The Battery Management System and Its Components

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that may be discharged and recharged multiple times, rather than serving as a one-time use power source. As a common component of countless electronic devices, electric vehicle systems, and aircraft, it is important that rechargeable batteries are well managed and protected to ensure their continued efficiency and functionality over many cycles. With a device known as a battery management system (BMS) a rechargeable battery may be managed for the means of protection, monitoring, control, and more.

While the battery management system may vary depending upon the type of battery and the application’s needs, most are simply a set of electronics that monitor and manage the various aspects of a battery’s performance. There are many fundamental parts that make up a standard battery management system, and each provides its own unique role for operations. Fuse components are important for circuit protection, and they are a sacrificial device that will break down in the occurrence of an overload so that the cells of the rechargeable battery are kept safe. With current sensing elements, the amount of energy that either enters or exits the battery may be tracked, and adjustments to operations may be carried out as necessary. Thermistors are important for monitoring temperature, and such values often serve for safety intervention. Lastly, analog or digital monitoring of integrated circuits is provided by primary and secondary protection circuits, and such components allow for various operational characteristics to be tracked.

As rechargeable batteries continue to go through cycles of discharging and recharging, individual cells can begin to exhibit a charge difference. As battery cells weaken over time, they will offer less capacity and will charge at a faster rate as compared to other cells within the series. With the use of a balancer, however, the weaker set of cells can be protected from the dangers of overcharging as the balancer will stop the other cells from charging when limits are reached. Additionally, it is also important to prevent a weakened cell from falling below its minimum voltage, and this can be done by having the balancer stop power delivery early. In some configurations, a circuit may be implemented with a design that allows it to first discharge cells exhibiting a higher state of charge, further balancing operations. While balancing is useful for weakened cells, such procedures can also slow the weakening process by preventing damage caused by improper charging and discharging.

When the battery used for a particular application is a lithium-ion type, the battery management system is very important for the means of safe operations. Lithium-ion batteries contain a liquid electrolyte that is highly flammable, and their improper operation may lead to dangerous fire hazards if they are not properly managed and protected. To prevent such risks, the battery management system will monitor all energy entering and exiting the battery as well as voltage values. With a main switch and safety devices, the battery management system may shut down the battery once it has been drained.

With the use of a battery management system, rechargeable batteries can be efficiently managed, monitored, and protected to ensure long-service lives and high performance operations. When you are searching for reliable battery components and other electronic parts, look no further than Internet for Aviation. Internet for Aviation is a leading supplier of battery components, offering competitive pricing on microcontrollers (mcu), fuses, balancer components, and much more. To ensure that our customers only receive the highest quality items, all purchases undergo rigorous inspections and testing prior to their shipment. Furthermore, we also provide qualifying certifications and manufacturing trace documentation for all items as applicable. Begin the purchasing process for the items you need today and see how Internet for Aviation can fulfill all your operational needs with ease.

1. andrew brown
2. Posted on May 14, 2021
aerospace