However, instead of displaying the information to the user, the BMS uses it to optimize the performance and health of each battery. If unsafe conditions are detected, the BMS shuts the battery down to protect the lithium-ion cells and the user.Ī BMS collects a lot of the same information as a battery monitor. The BMS also calculates the remaining charge, watches the battery’s temperature, keeps an eye on the battery’s health and safety by checking for loose connections and internal shorts, and balances the charge across all of the cells in the battery. The main function of the BMS is to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, which can damage a battery and shorten its life. The BMS is the control center for individual batteries in a system, not the system as a whole. Lithium batteries have an integrated battery management system (BMS) that helps optimize their performance and protect them from operating outside of safe conditions. The battery monitor uses these measurements to calculate the state of charge, power consumption, estimated remaining runtime, and other beneficial information about your battery system. The shunt measures the real-time voltage of your battery system as well as the current draw. These battery monitors require a shunt to be installed on the negative side of the battery terminal. The shunt-type monitor is much more accurate because it measures the actual energy flowing into and out of the battery. If you change the battery type the voltage meter may even be completely inaccurate altogether. Voltage-based monitors are not very accurate because the real-time voltage of a battery will fluctuate based on temperature changes and other environmental conditions. This type of monitor just measures the real-time voltage of the battery and uses it to estimate its state of charge. The most simple type is the voltage-based monitor and frequently comes standard on most mobile power applications.

There are two types of battery monitors, shunt-based and voltage-based. Battery monitors also collect and display helpful data such as battery voltage, power consumption, estimated remaining runtime, current consumption, battery temperature, and more. However, they do much more than just provide the state of charge of your battery system. People often think of battery monitors as the fuel gauge of a battery. Let’s take a look at what a battery monitor is and how it can help you get the most out of your battery system. You can make many upgrades to your battery system, but one of the simplest and most useful is adding a battery monitor.

Battery monitor shunt