From Disposable Vape to DIY Power Bank
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Description
Introduction
Disposable vape devices are widely used around the world, and millions of them are thrown away every year. Inside these devices, there are small lithium-ion batteries that are still functional even after the vape is no longer usable. Most of these batteries are discarded and become electronic waste.
In this project, these lithium-ion batteries were recovered from discarded disposable vapes and reused to build a small DIY power bank. This project shows how electronic waste can be reused in a useful and practical way.
Recovered Vape Batteries
The batteries used in this project were taken from disposable vape devices. These are small cylindrical lithium-ion batteries.
Typical specifications of these batteries:
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
- Nominal voltage: 3.7V
- Fully charged voltage: 4.2V
- Capacity: approximately 300 mAh per battery
Two batteries were connected in parallel in order to increase the total capacity.
So the battery pack specifications are:
- Output voltage: 3.7V
- Total capacity: approximately 600 mAh
Battery Holder Design
A custom battery holder was designed to hold the batteries securely and make soldering easier.
This holder was designed in CAD software and manufactured using a 3D printer. The design helps to:
- Keep the batteries in place
- Make the connections safer
- Make assembly easier
- Fit the batteries inside the power bank enclosure
The 3D design file for the battery holder is also available for download.
Charging and Boost Module
In this project, a 134N3P 5V boost converter and lithium battery charging module was used.
This module is used for:
- Charging the 3.7V lithium-ion battery using a USB Type-C cable
- Protecting the battery from overcharge and over-discharge
- Converting 3.7V battery voltage to 5V USB output
- Supplying power to external devices such as a mobile phone
The module was used without a power switch, because it automatically activates when a device is connected to the USB output.
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Enclosure
A custom enclosure was designed and manufactured using 3D printing to contain:
- The batteries
- The charging module
- The USB port
- The battery holder
- The wires and connections
The enclosure was designed to be compact, portable, and practical for everyday use.
Assembly and Full Tutorial
The complete assembly process of this project, including battery connection, module wiring, and final installation inside the enclosure, is demonstrated step by step in a YouTube video.
You can watch the full tutorial and see all the details by clicking the link provided in the description.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates that lithium-ion batteries from disposable vape devices can be reused to create a functional DIY power bank. This helps reduce electronic waste and gives a second life to batteries that would otherwise be thrown away.
This project combines:
- Battery recycling
- 3D printing
- Electronics
- DIY design
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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