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Robots used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration, often depend on mobility, compact design, and energy efficiency. One of the most suitable rechargeable batteries to meet these requirements is the lithium polymer battery. Commonly known as LiPo batteries, these batteries come in various configurations and designs.
Most soft case LiPo batteries are encased in a flexible polymer material. While the flexible design enables it to be lightweight and compact, the soft casing also makes it more sensitive to punctures and physical damage. Soft case LiPo batteries are mostly applied in consumer electronics, remote-controlled devices, and some smaller autonomous robots.
Although hard case LiPo batteries are a bit heavier than soft case batteries, they provide higher protection against physical damage and external impacts. A hard case battery is more suitable for industrial or heavy-duty robots that are operated in demanding environments.
One of the best features of lithium polymer batteries is that they come in various capacities. Small robotic applications may require batteries with lower capacity ratings, such as 500mAh to 1000mAh. In contrast, large industrial robots or drones require higher capacity batteries, typically in the range of 5000mAh and above. Various configurations are also available in terms of voltage, typically from one to five series.
This battery technology can accommodate various chemical configurations. Lithium polymer batteries with high discharge rates, for instance, employ chemical compositions such as LiCoO2 or LiPo. These are efficient and suitable for high-performance robots. In contrast, batteries developed for applications with lower power requirements may utilize safer chemistries.
Packaged and customized LiPo batteries are preferred in robotics applications where standard batteries do not meet specific energy storage requirements. These batteries are often designed to fit into designated spaces and provide the required energy densities.
In most manufacturing plants, the efficiency of its operations relies on the effectiveness of the equipment deployed. Robots employed in this environment perform a variety of tasks, from simple assembling, to painting, welding, and quality inspection. With this level of workload, it is no wonder that a high number of these manufacturing robots use lithium polymer batteries. Due to the nature of the work, many of the manufacturing robots are often required to carry out their work within tight squares and, therefore, should be efficient with energy. LiPo batteries meet this requirement and provide efficient energy for a long time.
LiPo batteries are also well utilized in robots engaged in logistics and delivery. Due to several requirements, batteries for these robots must enable them to travel long distances while carrying heavy payloads. Lithium polymer batteries provide the desired energy density and have a lightweight structure and compact design.
Apart from manufacturing systems, lithium polymer batteries are also used to power many automated warehouse robots. LiPo batteries have flexible forms that make it possible for them to power small robotic systems like quick mobility picking arms and autonomous guided vehicles.
For all-weather and outdoor applications, there are agricultural robots that use LiPo batteries to carry out planting, monitoring, and harvesting tasks. These batteries are useful because of their energy efficiency and capability to work in different temperatures. They make sure the robots function smoothly outside and for extended hours.
There are also inspection and exploration robots utilized in industrial facilities, pipelines, and open mining sites. Most of their lithium polymer batteries are designed to power the robots to traverse narrow areas and continue working in hard-to-reach locations. These batteries also support the technological features of the robots, such as video cameras at high resolution and other sensors.
LiPo batteries are generally well known for their lightweight and compact size, making them ideal for powering robots. Unlike other batteries, lithium polymer batteries come in various capacities, typically between 500mAh and 5000mAh, and voltage configurations. This varies depending on the robot's energy requirements. They also come with protection circuits that prevent overcharging, discharging, and short-circuits.
High Energy Density
Among the best features of lithium polymer batteries is their high energy density. This means you can put in a lot of energy and have them work efficiently for a long time without being as big or heavy, especially for mobile robots. The high energy density means that the robot can carry out its duties for long hours while still being lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Flexible Form Factor
Another good thing about lithium polymer batteries is that they can take different shapes; hence, in most cases, they are provided in soft casings. This feature makes LiPo batteries ideal for robots that need to be powered but come with very limited space to accommodate the battery. The flexible design will, therefore, assist in creating more compact and efficient battery-operated robots.
Fast Charging Capability
Another interesting thing about lithium polymer batteries is that they can be charged fairly quickly. Most of the batteries can be fully charged within an hour or even less. This feature is particularly useful for robots that operate in certain conditions and require frequent battery recharges.
