A New BMS Architecture Based on Cell Redundancy

Due to their great energy density, high nominal voltage, and lack of memory effect, Li-ion cells play a more crucial role in electric vehicle (EV) applications. Unfortunately, if not correctly handled, this chemistry can quickly bring loss in performance and produce potentially dangerous situations. Battery management systems (BMSs) are a practical way to manage these battery packs and improve their efficiency. In this paper, we propose an original BMS architecture particularly suited for light-EV applications based on the concept of redundant cell, i.e., a technique that dynamically disconnects a cell in the battery pack for optimal balancing purposes. The proposed BMS is very flexible, economical, stable, and space saving.