the following specifications and guidelines: It must successfully address the use case that you have identified. Constraints such as weight, size, cost, ease of use, ruggedness, etc., will depend on the identified use case.

It must use two different sources of alternative energy.

Issues your solution should address Safety identify potential safety issues and describe how these issues are addressed Economic viability describe overall system economics and compare to other possible solutions for the use case, i.e., a consumer may not be willing to spend as much for the convenience, but a first-responder may to ensure connectivity Environmental impact describe the pros and cons of your systems environmental impact

Key Deliverables Note: Your instructor will clarify her or his expectations for these deliverables and respective due dates. Technical report and summary poster which include: A definition of the use case and related constraints. The proposed solution and alternative solutions considered. Benchmarking analysis of existing charging solution on the market. A block diagram of the system and a concept of operations. Analysis of energy consumption profile and charging requirements. A physical model of the alternative power source charger. Up-front and operating costs for the system.

Additional Resources EDSGN Project Website: http://www.edp.psu.edu/design_projects/edsgn100/fa12