Expandable Capacity Multiple Source Power Bank with Built-In Handheld

Transceiver

A Research Project in

EE386 METHODS OF RESEARCH IN EE

ME376 METHODS OF RESEARCH IN ME

Presented to the Faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture

Cebu Institute of Technology – University, Cebu City, Philippines  

In Partial Fulfillment 

Of the Requirements for the Degree 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 

By:

EVANRYLL JAE T. MAOG

LANCE LUCIAN A. BANICO

WENSIE T. LAPLANA

AMIEL A. MONTECALVO

March 2021
CHAPTER 1. THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Rationale of the Study

Electronic devices such as smartphones have been an indispensable tool in

today’s technologically-driven world. As a matter of fact, there has been an upward

trend of smartphone usage in the Philippines where approximately half of the population

is expected to own smartphones in 2021 [1]. It can be deduced that this trend will help

boost the consumer demands of rechargeable batteries or power banks in the market.

Power banks are used as portable chargers for smartphones and other battery-powered

devices. They prove to be extremely useful when electrical outlets are inaccessible or if

the user is always on the move, busy in some activities such as traveling.

Power bank models are coming out every day with newer improved technologies.

As one observation made by our research group, most power banks in the online

market mainly make use of electrical outlets, i.e. mains power, as only source of energy

for power bank recharging [2]. They do not extract energy from other alternative sources

such as solar power, wind power, and hydro power. Although a brief perusal over online

merchant sites such as Lazada and Shopee reveals the availability of power banks that

do employ photo-voltaic (PV) technology as means of harnessing solar energy, the

other aforementioned forms of energy sources ― wind power and hydro power ― were

largely unutilized by most power banks in the catalog.

To explore the potential advantage of using alternative sources such as solar

power, wind power, and hydro power in our product, our research group aims to
conduct a study wherein these multiple sources can all be utilized for power bank

recharging. A versatile source selection mechanism will be integrated into our product to

make use of the best available source for electricity generation.

Furthermore, our product will be equipped with a built-in handheld transceiver to

serve as means of communication for our target users, namely, outdoor enthusiasts or

mountain travelers. Long range communication will thus be made possible in areas with

poor cellular signal, a potential lifesaver in times of disasters or mishaps. The high

capacity power bank also helps ensure a longer operational period for the transceiver.

In conclusion, this Multiple Source Power Bank will promote sustainable and eco-

friendly solutions related to electricity generation and storage. The functionality of the

product will become more apparent during emergency scenarios where access to

electricity is difficult or nearing impossible.

Reference(s):

[1] Accenture Inc., “THE PHILIPPINES: A DIGITAL DAWN APPROACHES,” 2017.

[Online]. Available: https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-68/Accenture-Insights-

Digital-Commerce-Philippines.pdf. [Accessed: 17-Mar-2021].

[2] Review Finder, “Top 10 Best Power Banks of 2021,” 2021. [Online]. Available:

https://reviewfinder.ph/l/best-of/power-banks/. [Accessed: 17-Mar-2021].

Small Voltage DC Generator

Human Mechanical Power

Wind Power (wind speed

Rotor Blade Design

Hydro Power (flow rate

Electricity Generation

High Capacity Lithium-Ion

Target user
feedback,
Multiple Source Power Bank
recommendation,
with Built-In Transceiver
and suggestions

Conventional Radio Transceiver

Figure 1.0

The conceptual framework illustrated above depicts several independent and

dependent variables involved in the construction process. As can be seen, electricity

(PV) technology and DC generators. The former type allows the charging unit of the

power bank to convert solar energy to electrical energy through the use of solar panels

or modules. Its moderating variable, i.e. the variable that affects the quantity of

harnessed solar energy, is naturally the intensity or availability of sunlight hitting the

surface of the solar module. Moreover, the small voltage DC generator enables the user

to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy in three major ways: manual cranking,

wind power (by using a mini wind turbine), or hydro power (by using a mini water

turbine). The principle of turbine efficiency suggests that wind speed and flow rate are

the control variables that affect the quantity of electricity harnessed. In addition, the

shape of the rotor blade can significantly alter the amount of mechanical energy picked

up by the said DC generator so careful consideration should be provided in its design.

Overall, the aforementioned technologies are simply means of generating electricity

whenever the user is a distance away from the power grid. If access to mains power is

possible, the user can then, by all means, tap into mains electricity as a source.

