BATTERY

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(BMS) OF ELECTRIC
VEHICLES (EV)

By
Saraswat Akshaya Pati
24/C&I/14
 WHAT IS A BATTERY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)?
 Electric vehicles (EVs) use batteries as their main power source.
Therefore, a Battery Management System (BMS) is essential to
monitor and manage these batteries.

 It ensures the battery operates safely and efficiently.

 Without a BMS, the battery could get damaged due to overcharging,

overheating, or imbalance.

 Therefore, BMS plays a key role in the performance and safety of

electric vehicles.

 BMS has a wide range of applications, and its implementation in EVs

is one such example.
 TYPES OF BMS

BMS
Topologies

Centralized BMS Distributed BMS

Modular BMS
 CENTRALIZED
BMS
 A group of battery cells connected directly to a single Control Unit, which is further linked to
a centralized BMS block.

 The Control Unit receives data such as voltage, temperature, and current from each
individual battery cell.

 The BMS module (connected to the Control Unit) processes the data, manages
charging/discharging, and ensures protection against faults such as overvoltage,
undervoltage, short circuit, and overheating.

Advantages Limitations
 Simple design, so ideal for smaller  Not scalable for larger packs
EVs like e-scooters or low-capacity  If one component fails, the whole system
systems. might go down, which can affect safety
 Low cost and maintenance.
 MODULAR
BMS
 The battery pack is divided into smaller modules, each containing a subset of battery cells
and each of these modules has its own dedicated control Unit, which locally monitors and
manages its assigned cells.

 These control units gather data such as voltage, temperature, and current independently
for their specific modules and are connected to a main BMS unit that acts as a central
processor.

 The BMS coordinates overall system behavior and executes commands based on the
aggregated data.

Advantages Limitations
 Ideal for larger battery systems in  Use of multiple control units and
EVs like electric buses or trucks communication links increases the
 New modules can be added or hardware complexity and overall cost
replaced easily
 If a module fails, it doesn't shut
down the entire BMS
 DISTRIBUTED
BMS
 Each battery module has its own independent BMS unit directly attached to it.

 All the individual BMS units send their data to a common Control Unit (like a master
controller).

 Each BMS module has its own microcontroller and sensing circuitry, making them
intelligent and autonomous.

Advantages Limitations
 If one BMS unit fails, the other  Having individual BMS units increases
modules can continue functioning complexity and cost per module
independently
 TECHNOLOGIES ADOPTED IN
A BMS
 Battery Monitoring Sensors : Measure voltage, current, and temperature of battery cells
in real-time.

 Protection : Continuously checks the battery's condition and adjusts or intervenes in real
time to avoid potentially harmful or dangerous situations

 State Estimation Algorithms : Calculate battery's State of Charge (SOC) and State of
Health (SOH) accurately.

 Communication interfaces : Crucial part of the BMS that enables information to be

exchanged with other devices or systems

 Wireless BMS (WBMS) : Use wireless communication to reduce wiring, weight, and
complexity in EV battery systems.
 BATTERY MONITORING
SENSORS
Voltage Sensors
 Measure the voltage of individual cells or the entire
Voltage battery pack.
Sensors  Help detect overcharging or undervoltage conditions.

Current Sensors
 Monitor the charging and discharging current.
 Used for calculating State of Charge (SOC) and
detecting short circuits.

Temperature Sensors
 Track the temperature of cells and the battery pack.
Temperature  Prevent overheating and enable thermal protection
Sensor strategies.
Current Sensors
 PROTECTIO
N
Overcharge Protection
 BMS constantly tracks each cell’s voltage to prevent it from exceeding the
safe limit.
 Automatically disconnects the charger when the voltage reaches a preset
maximum level.
 Prevents overcharging stress on cells, helping to extend overall battery
lifespan.

Over-Discharge Protection
 Continuously monitors cell voltage to avoid dropping below the safe
discharge limit.
 Automatically stops discharging to protect the battery from deep discharge
damage.
 Helps maintain long-term performance and avoids permanent cell
degradation.
Short Circuit Protection
 Detects abnormal current flow caused by a sudden drop in circuit
resistance.
 Quickly shuts down the power supply to prevent damage to the
battery and components.
 Minimizes risks of electrical faults, overheating, or equipment
failure.

Thermal Protection
 Uses temperature sensors to detect overheating or low-
temperature conditions.
 Engages thermal management systems (like fans, air
conditioners, or heaters) to maintain safe temperature range.
 Protects battery cells from damage due to extreme temperatures,
ensuring consistent performance and safety.
Cell balancing
 A vital function integrated into the Battery Management System
(BMS) to ensure uniform voltage levels across all cells in a battery
pack.
 Enhances battery safety by preventing conditions that may lead
to overcharging or deep discharging of individual cells
 Types of cell balancing : Active cell balancing and Passive cell
balancing
 STATE ESTIMATION
ALGORITHMS
 State estimation algorithms are essential for determining the internal states of the
battery that are not directly measurable.

 These algorithms help calculate amount of battery charge is left (SOC) and also the
healthiness of the battery (SOH).

 Since SOC and SOH cannot be measured with sensors, algorithms are used to estimate
them based on other data.

 Accurate state estimation helps in preventing overcharging, deep discharging, and

ensures balanced battery usage.

