Page 44 - Robots Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build

Power 3

ROBOTS NEED POWER TO FUNCTION. MOST ROBOTS USE
electric power. The two main sources of untethered electric power
for mobile robotics are batteries and photovoltaic cells. In a few years
fuel cells will become a third electric power source for robotics.

Photovoltaic cells
23
Photovoltaic cells, commonly called solar cells, produce electric
power from sunlight. A typical solar cell produces only a small
amount of power, a few milliamperes at a potential difference of
about 0.7 volts (V). Solar panels (modules) use many solar cells
strung together to produce an appreciable power. The same is true
with robotics. If enough solar cells are strung together, in series
and parallel, sufficient power can be generated to operate a robot
directly.
Solar-powered robots need to be designed as small as possible
while still being able to perform their designated functions. They
should be constructed using high-strength, lightweight materials
and low-power electronics.
The greater the weight reduction and the smaller the electric
power consumption needed for operation and locomotion, the
more viable the use of solar energy becomes. However, reduced
weight and power consumption are important in the design of
every robot. Lightweight, low-power robots are able to operate
longer on a given power supply than their heavier, power-hungry
counterparts.

Team LRN Power

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