The outdoor communication device or handheld transceiver incorporated in the

product will be a conventional two-way radio transceiver. It is a half-duplex

communication device that uses a single radio channel; only one radio on the channel

can transmit at a time, although any number can listen [1]. The communication is two-

way, but the direction alternates: the communication parties take turns transmitting and

receiving. Furthermore, the whole transceiver unit will be encapsulated in the same

housing as the power bank battery to make the product as compact as possible.
 Finally, additional inputs from target users will help identify further issues in our

product concept that may have been overlooked by the research group. Being able to

reach out to the target users and capturing their feedback is essential to putting the

target users of the product at the center [2].

Reference(s):

[1] L. E. Frenzel, “Introduction to Electronic Communication,” in Principles of Electronic

Communication Systems, New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education, 2016, p. 7.

[2] J. Poplawski, “How we can use feedback to create great products,” Medium, 25-Sep-

2019. [Online]. Available: https://uxdesign.cc/how-we-can-use-feedback-to-create-great-

products-cc4257dacd40. [Accessed: 18-Mar-2021].

1.1.3 Flow of Research Process

The input parameters that contribute to the quantity of electricity generated are

enumerated as follows:

 Sunlight intensity

 Wind speed

 Water flow rate

The said parameters consist of alternative sources of energy utilized whenever

mains power is inaccessible. The conversion efficiency, i. e. the proportion of generated

electricity derived from the alternative source, is dependent on the level of technology

employed or more specifically the process that the input parameters must undergo

before it becomes usable. The term “technology” refers to two types of electricity

generation devices: solar PV technology and DC generators.

Solar PV technology harnesses solar energy by means of solar modules or

panels, increasing the number of solar panels will proportionally increase the amount of

electricity generated. Moreover, the DC generator operates by deriving energy from

three main sources, namely, human mechanical power, wind power, or hydro power.

The processes involved in the research gravitate towards the technical aspect of

technology used in the product. Efficiency in electricity generation is one main factor for

the selection of such technology. Hence, the research must consider selecting the

optimum technology for electricity generation because choosing the right technology

affects the process involved in electricity generation.

Lastly, the output of the research is the fully-functioning product itself. A highly

efficient and reliable multiple source power bank that can provide power for the users’

electronic devices as well as a handheld transceiver for outdoor communication.

1.2.1 Statement of the Problem

This research study aims to design a Power Bank with an expandable capacity

and a Built-in Handheld Transceiver that can be charged through various available

energy sources with a straight forward design that the users can easily setup. Moreover,

this research seeks to find and acquire answers to the following questions:

1. What is the Profile of the respondents?

 Location

 Age

 Educational Attainment

 Outdoor Hobbies

2. What are the possible energy sources near the respondents?

3. What is the minimum amount of power needed to fully charge the power bank?

4. How far is the distance the handheld transceiver can reach and cover?

5. What is the weight of the product?

6. Can the multiple sources of energy be used simultaneously?

The Expandable Capacity Multiple Source Power bank with Built-in Handheld

Transceiver can proficiently perform its functions assuming that:

 The respondents give fair-minded opinions with the device.

 The device can be setup and utilized easily.

 The device can be charged using different type of sources.

 The device can charge an electronic devices up to 50% within the first hour.

 The transceiver can send and receive clear signals.

 The device can be charged by different sources simultaneously.

 Communities, social groups and companies find convenience to the device.

The findings and results of this research will benefit people who loves to spend

time outdoors where electrical power is limited and areas where power interruptions can

happen occasionally. The researchers decided to perform a study to design a straight

forward Expandable Capacity Multiple Source Power bank with Built-in Handheld

Transceiver.

The results of this study will benefit to the following:

Electrical Practitioners. The study can benefit electrical practitioners value the

importance of harnessing the power of renewable energy and create electrical plans

that can help people.

Communities. It can help communities resolve some issues about power and

communication loss during times of crisis or emergencies.

Outdoor Enthusiasts. This research study can benefit people who love spending time

outdoors in a way that they can spend more time in their activities without worrying of

finding ways to recharge their drained electronic devices.

Future Researchers. For future explorations, researchers can get ideas on how

effective using renewable sources of energy to projects which involve storing and

supplying electricity.
1.3 Research Methodology

1.3.1 Research Environment

This study is based on the evaluation of the hereinafter studies: Portable power

charger, Portable charger with additional functionality, and Solar energy power bank.

