Many vape models (read: "electronic cigarettes") use 18650 cells, a format that's easy to obtain these days. But there are also disposable vapes, which depending on the manufacturer can produce thousands of puffs. The problem is that these vapes end up in the trash with a perfectly functional lithium cell inside, a waste from every point of view. User "N-Ender_3" from Printables.com shared a small 3D design that allows us to create a Power Bank compatible with these cells.
The variety of sizes and formats available for lithium batteries is truly impressive. Whether it's a button cell for IoT projects or a giant block for boats and golf carts, you can probably get a suitable battery without any trouble. In the case of vapes, many designs have opted for the 18650 cell, and some users even go so far as to decorate their cells with other patterns.
But there are also disposable vapes, and that means one thing: thousands of lithium cells end up in the trash after being used only once. There's nothing unusual about these cells; all they need to work again is a good charge with a safe circuit. That brings us to N-Ender_3's design on Printables.com, which enables the construction of a Power Bank with these cells.
Building a Power Bank with Disposable Vape Batteries
The 3D design is compatible with a maximum of five cells, but nothing stops us from using fewer. On average, each of these cells has a capacity of 650 mAh. Assuming an optimal configuration, the Power Bank could exceed 3,000 mAh, not bad considering it uses recovered cells.
The charging circuit is a simple 134N3P module with dual USB ports, available online for 10 euros (in packs of ten). This circuit protects the cells throughout the process and properly boosts 3.7V to 5V to recharge devices later. The only major requirement is that the cells must be charged independently before connecting them in parallel, so they reach a similar voltage and normalize without risk. Ideally, the difference between them should not be greater than 0.1V.
Are there risks when working with lithium cells? Always. But the key is respect, not fear. Also, if parallel cells make us uncomfortable, the circuit will work the same even if we use a single unit.
Access the model: Click here
