what is bms

A Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery, such as by protecting the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its state, calculating secondary data, and reporting that data. It is a critical component for the safe operation, overall performance, and longevity of the battery. The primary functions of a BMS include protecting the battery cells from damage caused by being overcharged or over-discharged, calculating the remaining charge, monitoring the battery’s temperature, health, and safety, and balancing the charge across the cells to keep each cell functioning at maximum capacity. The BMS also communicates internally with its hardware operating at a cell level, or externally with high-level hardware such as laptops or an HMI. It can actively ensure that all the cells that compose the battery are kept at the same voltage or State of Charge through balancing. Additionally, a BMS can help in preventing safety risks, extend the battery’s lifespan, optimize its use, and ensure safe disposal of the battery. It is made up of various parts that work together to control the battery’s performance, including sensors, control circuits, a microcontroller, and a communication interface. There are different types of BMS, such as centralized and distributed systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.