This PXI Battery Management System (BMS) Test system allows an operator to simulate a simple battery model and test scenarios via an intuitive user interface. It demonstrates how our feature-rich battery simulation, fault insertion and RTD simulation modules can seamlessly function together in a flexible and scalable test platform.

Why is BMS testing so important? Safety and Performance

• Lithium-Ion batteries are intrinsically unstable and can result in thermal runaways when used beyond their safe operation.
• BMS constantly monitors voltages and temperatures across individual cells and current across the battery pack.
• In case of a fault, the BMS must take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the end users.
• Accurate and effective estimation of state-of-charge (SOC) helps protect the battery, prevent overcharge or discharge, and improve the battery life.
• By providing effective cell balancing techniques, the BMS improves the available capacity of the battery pack and increases the longevity of battery cells.

So why simulate?

• During BMS development, engineers need to reliably test the BMS under real-world conditions to complete their verification and validation plans./li>
• Test strategies such as Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing are often performed at this stage.
• HIL testing involves simulating physical inputs and external connections to the pack while monitoring its outputs and behavior relative to design requirements.

Why not use real-world stimulus?

• Time to Test: You would need to cycle battery packs and manipulate real-world conditions.

• Repeatability: Age and conditions can drastically affect results.

• Cost: You would need a setup for every BMS use case, leading to purchase and storage expenses. In addition, these setups would need regular maintenance and upgrade.

• Safety: Taking batteries to extremes could cause catastrophic failure. In addition, battery stacks are heavy and cumbersome.