Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide a great deal of value and power in a miniature bundle. The chemistry of lithium batteries is mainly responsible for their excellent performance. Nonetheless all well-known industrial Li-ion batteries likewise consist of an additional crucial element apart from the battery cells themselves: a thoroughly created electrical BMS (battery management system). A properly planned BMS secures and keeps an eye on a lithium-ion battery to enhance efficiency, make the most out of its lifespan, and guarantee secure process in different settings.

At Melasta, many of our LiFePO4 batteries consist of an external or internal battery management system. Let us take a closer look at the way a Melasta battery management system enhances the operation and secures a lithium iron phosphate battery.

1. Short Circuit and Overcurrent Protection

Short circuiting of a battery is a major type of overcurrent problem. This occurs most often once the electrodes are inadvertently linked with a metal piece. The BMS needs to rapidly identify a short circuit problem prior to the huge and unexpected current draw that burns a battery and results in devastating damage.

Every battery has actually an optimum current defined for safe operation. It can result in overheating the battery in case some load is applied to a battery which takes in a larger current. While it is very vital to utilize a battery in such a method as to maintain the current draw lower than the optimum spec, the battery management system once over functions as a barrier against overcurrent settings and separates a battery from the procedure.

2. Under and Over Voltage

Under voltage throughout battery discharge is likewise a problem because discharging a lithium iron phosphate cell lower than almost 2 V might cause a breakdown of the electrode materials. The battery management system performs like a foolproof system to disconnect a battery from its circuit in case any cell’s voltage goes lower than 2.0 V.

The cells of LiFePO4 batteries work securely in different voltages, normally from 2V to 4.2 Volts. A few lithium solutions result in cells which are very susceptible to over-voltage, nonetheless lithium iron phosphate cells show extra tolerance. However, substantial overvoltage for an extended time throughout charging can result in the coating of metallic lithium on a battery‘s anode which causes permanent degradation in performance. Furthermore, the cathode material may oxidize, lose its stability, and generate CO2 which might lead to an increase in pressure in the cells.

All Melasta BMS restrict the battery and each cell itself to an optimum voltage. For example, the BMS in the Melasta LiFePO4 battery can protect every cell in a battery and restrict the voltage.

3. Cell Imbalance

Li-ion batteries show a significant distinction from lead-acid batteries when we talk about stabilizing the voltage in all the cells throughout charging. In the case of a lead-acid battery, if a cell charges much quicker and attains its maximum voltage, the extra charge-return with the normal low end of charge current, will make sure the other cells are completely charged.

This is not the case with lithium-ion batteries. In case the charge of a whole battery is halted once just a single cell is completely charged, the other cells don’t reach a complete charge and a battery will run lower than the highest capacity.

4. Over Temperature

Unlike lithium cobalt oxide or lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries run effectively and securely at temperature levels of approximately 60 degrees C or further. At greater functioning and storing temperature levels, like with other batteries, the electrode products will start to break down. The battery management system of lithium utilizes embedded thermistors to vigorously keep track of the temperature level throughout the process, and it disconnects a battery from its circuit at a defined temperature level.

Final Words for Battery Management Systems

LiFePO4 batteries are comprised of more than simply specific cells linked collectively. They likewise consist of a battery management system which, while generally not noticeable to the consumer, ensures every cell in a battery stays inside harmless limitations. Many Melasta LiFePO4 batteries consist of an external or internal battery management system to safeguard, control, and keep track of a battery to guarantee security and optimum life in different functioning situations.