Electric Circuit Research:

The autophagous battery provides a low voltage of about 0.6 V. In order to show a significant source of power as defined by the project scope we need to condition this voltage into a more useful form. Each galvanic cell will have an individual boost converter. The boost converter is the first stage in the conditioning process of the galvanic cell after which the cells will be interconected in order to provide the necesary power output.

Energy Storage


The autophagous battery will use a boost converter in order to increase the voltage level and as a result of this conditioning and the nature of the galvanic couple the power will not be constant. To account for this the power from the galvanic cells will be stored in a lithium ion battery for future use.

Electrical Engineering Team:

A group of electrical engineering students was assigned to work on the project in order to provide the necessary elements that will assure the necessary power output and proper connectivity of the autophagous battery.

From left to right are: Nicholas Bernaldes, Cinque Ajose, Aaron Sampson, and Devonne McPherson. Missing from the picture is Richard Mart

Circuit Theory

The following figure shows how the current is being stored into the inductor. This stage will continue until the current is no longer steady.

Circuit Performance Part A

As shown in the diagram below after the first stage the switch will open and the stored current will flow through the diode and into the capacitor producing an output voltage.

Circuit Performance Part B

Circuit Designs

The following figures are design concepts for different switch design options. These design concepts were delivered by the electric engineering team.

Switch Design 1

Switch Design 2

Switch Design 3

Important Dates

04/04/2006
Webpage is released to the public.

04/04/2006
Final Reports due.

04/06/2006
Open House at the FAMU-FSU College Of Engineering.

Related Links

FAMU-FSU College Of Engineering

Center For Advanced Power Systems (CAPS)

Florida State University

Florida A&M University