The widespread use and effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries rely heavily on the presence of a suitable battery management system (BMS). BMS boards are the core of this system. It focuses on monitoring and regulating the battery functions and states in battery management. While the term “BMS board” may not be familiar to you, its practical application is likely something you are acquainted with. The BMS board can be used for lithium-ion battery management purposes. You need to learn about the information on the BMS board before you choose one.
What is a BMS Board
A BMS board is a physical circuit board used in the battery management system. It includes the essential elements required for the proper operation of the BMS. It is also a kind of battery protection board. A BMS board includes the microcontroller and sensor. Other electronic components measure the battery’s temperature, voltage, and current, and communicate with external systems to manage the charging and discharging.
How Does the BMS Board Work
A BMS board operates by continuously monitoring individual battery cells’ voltage, temperature, and current within a battery pack. It also communicates with the charging and discharging circuits to ensure optimal operation and safety.
The microcontroller present in the BMS board gathers and analyzes the data from sensors installed on each cell. Subsequently, the BMS board takes the necessary decisions to regulate the battery pack’s charging and discharging cycles. This is done to maintain cell balance and ensure the battery operates safely. The BMS board will limit the charging or discharging current if any battery issues are detected, such as overcharging or over-discharging. This measure is implemented to avoid any harm or detriment to the battery pack. Alternatively, it will shut down the pack to prevent damage.
Additionally, the BMS board will typically have communication interfaces, such as the CAN bus, that allow it to communicate with external systems, including battery chargers, electric vehicle control units, or building management systems.
Briefly, the BMS board ensures the safety and longevity of battery packs by constantly monitoring and managing the battery’s operation and responding appropriately to any abnormal conditions.
Different Types of BMS Boards
- Divide BMS Boards by amounts of Batteries:
One-cell BMS protection board: They provide protection and monitoring for a single battery cell, including functions like overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, and temperature monitoring.
Multiple-cell BMS protection board: Designed for use with Lithium-ion battery packs containing multiple cells, and is typically used in e-bikes, scooters, and other similar appliances.
Modular BMS Boards: Modular BMS boards offer scalability and flexibility by allowing the expansion or reduction of the number of batteries they can manage. They are designed to accommodate a variable number of battery cells, making them suitable for applications where battery configurations may change or require customization.
- Divide BMS Boards by Their Functions:
Overvoltage protection board: Designed to protect against overcharging, and will disconnect the charger from the battery once the voltage has risen above a certain level.
Overcurrent protection board: Designed to protect against over-discharging and over-current, and will cut off the discharge current from the battery if the current exceeds a certain level.
Short-circuit protection board: It is intended to safeguard the battery pack from short-circuits, which could result in irreversible harm to the cells.
Temperature protection board: Designed to protect Li-ion batteries from damage due to excessive temperature, which can occur during charging or discharging.
Balancing protection board: The purpose of designing a system to monitor and regulate each cell in a battery pack is to guarantee that they all have an equal level of charge, thereby enhancing the battery pack’s lifespan and performance.
Pros and Cons of BMS Board
- Pros of BMS Board
Improved safety: BMS boards monitor the voltage, temperature, and current of each battery cell. It also can cut off the charging or discharging current if any issues are detected. This can prevent the battery pack from overcharging, over-discharging, or overheating, which can cause fires or lead to permanent damage.
Longer lifespan: The BMS boards can balance the cells of a battery pack by ensuring that they all receive an even charge and discharge. This feature can effectively prolong the battery pack’s lifespan.
Better performance: BMS boards can monitor and manage the charging and discharging of the battery pack, which can result in better performance and improved efficiency.
- Cons of BMS Board
Cost: BMS board price can add additional cost to the overall battery system, which may make them less cost-effective for some applications.
Complexity: BMS boards can be complex systems with many components and sensors, which can make them more difficult to design, implement, and maintain.
Power loss: BMS boards can cause some power loss as they limit the charging and discharging currents based on the battery’s status.
Overall, the benefits of BMS boards far outweigh the potential drawbacks, providing crucial safety features, improved performance, and a longer overall lifespan of lithium-ion battery systems.
How to Use a BMS Board
Using a BMS battery protection board may vary depending on the specific type and manufacturer, but here are some general steps to follow:
Mount the BMS board: Install the BMS board onto the battery pack or housing, following the manufacturer’s instructions on proper placement and connection.
Connect the battery: Connect the battery pack to the appropriate terminals of the BMS board. It is essential to adhere to the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer.
Connect the load: Ensure that the correct terminal connections are matched while connecting the load to the BMS board.
Check wiring and connections: Check all the wiring and connections to confirm that they are secure and in the right position. A loose or incorrect connection can cause damage to your battery pack.
Charge and discharge the battery: Follow the instructions and specifications provided by the manufacturer while charging and discharging the battery pack. The BMS board is responsible for overseeing and regulating the charging and discharging procedures to guarantee the battery’s safety and effectiveness.
Monitor battery status: Monitor the battery status using the BMS board’s display or communication interface. This will give information on the battery’s state of charge, health, and any detected issues.
Maintenance: Regular checking and maintenance of the BMS board and the battery pack are crucial to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Adhere to the maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
Overall, using a BMS board involves ensuring proper installation and connection, following the manufacturer’s specifications for charging and discharging, monitoring the battery’s status, and keeping up with regular maintenance procedures.
