What happens when a BMS fails??
As a Battery Management System (BMS) is critical to the operation of Lithium-ion batteries, failure can have catastrophic consequences. To ensure optimal battery performance and longevity, it is essential to maintain the BMS properly. In this article, we'll explore the effects of a failing BMS and precautions to take to prevent a BMS failure.
1. BMS Prevents Overcharging and Over-Discharging
If a BMS malfunctions, it can allow a battery to overcharge, causing extreme heat, fire, and damage to the battery. Similarly, undercharging can cause cells to be discharged to the point of no return, damaging the cells and the battery. A BMS ensures that each cell of the battery is charged and discharged uniformly and prevented from getting overcharged or over-discharged.
2. Capacity Loss
An improperly managed or failing BMS can cause a Lithium-ion battery's capacity to drop significantly. Overcharging or undercharging can cause the capacity to drop off a cliff within each cell, causing uneven charging and discharging that leads to devastating results such as thermal runaway, damage to the battery, and fire hazards.
3. Loss of Battery Life
When a BMS fails, a battery's lifespan is significantly shortened. Overcharging and over-discharging can cause the battery's cells to deteriorate faster, reducing the battery's overall longevity. Additionally, a fault in the BMS can cause the battery to experience mechanical or structural damage, reducing its usefulness.
4. Disrupted Battery Performance
When a BMS stops functioning correctly, overall battery performance is affected. Lithium-ion batteries powered by an inefficient BMS can no longer perform to their potential and can't meet the energy output requirements. This can put a massive strain on the cells and may cause the battery to fail over time.
5. Increased Need for Maintenance
If a BMS is failing, it can become harder to charge the battery because the voltage and temperature of each cell can't be monitored. The result is an increased frequency of cell balancing and maintenance, leading to additional expenses that could have been avoided with timely maintenance.
6. Risk of Electrical Debt
The chance of a BMS failure degrading the battery's performance over time isn't the only risk factor. When a BMS fails, it may short-circuit internal connections within the battery, leading to electrical debts. This can result in significant damage to the battery or even cause it to catch fire or explode.
7. Reduced Battery Capacity
A battery with an improperly functioning BMS can experience a notable decrease in its capacity. This decline might be because a few cells in the battery are getting more use than the others. This causes an imbalance in voltage, rendering the battery less effective.
8. Decreased Safety
A BMS is an essential safety feature that prevents Lithium-ion batteries from overheating and exploding. The BMS controls various functions needed for charging and discharging, including temperature, current, and voltage. Without a functional BMS, the battery discharge can be unsafe, increasing the risk of mishaps.
9. Reduced Durability
An issue with the BMS that drains the battery past the lower limit of power can cause irreversible damages. If this occurs repeatedly, it may lead to the battery's decreased durability and, ultimately, render the device unusable.
10. Negative Environmental Impacts
When improperly disposed of, Lithium-ion batteries can pose a threat to the environment. At times, the battery cell can start to degrade and release harmful toxins. A failing BMS jeopardizes the safety and performance of the battery, leading to environmental damage. Fixing issues with the BMS and taking proper care of Lithium-ion batteries can help circumvent this challenge.