Whilst developing smarter hybrid systems to manage the battery packs of an advanced low carbon vehicle prototype, MIRA’s Controls and Hybrid Electric Vehicles department in conjunction with the engineering consultancy's Future Transport Technologies team created a solution that enabled battery systems to be monitored successfully as a whole.
From the outset of the programmer one of the clear objectives was to minimize the likelihood of high and low voltage situations occurring across the battery pack, as this was likely to prove detrimental towards the integrity of the system.
It was decided that the solution should allow engineers to constantly assess how the battery packs were being used whilst the vehicle was both stationery as well as moving - something which had never been done before. Assessing the battery management system on-the-fly would also help to avoid a situation whereby a driver could potentially encounter a problem with the battery management system upon their return to the vehicle.
Cell Buddy - the new battery management system, would create a safer and more efficient product for the client whilst providing other benefits, such as increasing product lifespan and helping to decreasing the problems associated with warranty issues.
The entire design and development process of Cell Buddy was carried out by MIRA’s trained professionals. This included the design of the initial concept, electrical system design, technical content, sourcing, packaging and development testing.
The creation of MIRA’s Cell Buddy made it possible for vehicle battery packs to be managed more effectivley and efficiently which in turn helped to successfully prolong battery life. Although this innovative battery management system was unable to monitor the battery whilst the vehicle was moving, follow-up work is planned to ensure that can be made possible. This will also bring added benefits such as removing the need for a charger.
MIRA’s experts also have plans to add EMC immunity to the product (Cell Buddy I) as well as localised charging systems (Cell Buddy II). With the success of the initial Cell Buddy design, it is hoped that the system will be integrated into future larger vehicle platforms auto aftersales
.
From the outset of the programmer one of the clear objectives was to minimize the likelihood of high and low voltage situations occurring across the battery pack, as this was likely to prove detrimental towards the integrity of the system.
It was decided that the solution should allow engineers to constantly assess how the battery packs were being used whilst the vehicle was both stationery as well as moving - something which had never been done before. Assessing the battery management system on-the-fly would also help to avoid a situation whereby a driver could potentially encounter a problem with the battery management system upon their return to the vehicle.
Cell Buddy - the new battery management system, would create a safer and more efficient product for the client whilst providing other benefits, such as increasing product lifespan and helping to decreasing the problems associated with warranty issues.
The entire design and development process of Cell Buddy was carried out by MIRA’s trained professionals. This included the design of the initial concept, electrical system design, technical content, sourcing, packaging and development testing.
The creation of MIRA’s Cell Buddy made it possible for vehicle battery packs to be managed more effectivley and efficiently which in turn helped to successfully prolong battery life. Although this innovative battery management system was unable to monitor the battery whilst the vehicle was moving, follow-up work is planned to ensure that can be made possible. This will also bring added benefits such as removing the need for a charger.
MIRA’s experts also have plans to add EMC immunity to the product (Cell Buddy I) as well as localised charging systems (Cell Buddy II). With the success of the initial Cell Buddy design, it is hoped that the system will be integrated into future larger vehicle platforms auto aftersales
.
