While the primary power source for the rotor will eventually be an axial flux generator, batteries will be present to provide startup power and serve as a backup. The latest servos, HS-5685MH, run at 7.4 V max and draw a maximum current of 2700 mA.

Packaging was the primary driver for the battery selection. It was desired to have batteries that would fit inside of the hub. The battery chosen was the UBP053450/PCM. This battery will tuck into the gap between the servo and the upper plate and the main mounting bolts. The batteries are highlighted in blue in the figure below.

Each of the batteries have 900 mAh, so the total capacity is 1800 mAh. This is sufficient to provide 10 min of operation time at the maximum stall current for both servos, and should be adequate for controlling the vehicle if the axial flux generators fail.

The batteries should arrive next week. In the meantime a design for the battery clip needs to be created. After that, the ESP-32 dev board can be mounted inside the hub and the electronics testing can begin in earnest.