BMS Battery Management System: What is it, and why do you need it?

Author: Belly Fleming

You might be wondering what the heck a BMS battery management system is. It's exactly what it sounds like—a battery you need to manage somehow. Your car battery, for example, does not require special attention; if you leave it connected to your car, it will likely still be there when you return from vacation (though the same cannot always be said of the engine). On the other hand, a BMS battery management system requires more active attention to keep it working at its best and prevent damage to your battery and its surroundings.

What is the purpose of a battery management system (BMS)?

A battery management system (BMS) is a device that monitors and manages the charging and discharging of a lithium-ion battery. It ensures that the battery doesn't get overcharged or discharged too much, damaging the battery and shortening its lifespan. A BMS also keeps the cells of a lithium-ion battery balanced so that they all have the same voltage. This prevents one cell from getting overcharged or discharged more than the others, damaging the battery. Embeddedone is specelized Embedded Software Development Company. Our team is ready to assist you in developing automotive solutions.For more info visit here: https://www.embeddedone.com/

Why would I need a battery management system on my EV?

A battery management system (BMS) is an electronic system that monitors and manages the health of a rechargeable battery. BMS systems are important for several reasons:

They prevent overcharging, which can damage batteries.

They ensure that all cells in a battery pack are used evenly, which helps prolong the pack's life.

They can provide information on the state of charge, voltage, temperature, and current of the battery pack, which is helpful for diagnostics and performance monitoring.

Some BMS systems also have balancing capabilities, which help keep the cells in a battery pack at an equal voltage level. This can further improve pack longevity.

Is there something like an EV-specific battery management system?

There's something called an EV-specific battery management system, or BMS. A BMS device helps you manage your EV's battery pack. It can monitor the cells in the pack, ensure they're all charged evenly, and protect them from overcharging or draining too low.

Why do you need a BMS? Well, if you want your EV to have a long life, a BMS is a good idea. It can help prevent damage to the battery pack and make sure that the pack lasts as long as possible.

Plus, a BMS can also help improve the performance of your EV.

Are there different levels of BMS systems, and which ones are appropriate for me?

A BMS, or battery management system, is a device that helps to monitor and protect your battery pack. There are different levels of BMS systems, each with its features and benefits. The right BMS for you will depend on your needs and budget. Here's a quick overview of the different types of BMS systems -Semi-intelligent - this type of BMS is most often used in standard hybrid vehicles with only one battery pack. It has basic cell balancing functions and can handle up to 4 batteries in a series configuration.

-Advanced Semi-intelligent - these work much like semi-intelligent units but can also control voltage, current, and power across the whole battery pack. They have complex diagnostics capabilities and are used mostly in larger electric buses with more than one battery pack connected in a parallel configuration.

-Full Intelligent - this type of BMS has all the features of advanced semi-intelligent units plus overvoltage protection against surges from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.

How can I assess the quality of a particular battery management system (BMS)?

When looking for a quality BMS, consider the important features to you and your application. A good BMS should have accurate voltage, current, and temperature readings. It should also be able to provide data logging and support firmware updates. Additionally, ensure the BMS you choose is compatible with your battery pack and can be easily integrated into your system. For example, if you're building an electric vehicle (EV), you will want a BMS that supports various chemistries and has different protection levels for each chemistry. The same applies to building an electric motorcycle or any other electric vehicle. If you're using lithium-ion cells in your battery pack, look for a system with low voltage cutoffs and cell balancing capabilities to ensure safety.

How should I consider adding an electrical safety unit (ESU) when calculating my needs in onboard equipment to protect my batteries from high currents?

When thinking about adding an electrical safety unit (ESU) to your system to protect your batteries from high currents, you should consider the following:

  1. The ESU should be placed as close to the battery as possible.
  2. The ESU should be able to handle the maximum continuous discharge current of the battery.
  3. The ESU should have a low voltage drop so that it doesn't impact the battery's voltage too much.
  4. The ESU should have a high interrupting capacity to shut off high currents safely.
  5. The ESU should be able to reset itself after shutting off a high current so it can be used again if needed.