Reference Board: Low-Voltage Battery Management System

MCC’s Advanced Battery Management Solutions Boost KA-RaceIng’s Performance 

In motorsports, efficiency and safety come first. That’s where the low-voltage (LV) battery management system (BMS) comes in. This electronic circuit monitors the charging and discharging of batteries with lower voltages, ensuring safe, optimal operation of battery packs. For electric race cars like KA-RaceIng’s KIT24, having a reliable low-voltage BMS is mission-critical.

In this post, we’ll cover the essential functions of the low-voltage BMS, how it supports high-performance EVs like the KIT24, and address some common design challenges engineers face in creating these indispensable systems.

What is a Low-Voltage Battery Management System?

Acting as the brain of the battery system, the low-voltage BMS plays a critical role in making sure electric vehicles and energy storage systems always operate efficiently and safely. Main functions include:

• Protection: Safeguarding the battery from damage to extend its lifespan and ensure safe operation.
• Monitoring: Tracking voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) data to enhance performance.
• Control: Regulating the charging and discharging processes to maintain battery health.

The Role the Low-Voltage Battery Management System

In the KIT24 electric race car, the low-voltage BMS is instrumental in facilitating high-performance operation through:

• Safety Management: Overseeing the safety of the battery system to prevent hazards and ensure reliable performance during races.
• Cell Monitoring: Continuously monitoring cell voltage, temperature, and battery current to maximize performance under various racing conditions.
  
  

KA-RaceIng & MCC: Advanced LV BMS Reference Board 

To ensure maximum safety and battery function, we equipped the winning KIT24 car with our 60V small signal MOSFET:

Small Signal MOSFET

• Part Number: SI2310AHE3
• Specification: 60V N-Channel MOSFET

• Application: Relay switch for controlling LV battery charging

Download datasheet  >

Common Low-Voltage Battery Management System Design Challenges

Designing an effective low-voltage BMS comes with several challenges:

1. Safety: Making sure the system protects against potential hazards, such as thermal runaway, overcharging, over-discharging, and other safety issues related to battery cell variations.
2. Accurate State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) Estimations: Maintaining accurate measurements is crucial for optimal battery performance, as inaccuracies can lead to unsafe conditions or reduced lifespan.
3. Cell Variations: Charge variations in individual battery cells can lead to safety concerns, so constantly balancing them to optimize performance and lifespan is essential.
4. Data Collection and Integration: Effectively managing real-time data from various sensors within the BMS can be a significant design hurdle, requiring seamless internal and external communication.

MCC offers a robust portfolio of high-quality components that address these challenges while maintaining reliability and durability in the design of BMS solutions.

Understanding Battery Voltage: High Voltage vs. Low Voltage

High-voltage (HV) batteries operate at voltage levels, typically 400V or 800V, and low-voltage batteries generally use 12V or 48V. For high-performance applications like robust EVs and larger energy storage systems, HV batteries provide the primary power source. Advantages include faster charging and higher efficiency. However, they also come with higher initial costs, more complex maintenance, and require increased safety precautions.

On the other hand, LV batteries are used to monitor smaller 12V or 48V EV batteries, as well as secondary or auxiliary systems, such as the EV’s electrical system, lights, radio, and other essential functions. Their simple wiring and lower safety risks make low-voltage batteries appropriate for many applications. 

Some systems will use a combination of high-voltage and low-voltage batteries. Understanding these differences is a must for battery management in diverse automotive and industrial applications. 

Pushing the Limits: MCC Advances Electric Racing Technology

We’re proud to support KA-RaceIng as a premium sponsor in their pursuit of excellence in international electric motorsports. The MCC-powered low-voltage BMS enables talented teams like KA-RaceIng to push boundaries while ensuring safety and performance.

Explore how MCC's innovative components empower the KIT24 car and contribute to advancements in EV technology.