Low Self-Discharge Rate
Some rechargeable batteries tend to lose charge even if they are not used and are just plugged in. However, lithium polymer batteries don't do that as much. So, if a robot has a Lithium Polymer battery in it, it can sit idle for a while, and the battery will still have a good charge for it. This is particularly helpful for robots that are seldom or not frequently used.
Installation
As with any other battery, lithium polymer batteries should be installed in the battery compartment of the robot. The compartment is either designed for the easy fixing of the battery or comes with some complexities. The complexity is mostly determined by how the battery is secured, such as using clips or screws. It is necessary to ensure the cables are well connected to the corresponding terminals and then securely close the compartment.
Charging
LiPo batteries require a special charger, usually called a LiPo charger or a smart charger, which balances the cells during the charging process. The charger has to be set so that it matches the battery's voltage and capacity to avoid any overcharging.
Monitoring Battery Health
It's also very crucial to check the battery health for good performance. Many robots with a Lithium Polymer battery integrated system have a system that checks battery levels. If not, the battery level should be monitored using external devices. Avoid using the battery so much and check the status often to avoid harming the battery or freeing it from a low charge.
Proper Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of a lithium polymer battery, certain precautions should be taken. The battery should be stored in a fireproof bag or container. The battery should also be kept at a temperature that is either normal or cool. Avoid heat and cold extremes. Avoid keeping it inside a vehicle.
Maintaining and caring for robots with lithium polymer batteries is critical to ensure the devices function effectively. Just like humans need to sleep and recharge, so do robots with their batteries. Always ensure the battery has a sufficient charge level even when the battery is not in use. The battery level should also be checked regularly to avoid battery level failure.
The very basic way to guarantee that Lithium Polymer batteries are safe is to use batteries made from quality materials. Sensors, wires, and battery packs in the power bank can easily be compromised if low-quality materials are used. Always make sure that only brand-name battery packs were used in the power banks. Sometimes, extended battery life may depend on using a more powerful battery pack, but this does not necessarily mean that it should be a larger battery pack. The secret lies in utilizing the right battery pack for the right robot salt.
It's important that robots powered by lithium polymer batteries have appropriate cooling and ventilation systems. When overworked, LiPo batteries can easily overheat, leading to explosions or even fires. Furthermore, excessive heat will also reduce the battery life. In order to eliminate overheating, always ensure there is ample airflow around the battery. In the case of closed systems where heat may not be easily dissipated, consider fitting cooling fans.
Inspections should be done regularly on LiPo batteries to identify any damage, such as punctures, swelling, or leakage. Any damaged battery must be replaced immediately and without delay to prevent any safety risk. Also, robots and batteries together should be stored in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight. Any exposure to direct sunlight will increase the temperature of the battery, while humidity will affect its internal components.
Sabotage refers to something people do to harm or destroy something else. That said, it's important to avoid sabotaging or harming Lithium Polymer batteries. Simple things like not using cheap materials when working on the battery or not tampering with the elements of the battery pack will go a long way in avoiding any safety concerns with the battery.
A1: Lithium polymer batteries, commonly known as LiPo batteries, are well liked because of their high energy density, lightweight design, and flexible form factor. These unique qualities make LiPo batteries an ideal power source for various types of compact and mobile robotic systems.
A2: Compared to other types of batteries, LiPo batteries have a more compact design than others, especially for power-dense technologies like NiMH and lead-acid batteries. In addition to being light and having more energy density, they can be shaped into almost any design, making them suitable even for tight spaces.
A3: The average lifespan of a lithium polymer battery in a robotic application is largely determined by its usage and maintenance. Generally, LiPo batteries can last up to 2 to 3 years under normal usage conditions. This translates to hundreds of charging cycles. Avoiding depth of discharge and overcharging generally contributes to increased battery life.
A4: A special lithium polymer battery charger, normally called a smart charger, should be used to charge the battery. This type of charger is quite different from regular chargers because it balances the cells during the charging process. Regularly monitoring the battery health, ensuring it does not overheat, and avoiding punctures or physical damage are other good maintenance practices for extending battery life.
A5: A few useful practices can be applied to enhance safety when using longer LiPo batteries. These practices include using a proper charging and discharging range, employing a battery management system to avoid overcharging and discharging, and storing the batteries in fireproof containers. Carrying out regular inspections and using protective cases will further enhance safety.