Applications of BMS Board in Energy Storage Systems
Here are some of the main applications of BMS boards in energy storage systems:
FEATURE / APPLICATION | RESIDENTIAL ENERGY STORAGE | COMMERCIAL and INDUSTRIAL ENERGY STORAGE | RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES | ELECTRIC and HYBRID VEHICLES |
Voltage monitoring | Monitors battery voltage; ensures safe operating range. | Monitors battery voltage; Optimizes system performance. | Monitors voltage fluctuations from renewable sources; provides stable voltage. | Monitors voltage to ensure efficient battery usage. |
Current monitoring | Measures input/output current; optimizes battery performance. | Monitors current flow across multiple battery packs; prevents overload. | Monitors battery pack temperature; ensure safety and performance. | Monitors and manages current flow in the battery pack. |
Temperature monitoring | Monitors temperature; optimizes battery performance. | Monitors battery pack temperature; prevents thermal runaway. | Monitors ambient temperature; adjusts system performance. | Monitors battery pack temperature; ensure safety and performance. |
SOC estimation | Calculates battery pack’s state of charge; adjusts charge/discharge rate. | Detects potential safety issues; alerts user and turns off the system. | Calculates SOC of renewable energy storage systems; optimizes energy usage. | Calculates SOC of the battery pack; provides accurate range estimate. |
Cell balancing | Equalizes charging and discharging of individual battery cells; extends battery life. | Maintains balance between multiple battery packs; prevents overload. | Equalizes charge across renewable energy storage systems; extends battery life. | Balances charge across cells in the battery pack; extends battery life. |
Fault detection and diagnosis | Communication and Control | Accurately detects faults in battery packs and individual cells; identifies and replaces faulty components to prevent downtime. | Detects faults in renewable energy systems or components; provides remote diagnostics. | Detects faults in the battery pack or components; provides diagnostic information. |
Communicates with building or grid management system; alerts the user. | Communicates with system management software; adjusts system performance. | Monitors and manages current flow from renewable sources; ensure stable output. | Communicates with renewable energy system components; adjusts performance. | Communicates with vehicle control systems; adjusts battery performance based on user settings. |
How to Choose a BMS Board
Choosing the right BMS board for your application is crucial to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of your lithium-ion battery pack. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a BMS board:
Battery capacity: The BMS board should be sized appropriately for the capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack. This includes the number of cells in the pack, the voltage range, and the maximum current output. Make sure to choose a lithium battery BMS protection board that is compatible with the specifications of your battery pack.
Balancing method: Some BMS boards use active balancing, while others use passive balancing. Active balancing is more precise and efficient, but it also tends to be more expensive. Passive balancing boards use resistors to balance the cells’ voltage, which is less efficient but more cost-effective.
Protection features: Consider what types of protection features the Lithium Battery Protection Board provides, such as overcharge and over-discharge protection, short circuit and BMS overcurrent protection, and temperature monitoring. Choose a BMS board that offers the necessary protections for your specific application.
Communication interface: BMS boards may also come with different communication interfaces, such as SMBus or CAN bus. Ensure that you choose a BMS board that can easily integrate with your existing control system or is compatible with it.
Size and form factor: You should consider the size and form factor of the battery BMS PCB board carefully, especially if you have limited space. Make sure that the BMS board fits with the dimensions of your battery pack and can be easily mounted.
Manufacturer reputation: It’s important to choose a reputable manufacturer of BMS boards to ensure a high-quality and reliable product. Check reviews and testimonials from other customers who have used the same BMS board, and look for certifications such as UL or CE.
Standards of BMS Board
There are several standards for BMS boards, which provide guidance on their design, performance, and safety requirements. Here are some of the most common standards:
UL 1642: This is a standard for safety for lithium-ion battery cells and packs. It encompasses test procedures and criteria to ensure the safety of lithium-ion battery cells. It also packs intended for use in electronic applications.
UL 1973: This is a standard for batteries for use in stationary, vehicle, and motive power applications. It covers safety requirements, performance, and testing methods for batteries installed in stationary, vehicle, and motive power applications.
IEC 62133: This is a standard for safety requirements for batteries and battery packs for portable electronic devices. It includes guidelines for their use and disposal.
ISO 6469: This is a standard that covers safety and performance requirements for batteries in electric road vehicles.
EC 62619: This is a standard for secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or non-acid electrolytes. It specifies Safety requirements for large-format secondary lithium cells and batteries.
These standards establish requirements for safety, performance, and manufacturing practices for BMS boards and lithium-ion battery systems. Adhering to these standards can contribute to the safe and dependable functioning of lithium-ion battery systems.
Trends and Future Development of BMS Board Technology
The field of BMS board technology is continuously evolving to meet the increasing demands of battery-powered applications. Here are some potential future developments to watch for:
Integration of AI and machine learning algorithms: Advanced BMS boards are now leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is to optimize battery performance, extend battery life, and improve safety features.
Wireless connectivity and IoT integration: BMS boards are progressively being combined with IoT devices, facilitating wireless data communication that enhances the monitoring and control of battery systems.
Higher resolution data acquisition and processing: Advances in microcontroller and sensor technology have led to BMS boards with better data acquisition capabilities. This improves the accuracy of battery monitoring and control.
Modularity and scalability: New BMS board designs allow for easy customization. It makes it simpler to adapt to different battery configurations and capacities.
Choose Your Partner
When selecting a BMS board, it is crucial to partner with a reputable and experienced supplier or manufacturer. MokoEnergy, founded in 2006, is a leading ODM&OEM manufacturer in China. We provide innovative new energy products and solutions innovative new energy products and solutions. We offer a competitive BMS board price in compliance with the general standards. To choose your reliable partner, please contact us if needed.
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