Sponsor: Dr. Zeljko Pantic, FREEDM
Mentor(s):
Dr. Zeljko Pantic zpantic@ncsu.edu
Project Background and Need:
This project aims to design, fabricate, and test a platform capable of aligning magnetic couplers for wireless charging of Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Although they are often considered “autonomous,” UAVs are not truly autonomous due to the limited onboard energy. Every 20-30 minutes, the UAV should land, and its batteries should be swapped or recharged. Wireless charging simplifies the battery recharging, but the method is strongly affected by the alignment between the magnetic couplers during the charging process. The proposed motorized, electronically-controlled platform should resolve that issue and allow an efficient wireless charging process.
Problem Description/requirements (List of high-level functionality you expect to see in the end product):
The platform should be capable of aligning pads with an accuracy better than 0.5 cm (0.2 inches). The proposed design should be robust, capable of operating in any environment and any part of a day. Moreover, it should stabilize and secure the UAV at the platform in the case of a strong wind. The platform should operate autonomously and should be efficient. It should support short-range communication (BT or Zigbee protocols). More details about the proposed solution will be provided to interested students.
Required Skills / Desired Competencies (in order of importance):
Power electronic and power systems
Robotics/mechatronics
Embedded hardware and programming
MATLAB and Simulink
Programming experience
PCB design and layout
Wireless communications
Mobile app development
How often and how would you be available to meet/chat with the team (Zoom, Hangout, Skype, Phone)?
Once a week, in person
Will the students be required to sign any of the following before they start with the project? NDA / CDA / IP assignment / IP protection form
NDA will need to be signed.
Google Folder Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wjOp-E_rESHjlp7zS_37Z6mfE5or5LyQ?usp=sharing
Team Contact Information:
Nick Voy - Team Lead - email: ndvoy@ncsu.edu phone: 336-870-1913
Ben Michael - Minutes Manager/ Scribe - email: bgmichae@ncsu.edu phone: 417-622-8578
Adam Murphy - Website Manager - email: ammurph7@ncsu.edu phone: 910-388-7033
Wrenn Dawson - Purchasing Contact - email: bwdawson@ncsu.edu phone: 919-539-1765
Will Moody - Sponsor Contact - email: wmmoody@ncsu.edu phone: 813-417-4336
Regular Meeting Times:
Sponsor - Monday 1800-1900
Team - Thursday 1630-1730
Meeting Minutes Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RXFIo4G1SZHLSR4f9e-QfZPAZGwYnN-u?usp=sharing
Assignments Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QouelENrhrHSRHaIUeBG2inXBu5o7hYD?usp=sharing
Link to Design Day Poster: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xxQdGKRgz2NFSW9vz7RY51WQosJ8wt75/view?usp=sharing
Link to Design Day Photo: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yFXbnBE77mFVK1ulRmf1xf5oAEmF-HYgouuebM9oqqA/edit?usp=sharing