1.2 Currently Available Products 1.2.1 Elithion Lithiumate Pro Figure 1.2.1 Elithion is a leading manufacturer of Lithium-ion battery management systems. The Lithiumate Pro is an off the shelf, plug-and-play BMS system designed for professional applications. It uses a cell board which is mounted on each battery cell. It measures the voltage and temperature and balances the cell. The system supports up to 256 cells (~900V). The Lithiumate Pro uses dissipative (passive) balancing. It supports both CAN and RS232 communication systems. It is also compatible with many chargers and motor drivers. Although this system is ideal for the Solar Car team, the price of over $1,250 makes it impossible for the team to purchase. 1.2.2 Linear Technology LTC6804 Microprocessor-Controlled BMS Figure 1.2.2 Linear Technology specializes in microprocessor controlled battery management systems. The LTC6804 is a 3rd generation multi-cell BMS. It supports up to 12 series connected batter cells. It boasts an impressive measurement error less than1.2mV. Multiple LTC6804s can be connected in series to increase the number of cell monitored. The LTC6804 incorporates passive balancing. 1.2.3 Battery Tender BMS Figure 1.2.3 Battery Tender makes a simplistic battery management system. The system can operate up to ten 12V batteries. It uses a 4-step charging system to maintain voltage and keep a constant current. Since this device can only manage 10 battery cells, it does not meet the need for the Solar Car team.
1.2 Currently Available Products 1.2.1 Elithion Lithiumate Pro Figure 1.2.1 Elithion is a leading manufacturer of Lithium-ion battery management systems. The Lithiumate Pro is an off the shelf, plug-and-play BMS system designed for professional applications. It uses a cell board which is mounted on each battery cell. It measures the voltage and temperature and balances the cell. The system supports up to 256 cells (~900V). The Lithiumate Pro uses dissipative (passive) balancing. It supports both CAN and RS232 communication systems. It is also compatible with many chargers and motor drivers. Although this system is ideal for the Solar Car team, the price of over $1,250 makes it impossible for the team to purchase. 1.2.2 Linear Technology LTC6804 Microprocessor-Controlled BMS Figure 1.2.2 Linear Technology specializes in microprocessor controlled battery management systems. The LTC6804 is a 3rd generation multi-cell BMS. It supports up to 12 series connected batter cells. It boasts an impressive measurement error less than1.2mV. Multiple LTC6804s can be connected in series to increase the number of cell monitored. The LTC6804 incorporates passive balancing. 1.2.3 Battery Tender BMS Figure 1.2.3 Battery Tender makes a simplistic battery management system. The system can operate up to ten 12V batteries. It uses a 4-step charging system to maintain voltage and keep a constant current. Since this device can only manage 10 battery cells, it does not meet the need for the Solar Car team.
ECE480Proposal_Final.docx