The application of batteries for small-scale power output is achievable. But applications requiring higher energy output from batteries demand better battery technology. Despite advancements in battery technology, batteries still face problems of low energy capacity. Due to the battery being capable of storing energy for only a limited time. The introduction of a battery management system has solved these issues.
The battery management system is an electronic system that manages the charge in rechargeable batteries by preventing them from operating beyond their safe operating range. The system monitors battery condition by collecting and reporting data, controlling the working condition of the battery, and balancing the battery operations.
Battery Management System: Features
- This system measures coolant intake, output temperature, individual cell temperature, and the average temperature of the battery.
- The coolant flow feature of the battery management system keeps the temperature of the battery under control.
- This system checks the disruptions in the flow of current flow in batteries.
- It calculates values like charge, battery health, power, total time of operation, and maximum power & discharge of electric current in the battery system.
- It protects battery life by keeping the battery from operating beyond the safe range under the conditions of overvoltage, under-voltage, extreme temperatures & overcharge. In addition, the BMS protects the battery by actively controlling fans, heaters, air or liquid cooling systems, keeping the temperature under control. Furthermore, it easily gets activated through the internal switch, mostly when the battery operates beyond its safe range. It helps to keep battery voltage levels in check.
- The battery management system makes sure that all the cells in the battery are at the same voltage for maximum energy output and retention. Active balancing and passive balancing are the two methods performed by the Battery Management System to maintain the balance. The battery management system balances cells by shifting energy from most charged cells to the least charged ones. This method is called active balancing. In passive balancing, the battery management system uses extra energy of overcharged charged cells by connecting to loads such as passive regulators and resistors.
Applications of Battery Management System
Electric vehicles:
Vehicles for on-road use such as electric cars and trucks, and other industrial vehicles, such as golf carts and forklifts, use wireless battery management systems. The system protects the charging and discharging process of the batteries in electric vehicles.
Grid Power:
Battery banks use batteries as a backup for power or protection against fluctuation on the grid. Internet infrastructure, mobile phone network infrastructure, aviation and ground support, tower communications, weather stations, and A/C (short for alternate current) power stations use grids for power generation.
Growth and Development of Battery Management System
This system is undergoing constant innovations and developments. As a result, the market expects to witness tremendous growth in the coming years. According to Astute Analytica, the global battery management system market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% during the forecast period from the year 2020 to 2025. The market growth is attributed to various factors, such as the growing era of e-vehicles and wide applications of these systems in the automotive and telecom sector. In addition, rapidly growing advancements in the industry may fuel the adoption of the market in the coming years.
- In October 2021: Brill Power, a spin-out of Oxford University has launched its battery management system. The system claims to increase battery life up to 60% and upgrade the total storage capacity by 129%. The battery is also capable of supporting active and passive balancing. Thus, the system is efficient for energy storage as well as batteries for electric vehicles.
- In October 2021: EaglePicher Technologies and Conamix partnered together. In order to provide nanostructured metal sulfide hybrid cathode system-based batteries. This innovation helped in providing superior energy output. In addition, it will increase shelf life by maintaining low temperatures during operation.
- In September 2021: the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) declined to open an official investigation into the battery management system. That is developed by Tesla Motors. Over the allegations that the software update was faulty and caused vehicles to go up in flames. The NHSTA declined to investigate the matter. As the incidents happened outside the United States.
- In September 2021: Electrovaya, a Canadian li-ion battery manufacturing company, launched EVISION, a cloud-based system focusing on battery analytics. EVISION boasts accurate remote tracking of battery operations for efficient maintenance and troubleshooting. In addition, it also is compatible with most battery management systems brands.
- In January 2021: Texas Instruments launched a wireless battery management system for electric vehicles. The new system claims to have better and accurate monitoring. In addition, it will control battery cells by setting up a wireless connection.
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This system has made batteries a viable source of clean energy. The battery management technology has come a long way, with features that allow for longer battery life, better management of charge, and varied application in different areas.
With conventional energy sources running out at a fast rate, it won’t be long when devices would be in demand for mainstream use in the global context. Moreover, trending cloud-connected systems may create promising growth opportunities for prominent companies thriving in the market.