the power of recycling
a recycling experiment, this build challenges the trend of manufactured e-waste in the powerbank space. by salvaging 18650 lithium-ion cells from a decommissioned e-scooter, I was able to divert functional hardware from landfill and give it a second life as a high performance portable charger with a high capacity alongside quick charging via bidirectional USB-C.
x-ray render showing the parallel configuration of the 4-cell salvaged array. click to enlarge.
beyond just reusing the cells, the design prioritises serviceability. if a single cell fails in the future, the modular snap-fit enclosure allows for relatively straightforward replacement, unlike commercial units that are permanently sealed while being prone to failure.
despite being far from polished, this thing is reliable. it is so reliable in fact that it has gone through multiple airports (by some miracle) and is part of my daily carry.