I’m designing an ROV that will have a 14.8V LiPo battery and various power needs including multiple (at least three) T200 thrusters. I’m unsure about how to transmit that power.
Currently, I’m using this brass power distribution bus from Adafruit for a single thruster and the electronics, which include a Pi 4b (with buck converter) and an FXTI board. Adafruit doesn’t provide a max amperage, but says up to 10A should be fine. Given the potential draw of the thrusters, I expect to go well over 10 amps when driving multiple thrusters.
I’ve looked for a heavier duty version of the Adafruit part that still has insulation, but I don’t really know what to look for, so I’m curious how others have approached this aspect of design!
That brass distribution bus definitely looks a bit low-rated for an ROV, even with only three thrusters. This kit of parts would let you connect the ESC output wires easily, and use the screw-terminal bus bars for power - the same components used on the BlueROV2!
If you’r insistent on insulation, I’ve seen folks clip on 3D printed covers… you. may be able to find these on printables or thingiverse!
That kit from BR gives me a better sense of how the terminal block can be used for distributing the power - I wasn’t familiar with the jumpers.
On that note, I’m not sure if it’s a typo, but the product description mentions:
2 x 8-Position Barrier Block Jumpers
14 x 2-Position Barrier Block Jumpers
but the image of the parts doesn’t appear to show the 8-position jumpers. The assembly diagrams of the BlueROV2 do appear to show the 8-position jumpers used on the 8-circuit barrier block, so it’s a little unclear which parts would be included in the kit.
Thought I would just chip into the discussion, even though it might be a bit off-topic from the authors original post. Personally I have gotten rid of the terminal blocks and standalone voltage regulators in my underwater robot and opted for SmartAP power distribution board from Sky-Drones. Since the board is rated for up to 400A and 60V I can run all 8 T200 thrusters through it while powering other components like the Navigator + Ethernet switch + hotel ports. It probably isn’t exactly what you had in mind, but it could be worth considering as an option Personally I found that getting rid of the terminal blocks, replacing them with this PDB, and then creating some custom electronics trays reduced the amount of wiring significantly and freed up a lot of space inside the enclosure.
Thank you for the additional suggestion, @markvilar!
The SmartAP PDB looks like a great option with a very high ceiling on current. I guess the parallels between drones and underwater robots mean you can often borrow parts designed for one to build the other
I will keep this idea in mind for future iterations, especially if I need more space in the enclosure.
This is really interesting — I’m actually working on an ROV-specific power distribution board for exactly this problem.
@markvilar since you’re already using the SmartAP PDB with 8× T200s, I’d be really interested in your experience with it.
Is there anything you would change after using it in an underwater robot? In particular, I’m curious about high-current connections, serviceability, wiring, integrated power supplies and current monitoring.
I’m trying to understand whether there is actually room for a purpose-built ROV solution here, rather than simply reinventing something that already works well.
Personally I found that getting rid of the terminal blocks, replacing them with this PDB, and then creating some custom electronics trays reduced the amount of wiring significantly and freed up a lot of space inside the enclosure.