The first aforementioned study focused mainly on a portable charger unit which had

multiple connectors for accommodating various types of electronic devices. On the

other hand, the next study pivoted on the ergonomic design of the portable charger

which allowed both portable charger and battery-powered device to act seamlessly as a

single unit thereby adding a degree of functionality. It also utilized a transmitter to

transmit a stream of data received from the battery-powered device to a remote

electronic device. The data transmission allows the user to monitor and manipulate the

said remote electronic device, e.g. stereo speakers and projectors. Lastly, the latter

study centered on a power bank that had a mounted solar panel to convert solar energy

to electric energy which would be stored in the battery for later use.

The two of these studies involve a portable charger unit with a single mode of

recharging i.e. through mains power. Overall, these studies mainly focus on a portable

charger with a single output and multiple outputs with some additional features such as

a transmitter, and the likes. Some of its features are already developed and used in

several patented products such as the previously mentioned studies but our proposal
will integrate a handheld transceiver in the power bank as well as to fuse several input

methods for the power bank to use in its recharging methods.

1.3.2 Research Respondents

The researchers selected individuals from selected barangays in Cebu City

which belong to the age group ranging from ages 20 to 39 years old to be the

respondents of the research, preferably those professionals who are employed. The

researchers come up with 3 respondents which are identified through convenience

sampling. The respondents are professionals from certain companies whose job rely

more on using electronic devices for the accomplishment of their daily activities.

1.3.3 Research Instruments

The methods used to gather the necessary data needed for the study are the

following:

 Interview

The researchers utilized the interview method to collect information from

the respondents. It is an essential method to help explain and understand better

the personal comprehension and judgements with regards to the product design.

This method was utilized during the DIY Creative Thinking Tools assessment. In

specific terms, the tools used were People Shadowing, Target Group and

Personas.

 Questionnaire
 The researchers utilized the use of questionnaires to obtain specific

information from the respondents in a practical, cheap and fast pace. This

benefits the researchers in a way that this method of data gathering can easily be

compared and analyzed. This method was utilized during the DIY Creative

Thinking Tools deportment in specific terms, the tool used was the Question

Ladder.

 Desktop Search

This method refers to the use of the patent search techniques.

 Prior Art Analysis

Researchers utilized the prior art analysis to evaluate their proposed

product’s patentability and to identify the solidity of their idea with regards to

comparing it to prior arts similar to the context of their product.

Other tools used in the Study

The following are the tools used in summing up the essential data for this study

from the book, DIY (Development, Impact & You): Practical Tools to Trigger & Support

Social Innovation by nesta.org.uk:

 Fast Idea Generator

The researchers utilized the fast idea generator to generate concepts,

ideas, problems or opportunities with regards to the consequences of the

proposed product presented in different scenarios.

 Thinking Hats
 The researchers utilized the thinking hats to allow the discussion of

different perceptions and viewpoints in relation to possible solutions and

consequences of the proposed product.

1.3.4 Research Procedures

The procedures to be undertaken in fulfilling the objective of the study are the following.

 Exploring Opportunities and Challenges

After understanding the target users, various opportunities and challenges

are pinpointed. Using the tools from DIY Creative Thinking Book such as

Problem Definition, Question Ladder, and Experience Map, the researchers

establish ways to address the challenges of the target group.

 Generating Product Ideas

With the specified opportunity areas, product concept and specifications

are then generated and finalized. The researchers used the tools from DIY

Creative Thinking Book such as Thinking Hats and Fast Idea Generator in

creating product ideas.

 Understanding the Target Users

This study started with pinpointing and understanding the target users by

utilizing the tools from DIY Creative Thinking Book such as People Shadowing,

Target Group and Personas.

For further clarifications, these are the definition of terms based on its use in the study:

 Transceiver

In radio communication, a transceiver is a device that is able to both

transmit and receive information through a transmission medium.

 Power bank

A portable battery-powered device for charging the battery of a mobile

phone or other electronic device.

 Portable charger

A portable charger, better known as a “Power Bank” is a device that has a

sole purpose of being a power supply for devices like smart phones or a tablets.

 Electric-Powered

This refers to the characteristic of the designed tool use to provide or

change temperature in the heating material.