1. Robofish Charging Station (RCS) P17250
Introduction
The Robofish is a fully automated fish that can swim on its own, avoid obstacles, and retrieve objects. Its motion is powered by life like muscles that expand and contract as water is pumped through them. One major problem in utilizing the Robofish for research or surveillance applications is its 6 hour battery life. This is the problem that our team has tackled.
We have designed and created a station that automatically docks and recharges the Robofish. The Robofish Charging Station (RCS), expands the capabilities of the Robofish to perform missions over extended periods of time. It utilizes two 100-watt solar panels to harvest energy and a micro-controller driven mechanism to dock and charge the fish.
Customer Requirements
Team Members
Name
Role
Discipline
Jack Moore
Project Manager
Mechanical Engineering
Johan Nasution
Robotics Lead
Electrical Engineering
Brittany McCord
Power Systems Lead
Garrett Burgwardt
Electrical Lead
Lu Min Aung
Software Lead
Christopher Parker
Mechanical Lead
Design Process
Problem Definition
Systems Design
Detailed Design
Subsystem Build
Subsystem Integration
Test Plan Execution
15 Weeks
Concept
RCS Structure, CAD model of final design
Solar power tests compared to requirement
Station stability calculations
Electronics layout
Final Build 1 2 5
Two 100 watt solar panels can harvest enough energy on an average day to fully charge the fish
An Arduino Pro mini is used to control the electronics and perform the automatic attachment process 1
Custom built connectors allow the Robofish to attach to the station for charging 2 4 6 3 6
A Waterproof control box houses the stations electronics and batteries
Eight 5-gallon containers are used to provide 350 lbs of buoyancy 4 3 5
Foam guides covered with plastic sheeting are used to direct the Robofish into its charging port
Validation
Test
Description
Depth Test
Ensures the RCS can perform in water as shallow as 3 feet
Battery Capacity Test
Ensures the stations batteries can store enough power to charge the Robofish twice
Energy Delivery Test
Ensures the RCS can successfully charge the batteries in the Robofish
Energy Harvesting Test
Ensures the solar panels can collect enough power to charge the Robofish at least once on an average day
Robofish Attachment Strength Test
Ensures the Robofish will not be prematurely released from the RCS
Buoyancy and Stability Test
Ensures the RCS does not sink or flip due to small water disturbances
Waterproof Test
Ensures the electronic components are protected from shorting due to moisture
Automated Process Test
Ensures all RCS tasks can be accomplished without human intervention
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