There is so much talk about BMS (Battery Management System) on the Energy market. You may be mistaken to think it’s an Over Hype of things that are not that critical. No, it’s Not an Overhype. It’s surreal. Overlooking the role of a Battery Management System is like Overlooking the Role of Insurance. You only realize the Importance once an Accident has visited you.

The lithium-ion technology is highly Efficient but is characterized by instability under certain temperature and load conditions. The biggest challenge with these batteries is their irregular charging and discharging of individual cells. Individual cells need to be monitored closely, with constant checks on their health and behavior under various temperature and load conditions.

Therefore, the BMS is crucial to ensure that the battery packs are working at their maximum efficiency. It also provides safety by preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and ensuring the electrical safety of cells.” There are plenty of advantages to be obtained from the use of a Battery Management System.

Longer Battery Life

A BMS enhances the life span of the battery cells meaning the Battery lasts longer as compared to those without a BMS.

Voltage Control

Battery Management System provides an effective way to measure and control the cell’s voltage. A Battery management system regulates the battery from overcharging and over-discharging which often causes swelling of battery cells.

Stability

It ensures stability and reliability.

Enhances Safety

It ensures the safety of the battery pack, especially large-format lithium-ion batteries.

Cell Equalisation

It monitors the battery cells constantly to avoid the occurrence of failure or explosion which is very much associated with battery packs being used without BMS.

Danger Detection

A BMS possesses a tracking system for potential problems such as excessive heat, smoke, fire, etc, that can ruin the cells.

Temperature Control

BMS has temperature management capabilities helping to maintain temperatures at ideal or optimum 45 degrees Celsius.

Anticipate Charge Time

The State of Charge function gives an indication of how long the battery’s charge will last before it needs recharging.

Anticipate Future Perfomance

It forecasts the battery pack’s capabilities in the near future.

Remote Monitoring

With more advances in technology, BMS also offers users an opportunity to monitor the performance and behavior of their installations from a remote location. This gives Energy companies to be inconsistent control of all their projects and optimize productivity.

It is thus important for all lithium technology users both installers, businesses, and homeowners to put as much emphasis on all systems having battery management systems. The dangers associated with unprotected lithium systems far outweigh the cost savings made.

There is a potential loss of life and property. Research conducted by SHINKO AFRIKA has established that 98% of Battery explosion cases being experienced in Zimbabwe are Associated with Naked Lithium Battery Installations, underpinning the importance of Battery Management Systems.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority is urged to take measures that ensure a stoppage to this increasing trend of installations of unprotected or unmanaged lithium cells.