College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Taufik Taufik, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Rich Murray, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The exploration of space has consistently been one of the most expensive endeavors humanities has undertaken in its journey to expand ever further. The PolyRover project aims to not only cheapen that expense through student-based research but also provide a better bang for buck as more unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) can be utilized on planets in concert. In order to do so, the rovers need a robust, yet compact battery management system that can fit within the wheel well. Our system will consist of six commercially-available 18650 batteries in series, organized in a hexagonal fashion around the motor. The BMS board will then be situated against the pack. In order to build and test the packs, each 18650 battery was tested for their cell characteristics, and then paired them based off the results. Given the variable and often harsh operating conditions a rover may encounter on Mars, a four‑switch buck–boost converter is employed to ensure efficient power extraction from the solar array mounted on the rover. This topology was selected not only for its ability to maintain a non‑inverted output—thereby simplifying the board design—but also for its superior efficiency and wider input‑voltage operating range compared to a conventional buck–boost converter. These characteristics enable more reliable energy conversion during periods of reduced solar visibility. We are confident that this design aligns with our client’s expectations for a robust and highly efficient power‑processing solution.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/714