What is a Battery Management System?

About this Video

• Video Title: What is a Battery Management System?
• Channel: Stafl Systems
• Speakers: Eric Topol
• Duration: 00:05:31

Introduction

This video provides a basic overview of Battery Management Systems (BMS) used in lithium-ion battery packs. The video explains the two primary functions of a BMS: ensuring safe and reliable battery operation. A black box model and schematic are used to illustrate the BMS's inputs, algorithms, and outputs.

Key Takeaways

• Primary Functions of a BMS: A BMS's core function is to maintain safe and reliable operation of a battery pack. All advanced features ultimately serve one of these two purposes.
• Black Box Model: The BMS takes inputs (cell voltages, pack voltage, temperature, current flow) and uses algorithms to generate outputs (State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), safe operating envelope, and fault/status signals).
• BMS Schematic: The video shows a 3s1p battery pack schematic, illustrating how a BMS monitors cell voltages, pack voltage, current flow (using shunt or Hall effect sensors), and includes a master disconnect for safety.
• BMS Outputs: The BMS provides crucial information to the application controller, such as SOC (often called the "fuel gauge"), SOH, safe operating current limits, and fault/status signals.
• Future Videos: The presenter mentions future videos will delve deeper into the individual components and functions explained in this video.