A battery management system protects your lithium-ion battery to optimize performance, maximize lifespan, and ensure safe operation.
Lithium batteries pack a lot of power and value into their small size. The chemistry of these batteries is an essential part of their incredible performance. But all high-quality lithium-ion batteries also include another important element: a battery management system (BMS). A battery management system protects your lithium-ion battery to optimize performance, maximize lifespan, and ensure safe operation over various conditions. Let’s go over why you need a battery management system for your marine batteries.
What Does a Battery Management System Do?
A battery management system tells you how much charge is left in the battery bank. You can think of it like the battery percentage icon on your smartphone. It keeps track of energy flow in and out of the battery and measures voltage. Your battery management system will tell you if there’s enough power to keep your trolling motor running for a few more hours. They also collect and display valuable data such as voltage, power consumption, estimated remaining runtime, current consumption, etc.
Prevents Short Circuit and Overcurrents
Each marine battery has a maximum specified current for safe operation. The battery can overheat if a load is applied that draws a higher current. While it’s important to use the battery to keep the current below the maximum specification, the BMS protects against overcurrent conditions and disconnects the battery from power. A battery short circuit is a severe form of an overcurrent condition. It commonly happens when the electrodes accidentally come in contact with a piece of metal. The BMS quickly detects a short circuit condition before the sudden current draw overheats the battery and causes catastrophic damage.
Battery Monitor vs. Battery Management System
A BMS collects much of the same information as a battery monitor. However, instead of displaying the data, the BMS uses it to optimize the performance and health of each battery. The battery management system is the control center for each battery, not the system as a whole.
The main function of a BMS is to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, which can damage a battery and shorten its lifespan. The system calculates the remaining charge, watches the battery’s temperature, checks for loose connections and internal shorts, and balances the charge across all the battery cells. If the BMS detects unsafe conditions, it shuts the battery down to protect the lithium-ion cells and the user.
We know that building or upgrading your marine electronics can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help! Contact Marine Electric Systems today for all your marine battery maintenance needs.
Marine Electric Systems, LLC is a Leader In the Maritime Industry
We here at Marine Electric Systems have over 30 years of industry experience. You can trust our team for reliable service and expert craftsmanship in the Maryland, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Baltimore city areas! We’re highly certified and adhere to all ABYC and NMEA regulations. We specialize in top-notch electrical solutions for recreational, commercial, and government boating clients. Anything from electrical refits, to navigation systems, or boating maintenance. To stay up to date on our services, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also contact us at 410-263-0807.