powering my project

hi
first time posting here. have finished first arduino project prototype , running nicely on breadboard. it's powered through usb required work outdoors battery in practice.

i make finished device rechargeable , efficient possible plan on using switching regulators , lithium batteries. have both 5v , 3.3v components power 5v arduino micro.

i need able use usb port on arduino micro connect pc gui have written in order download data collected on arduino.

so idea use 7.4v lithium rechargeable battery power 5v switching regulator , connect 5v pin on arduino....thereby bypassing inefficient linear regulator. 3.3v components undecided on whether use second 3.3v switching regulator or use 3.3v pin on arduino , accept inefficiency.

i able charge battery bearing in mind contained in waterproof enclosure. ideal scenario charge battery through arduino usb socket realise difficult achieve...perhaps more realistic goal have separate charging socket on side of box.

my background software , none power electronics...which why have come advice , power side of things i'm less familier with.

i greatful advice or potential pitfalls or suggestions may have on topic. advice on circuit design welcomed , recomendations of components use battery , regulators haven't sourced these before.

in terms of power requirements...i haven't measured current draw accurately yet whole thing running if usb current

thanks in advance

if willing work @ it, can arduino run couple of years on 2-3 aa cells.

see nick gammon's excellent tutorial on power savings.

see solar powered arduino project.

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