Difference between hardware BMS and smart BMS
For energy storage systems, the BMS is usually divided into hardware BMS and smart BMS, so what is the difference between them?
Definition of hardware BMS and smart BMS:
Hardware BMS refers to a battery management system implemented based on hardware components. Hardware BMS is usually composed of sensors, controllers, protectors, equalizers, etc., and is mainly responsible for hardware-level functional implementation, such as battery pack voltage, current acquisition and protection, balancing control, temperature detection, etc. It lacks communication functions and parameter customization capabilities and can be used as a basic protection for batteries.
Software BMS refers to a BMS battery management system implemented based on software programs. Software BMS is usually composed of a main control unit, a communication module, an algorithm module, a data storage module, etc., and is mainly responsible for advanced functions such as data processing, status diagnosis and troubleshooting. Users can access, modify and set BMS and battery parameters, making it more intelligent to use.
Basic function comparison:
Both hardware BMS and smart BMS provide basic protection functions, including overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, temperature and balance protection.
Comparison of extended functions:
Hardware BMS: limited expansion capabilities, usually require additional components such as GPS and soft switches to enhance functionality.
Smart BMS: known for its intelligence and expandability, supports a variety of accessories and functions. It can usually be connected to a dedicated mobile application via Bluetooth, allowing users to fully monitor, modify and adjust battery parameters. In addition, it can be connected to computers, displays and mobile applications via communication lines such as UART, RS485, CAN, RS232 and Bluetooth.
In summary, for the energy storage industry, the cost of hardware BMS is usually lower than that of smart BMS. The hardware BMS is suitable for simple small-scale applications without communication and is usually used as a lead-acid replacement scenario. It does not communicate with the inverter, and the connection method is similar to that of lead-acid batteries. The smart BMS can communicate with the inverter, and the parallel use is more flexible, which can realize functions such as remote monitoring.
About Micergy
Micergy started lithium battery manufacturing in 2009 and provides custom lithium battery products for different sectors, including energy storage batteries, lighting electric vehicle batteries, and custom batteries for golf carts, Marine, RV, and Forklifts. Besides, not limiting ourselves to the R&D of BMS to protect the battery and lengthen the lifespan, relying on the competitiveness of the battery, Micergy further embraces the IoT technology and developed comprehensive 'Energy + IoT' solutions for various sectors to solve the affordability problem of product with a high upfront cost.
Welcome to visit www.micergy.com or drop an email to [email protected] to learn more about Micergy custom lithium-ion battery products for the energy storage sector and e-mobility sectors.
Thanks for the time to read this article. Welcome to Like, Comment and Share this article to your network!