BMS Battery Management System

Modern batteries are defined as smart batteries because they feature a computerized system called a battery management system (BMS). This is like the brand of the battery, which determines how the battery operates and its general performance.

So, what is a BMS, and how does it work? We will share more information about it in this article.

Keep reading

What is Battery Management System?

The term battery management system is a very common one in the battery industry. And it means just that, a system that manages the battery. Previous battery technologies were very unpredictable and challenging to deal with. Issues like the memory effect made them highly ineffective.

Also, there were so many issues of batteries exploding under certain circumstances, making them dangerous to users. They could easily cause severe damage and risks to properties and people.

Thus, inventors and manufacturers devised a system that could keenly observe the battery and indicate certain parameters that made it less efficient. And that is where the BMS was born.

A battery management system is a technology that oversees the functions and operations of a battery pack. And in this case, a battery pack means an assembly of battery cells electrically organized in a specific row x column matrix configuration. The whole setup enables the battery to deliver a specified voltage range and current under a specific load scenario for a specified time.

How Does a BMS Work?

The BMS monitors the battery, provides protection, checks the battery operation state, optimizes battery performance, and reports the operation status for external devices.

To understand how the system works, one must first know what a "battery" means." In the case of a BMS, the battery is an entire pack. As you may already know, a battery pack is made up of different cells.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

The BMS manages the entire pack. However, monitoring and control functions of the battery are linked directly to individual cells. It can also be connected to a group of cells called modules within the battery assembly.

Different battery cells have different energy densities, with lithium ions having the highest. That is why these cells are the most common in different consumer products like EVs and laptops.

But while they perform exceptionally, they have a very tight safe operating area (SOA), which generally compromises their performance. Also, operating outside this range can lead to dangerous consequences.

The BMS has changed the playing field, and these batteries are not much safer. Its overall complexity and oversight have influenced the creation of electrical, digital, control, thermal, and hydraulic systems.

Generally, BMS systems don't have a unique set of criteria that must be applied for their operation. The technology may vary from battery to battery depending on the following:

The battery pack size, complexity, and cost

Safe application of the battery, its lifespan, and warranty.

Government regulations and requirements.

The systems come with a wide range of features. The most important ones are battery pack protection management and capacity management.

The batteries pack protection system monitors that pack current and cell/module voltages. It is the most effective way to achieve electrical protection. Any battery is bound by current and voltage where SOA is concerned.

Lithium rechargeable batteries have a specific operating voltage range. Such SOA boundaries rely on the battery chemistry and what limits the battery can reach. The BMS must know the limits in order to create a more conducive operational atmosphere for the batteries.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

BMS Battery Management System LifePO4

Lithium-ion phosphorus (LiFeP04) batteries have become one of the best battery technologies in the world today. They are the safest and one of the best-performing batteries in the world today.

These batteries are defined by a high-standard BMS, which keeps the cells in great condition, delivering an incredible performance. Without such a system, it would be extremely hard to get a good performance from these batteries.

As stated above, batteries come with a certain voltage, current, and temperature range, in which they must operate. If these parameters vary considerably far from their optimum ranges, the battery pack will be permanently damaged.

The BMS prevents such things from happening. It is a computerized system that oversees the battery, ensuring every part is effectively set to work properly.

The LiFeP04 BMS is in charge of managing the discharge and charge process of these batteries. When a battery overcharges, it can get damaged permanently. That would mean buying a new battery pack all the time or replacing the cells in the existing one. The same effect is true when the battery over-discharges.

It is the BMS's work to ensure these issues do not occur and the battery remains safe. If anything goes wrong during these processes, the protection kicks in to set the right parameters or cut off current flow to the battery.

Aside from that, the BMS ensures all the parameters work together effectively. It observes the voltage, current, and temperature, keeping the battery in the safest condition.

This is why LiFeP04 batteries are the best in terms of general safety. They might be a bit expensive on the initial purchase cost, but they offer incredible performance.

It also optimizes the battery capacity for every charge/discharge cycle, allowing you to get the best from the battery. It allows your battery to last longer while giving you a great power supply.

BMS Battery Management System Cost

Battery management systems are necessary if you want to get the best from your battery. And that is why there are so many variations of these systems in the world today.

You can get a BMS for as low as $10 or as high as $60,000. It all depends on certain features and the operation quality of the systems.

The price is affected by the following:

Quality. The highest quality BMSs cost much higher, while the lower ones are cheaper.

Size. Larger BMSs offer more functionality, which could make them more expensive.

Brand. Some brands are more expensive than others. This could be because they are more reputable and trusted to offer better products.

Despite the high price tags, investing in a BMS is highly recommended for modern battery packs. The battery will pay itself after a certain period, making them very necessary.