As electric power systems grow increasingly complex, the demands on Battery Management Systems (BMS) are reaching new levels. Whether as simple charge controllers or sophisticated control units, BMS functionality is expanding, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
In addition to traditional charge monitoring, modern BMS must meet stringent safety standards, handle advanced thermal management, and integrate encryption algorithms to protect OEM batteries. In the future, even vehicle control unit (VCU) functions may align closely with BMS.
Key Features and Evolving Requirements
1. Safety Standards
Under ISO 26262, BMS is categorized under high safety levels (ASIL C/D) with fault detection rates of 97-99%. Safety measures include:
- Mitigating risks such as high-voltage leaks, overcharging, or thermal failures.
- Employing main relays to isolate faults within milliseconds.
- Monitoring leakage currents and relay operations for added reliability.
2. Control and Monitoring
BMS ensures efficient battery management, including:
- Balancing cell voltage and monitoring individual cells.
- Evaluating parameters like state of charge and health using advanced algorithms.
- Integrating seamlessly into existing EV architecture for real-time fault responses.
3. Standby Functions
Low-power standby modes allow for constant battery monitoring. BMS can cyclically wake using timers, powered by microcontrollers with ultra-low power domains.
4. Thermal Management
BMS supports active thermal systems to maintain optimal battery performance in different climates, controlling heaters, fans, and water pumps with built-in sensors and timers.
5. Encryption Algorithms
To prevent unauthorized repairs or unsafe modifications, encryption protects battery data. AES-encrypted storage ensures only authorized components are used, enhancing warranty integrity.
Future Outlook for BMS
The role of BMS is expected to expand further, potentially integrating with vehicle control units (VCU) to streamline EV electronics and reduce costs. Advanced microcontrollers like Infineon’s AURIX architecture offer multi-core processing, enabling integration of VCU functions and intelligent power management.
With these advancements, BMS will remain central to ensuring safety, efficiency, and performance in next-generation EVs.