 These algorithms ensure the driver gets correct battery status, helping with safer driving
and better energy management.
 STATE OF CHARGE
ALGORITHMS
Coulomb Counting Method
 Measures the charge going in and out of the battery by integrating current over time.
 Easy to implement but may become inaccurate over long periods due to drift or sensor
errors.
 Often combined with other methods for better accuracy.
Kalman Filter Method
 Uses mathematical models and sensor data to estimate SOC with high accuracy.
 Can correct errors over time, making it reliable even under changing conditions.
 Commonly used in advanced BMS for real-time SOC estimation.

Fuzzy Logic / Neural Network Control

 Uses intelligent control systems to estimate SOH based on patterns in voltage, current,
temperature, and usage history.
 Can handle uncertain or incomplete data, making it adaptable to different battery conditions
and aging behaviors.
 STATE OF HEALTH
ALGORITHMS
Capacity-Based Method
 Compares the current battery capacity with its original capacity.
 SOH is calculated as a percentage: (Current Capacity ÷ Initial Capacity) ×
100.
 Simple and commonly used, but needs accurate capacity measurement.

Machine Learning-Based Method

•Uses historical and real-time data to predict SOH using models like neural
networks or regression.
•Can adapt to various battery types and usage patterns.
•Requires training data but gives accurate and flexible results.
 COMMUNICATION
INTERFACES
 Enable Real-Time Monitoring and Control : The communication interfaces allow the BMS to transmit live data
such as voltage, current, and temperature to other vehicle systems for continuous monitoring and control.

 Facilitate Coordination Across EV Systems : These interfaces ensure smooth coordination between battery
modules, thermal management systems, motor controllers, and the main electronic control unit (ECU).

 Support Fault Detection and Emergency Responses : In the event of any malfunction or abnormal condition,
the communication interfaces help relay error codes instantly and trigger appropriate protective actions.

 Integrate with Communication Protocols : BMS communication interfaces operate alongside standardized
communication protocols like CAN, UART, and SPI to ensure structured, fast, and reliable data exchange.

 Enable Data Logging and Reporting : The system supports the recording of historical battery data, which is
essential for diagnostics, performance evaluation, and scheduled maintenance.

 Allow Remote Diagnostics and Software Updates : Communication interfaces enable remote troubleshooting
and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates by technicians or OEMs, improving serviceability and system flexibility.
 COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOLS
Controller Area Network (CAN):
 Widely used in electric vehicles for communication between
the BMS and other vehicle systems.
 Offers reliable, real-time data exchange even in harsh and
noisy conditions.
 Supports multiple nodes/devices on the same communication
line.

Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C):

 Commonly used for connecting sensors and microcontrollers on
the same circuit board.
 Best suited for short-distance and low-speed communication.
 Uses just two wires, which makes it simple and cost-effective.
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI):
 Provides faster data transfer than I2C, ideal for time-critical
applications.
 Works well over short distances within a single device.
 Commonly used in embedded systems to connect sensors
and displays.

Modbus:
 Mostly used in industrial environments for BMS in large
setups.
 Supports communication between many devices connected
to a single network.
 Easy to implement and highly reliable in fixed installations.
 DATA LOGGING AND
REPORTING
 BMS continuously logs data like voltage, current, temperature, and State of Charge (SOC), providing detailed
performance insights.

 Logged data can identify early signs of battery degradation or faults, helping in timely maintenance and preventing
failures.

 By analyzing usage patterns and energy efficiency, engineers can optimize battery algorithms for better range and
lifespan.

 Logged data can be transmitted to cloud platforms for remote monitoring and troubleshooting by service
providers.

 In case of thermal runaway, overcharge, or short circuit, the BMS logs event data for investigation and system
improvement.
 WIRELESS BMS
 Wireless Battery Management System (wBMS) is a modern
approach that uses wireless communication to monitor and
manage individual battery cells in an electric vehicle.

 It replaces traditional wired communication methods with wireless

links, such as RF (Radio Frequency) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

 Wireless BMS still performs all core functions like monitoring

voltage, temperature, and current, as well as ensuring safety
through protections and diagnostics.

 The concept of wBMS is gaining traction in EVs as manufacturers

aim to improve modularity, manufacturing efficiency, and
scalability in battery systems.

 GM’s Ultium platform, used in electric vehicles like the GMC

Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, features a Wireless Battery
Management System developed in partnership with Analog
Devices.
 KEY FEATURES AND
ADVANTAGES
 Wireless BMS eliminates the need for miles of traditional wiring between
battery cells, significantly reducing overall cabling.

 With fewer connectors and wires, the system becomes more reliable and
less prone to hardware failures.

 The design allows for easy scalability, making it simpler to expand or

modify battery packs without extensive rewiring.

 By removing bulky wiring harnesses, the overall weight of the EV is

reduced.

 The simplified design leads to faster manufacturing and easier

maintenance of the battery system.
 CHALLENGES

 Wireless signal interference or data loss can affect communication

reliability, especially in environments with strong electromagnetic noise or
physical obstructions.

 Maintaining data security is critical, as wireless systems are more

vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access, making encryption and
cybersecurity essential.

 Latency in communication may occur in wireless systems, which could

delay the transmission of vital safety or performance data.

 Initial development and integration costs can be high, due to the need for
advanced hardware, custom firmware, and thorough validation testing.
THANK YOU