Critical Review on Battery Management Systems

Abstract

In the present decade, a lot of effort is being made into reducing mankind's dependence on conventional energy sources. Electrical energy is a key element towards that objective. It is a highly efficient source of energy compared to other forms of energy. But the fossil-fuel-based energy sources have one principal advantage - they are very convenient to store. Although electrical energy is efficient, it was very difficult to store it. Batteries have enabled us to overcome that barrier as well. But the chemistry of batteries is such that we can't pack a high amount of energy into a smaller package. In order to store more energy, its size must increase. The most efficient battery used today in many applications is lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. It still is a very unstable battery in terms of limited operating range. Hence careful management is required to make effective use of it. Battery Management System is a crucial component in the management of stored electrical energy in Li-ion batteries. Since it has such widespread applications, it is very difficult for anyone to determine a starting point in this area. This work attempts to provide a brief introduction to important concepts in battery management systems.