Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Power Supplies & Voltage Regulators/Pi-Ener-lite

Intermediate

RASPBERRY PI

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Pi-Ener-lite

Pi-Ener-lite is a dedicated UPS power supply designed for the Raspberry Pi Zero series motherboards, featuring battery backup, fuel gauging, and RTC capabilities.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Custom PCB / PCB Fab
Magnets / Electrodes / Probes
Microcontroller IC (DIP) / Chip
RTC Module DS3231 / DS1307

Browse all components

How It Works

The Pi-Ener-lite functions as an advanced Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) tailored for the Raspberry Pi Zero series. At its core, the system draws power from an attached 18650 lithium-ion cell, stepping and regulating it to supply the host microcomputer cleanly. To interface mechanically and electrically with the Raspberry Pi Zero without bulky wiring harnesses, the custom Pi-Ener-lite PCB utilizes pogo pins to establish secure, low-profile contact points. Beyond basic power delivery, the board integrates active monitoring and timekeeping subsystems communicating over standard protocols. The CW2015 fuel gauge chip constantly tracks the lithium-ion cell's state-of-charge, voltage, and remaining capacity, allowing the host processor to read battery health parameters in real time. Meanwhile, the DS1307 real-time clock (RTC) chip maintains accurate time tracking independently of the main operating system or network connectivity, powered persistently by the backup architecture. Together, these integrated features ensure continuous operational uptime, precise power tracking, and reliable timestamping during sudden external power loss or in mobile edge-computing deployments.

Why Build This

Develop a robust edge-computing node that gracefully maintains uptime and prevents data corruption during unexpected power outages.

Implement a portable, battery-backed IoT sensor deployment using the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W without relying on tethered AC wall adapters.

Integrate hardware-level power management and telemetry, such as state-of-charge tracking and real-time clock synchronization, into custom embedded enclosures.

Real-World Application

Uninterruptible power supply for edge computing, IoT devices, and portable Raspberry Pi Zero deployments.

Skills You'll Learn

Lithium-ion power management

I2C bus communication

RTC integration

battery fuel gauging

PCB hardware integration via pogo pins

Safety Precautions

Handle lithium-ion 18650 cells with care; ensure proper polarity and avoid short circuits.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI ZERO

UPS

POWER SUPPLY

LITHIUM-ION

BATTERY MANAGEMENT

CW2015

DS1307 RTC

POGO PINS

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write software to use the Pi-Ener-lite?

While the hardware can supply basic power natively, utilizing advanced features like the CW2015 fuel gauge and DS1307 RTC requires configuring I2C communication and software scripts on your Raspberry Pi Zero.

How does the board connect to the Raspberry Pi Zero without headers?

The Pi-Ener-lite PCB is designed with integrated spring-loaded pogo pins that press directly against the test points or contact pads on the underside of the Raspberry Pi Zero board for a clean, screw-mounted electrical connection.

Can I use any standard 18650 battery with this module?

You must use a compatible 18650 lithium-ion cell, taking strict precautions regarding correct polarity, cell health, and avoiding short circuits during installation.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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