Wireless BMS

Source: Linear demos wireless battery management in BMW i3 | Electronics EETimes

At the electronica 2016 exhibition, Linear Technology featured a BMW i3 'concept car' in which the internal communications between battery management PCBs within the main traction battery pack are implemented by wireless links, using at its own Dust Networks 2.4 GHz mesh networking.
The wireless BMS concept car, developed by Linear’s design partner LION Smart, combines Linear’s highly accurate battery stack monitors with its SmartMesh wireless mesh networking, replacing the conventional wired connections between the battery packs and the battery management system. Benefits, Linear says, include the potential for improved reliability, lower cost and weight, and reduced wiring complexity for large multicell battery stacks for electric and hybrid/electric vehicles.

The demonstration also uses battery packs from Kreisel Electric, specialists in maximising the performance of 18650 cylindrical cells; the company builds battery packs that are liquid cooled, and heated, with a system integrated with the car's HVAC system. Optimum charging, the collaborating companies explain, can only take place when the battery pack is at a constant 30C, and heating as well as cooling may be required. The partners claim that given sufficient available power, charging to 80% in 18 minutes is feasible.​

Owner of a BMW i3-REx, both techniques are interesting as it suggests a 3d party battery pack for mine.

Bob Wilson

​