Battery Management System: testing, hardware modifications and safety enhancements for automotive applications

In this historical period, we are witnessing a revolution in public transport driven by increasing global pollution. Consequently, society is pushing toward renewable energy sources. One of the most significantly affected fields is the automotive industry, which, over recent years, has been striving to utilize electrical energy produced by green technologies, such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, to the greatest extent possible. The primary challenge that automotive industries have had to address is the replacement of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) with Electrical Motors (EM), while endeavoring to retain the same advantages, such as refueling time, reliability, and extended range. Technological advancements are continuously being made to bridge the gap between ICE and EM, aiming to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles. One of the well-known drawbacks of EM technology is the necessity of a large battery, which requires extensive monitoring and management. $\\$My thesis project focused on studying and testing the components designed to control and manage these large batteries. This crucial component is known as the Battery Management System (BMS), and it is divided into three subcomponents: the Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU), the Battery Junction Box (BJB), and the Battery Management Unit (BMU). The Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU) is responsible for monitoring the voltage and temperature of individual cells within the battery pack. The Battery Junction Box (BJB) manages the connections and distribution of power within the battery system, ensuring safety and efficiency. Finally, the Battery Management Unit (BMU) oversees the overall management of the battery, including state-of-charge estimation, balancing, and fault detection. Through my research and testing, I aimed to contribute to the optimization and advancement of BMS technology, which is essential for the development of reliable and efficient electric vehicles. The continuous improvement of BMS technology is vital for overcoming the current limitations of electric vehicles and for promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.