Battery sensing supports next-generation BMS software

24th February 2022

London, UK

 

Today, Breathe Battery Technologies begins a new collaboration with Coventry University’s Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) to accelerate the development of new and improved battery management software and sensor technologies. The software testing and sensor development being carried-out will create opportunities for the faster development of better-performing and safer electric vehicles and consumer electronics devices.

Battery management software being developed by Breathe is compatible with existing battery systems where only standard temperature, current and voltage sensors are available. This is an important enabler for widespread uptake of next-generation battery management software on applications around the world, where the cost, space and weight penalties of additional sensors are prohibitive. Yet, improvements to the way sensors are designed, manufactured and installed, particularly during research and development, can deliver clearer and richer insights into the internal working conditions of the battery. The novel sensor technologies being developed at C-ALPS have the potential to improve how battery management software is developed and validated. This results in software which, when installed on the application’s battery management system, can better enhance features such as battery lifetime, charging performance and vehicle range.

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The Hybrid ThermoElectroChemical Sensing for Battery Management Systems (HyTEChS-BMS) programme, funded by the Faraday Institution, will enable Dr Tazdin Amietszajew of Coventry University to carry-out part-time work over a two year period with Breathe Battery Technologies. Robust sensing of internal battery operating conditions remains an industry-wide challenge. In recent years, C-ALPS has demonstrated itself to be at the forefront of the research which could unlock new opportunities, both for wider battery development and for the faster development of increasingly intelligent battery management software. The solutions developed as part of the programme will be applicable in the automotive and consumer electronics industries, and in other sectors where battery performance, longevity and safety are crucial.
 

Robust validation for BMS software deployment

 

Dr Yan Zhao, Chief Technical Officer at Breathe, said: “In 2019 the Faraday Institution’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship enabled Breathe to develop the PHI X2 battery model architecture, which is the foundation of our Lincc charging management software. Now, the learning from the Industrial Fellowship award will expand our portfolio of software validation methods and support the sales of Lincc for healthy fast-charging in applications around the world. At the same time, the Industrial Fellowship will help us continue to develop the best battery management software by providing even more clarity on the internal battery electrochemical processes that our software manages.”

Dr Tazdin Amietszajew, Associate Professor at Coventry University, said: “Battery internals present a harsh electrochemical environment during operation. As such, it’s challenging to obtain accurate in-situ sensor measurements, especially under heavy dynamic load or over the long timeframe of battery ageing. If you’re developing battery management software and want to have a significant, beneficial impact on the battery performance and safety, you need to have a clear picture of what’s happening inside. This is why HyTEChS-BMS was conceived, why there’s great motivation to overcome the challenge, and why I’m excited to be working on addressing this with Breathe. At C-ALPS we have a track record of new developments in this field, and I’m thankful to the Faraday Institution for supporting the next stage of our work.”

 

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About Breathe Battery Technologies:

Breathe Battery Technologies is a London-based start-up and 2019 spin-out from Imperial College London founded by Dr Yan Zhao, Dr Ian Campbell and Professor Greg Offer, Principal Investigator of the Faraday Institution Multi-scale Modelling programme. Breathe creates battery management software that enhances battery performance, longevity and safety for the automotive and consumer electronics markets.

 

About C-ALPS:

The Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems is a £50m Coventry University research centre within the Institute for Clean Growth & Future Mobility established to partner with the propulsion system supply chain and accelerate the progression to carbon-neutral transport. C-ALPS’ researchers and partners collaborate closely within the diverse and multi-disciplinary energy research environment, focusing on creating integrated propulsion systems that meet both the needs of partners and the planet.

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About the Faraday Institution:

The Faraday Institution, part of the Faraday Battery Challenge, is the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research, skills development, market analysis, and early-stage commercialisation. It brings together research scientists and industry partners on projects with commercial potential that will reduce battery cost, weight, and volume; improve performance and reliability, and develop whole-life strategies including recycling and reuse.