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Team 01 : QuadSquadEnvironmental Impact

Dennis Lazar

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Abstract

• Android controlled quadcopter• Bluetooth connection (~300 foot range)• GPS, compass, ultrasonic, battery monitor• Brushless DC motors with speed controllers• PWM input flight controller board for stabilization• Waypoint navigation & auto take-off/land

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

11/13/2013

3the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

11/13/2013

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Project-Specific Success Criteria

An ability to …• determine the position of the quadcopter using GPS• control the copter using an Android device over a Bluetooth

interface• automatically take-off and land• fly-by-waypoint using GPS coordinates• monitor the state of battery charge and relay back to user

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Manufacturing

• Fiberglass frame and composite propellers– Hazardous resins used during manufacturing

(styrene)– Small, but harmful, portions escape through the

air during the application and curing phases– Air pollution– Health effects through inhalation, ingestion, and

even skin contact

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Manufacturing

• PCB (including breakouts and flight controller)– Cause acidic air pollutants and waste streams– Large water usage (contaminated water)

• Battery– Metalizing of contacts can be harmful to workers

and even potentially cause pollutants if not handled properly

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Normal Use

• Battery recharge• Nothing else significant while under normal

use

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Disposal

• Fiberglass frame is not biodegradable and can cause harm if not disposed properly

• PCBs are not biodegradable• Battery needs to be recycled properly

• DISPOSAL ISSUE!!!

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Solutions

• Manufacturing– Research use of other materials for frame (recycled

material?)– Follow EPA guidelines for reducing air pollution from

fiberglass and composite fabrication – Smaller PCB, remove breakout boards, RoHS compliance

• Normal Use– Instruct user on proper use– Reminders to turn off device when not in use

• Labels on device• Android app feature to remind user

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Solutions

• Disposal– Local recycling facility or an industrial recycler

must be contacted in order to dispose of most of the fiberglass, PCBs, and battery

– Provide proper instructions on how to dispose frame, PCBs, and battery• Labels visibly place on frame to remind user (let’s be

honest people take these off anyway)• Android app feature to easily direct and instruct users

how to dissemble and properly dispose all the parts

11/13/2013

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

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Questions??

the ECE quadcopter senior design project @ Purdue University

11/13/2013