BatteriemanagementSystem

BatterieManagementSystem, often written as Battery Management System (BMS), is an electronic system designed to monitor and control a rechargeable battery pack to ensure safe operation and optimal performance. It is used in applications ranging from electric vehicles to stationary energy storage and portable devices.

Its primary tasks include monitoring cell voltages, cell temperatures, and pack current; estimating state of charge and state of health; and providing protection against conditions that could damage cells, such as overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, and thermal runaway. The BMS also coordinates charging and discharging, enforcing safe charging profiles and communicating with the charging system.

Cell balancing is a key function, equalizing voltages among cells to maximize capacity and longevity. Balancing can be passive (shunting excess charge as heat) or active (redistributing charge between cells). Many BMS units integrate a sensing network (voltage and temperature sensors) with a pack controller and balancing circuitry, and may include a battery temperature management interface.

Communication and architecture vary by application. A centralized BMS places sensing and control in one unit, while distributed or modular designs spread functions across multiple controllers. The BMS communicates with a vehicle or system controller via protocols such as CAN or other serial interfaces, providing status data on SOC, SOH, voltages, temperatures, and fault conditions.

In operation, the BMS extends battery life, improves safety, and enables predictive maintenance through data logging and diagnostics. It is a critical component in electric vehicles, grid storage, and many consumer electronics, where reliability and safety standards govern its design.