Browsing by Author "Horn, Bartholomeus van Wyk"
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- ItemThe development of a 48V, 10kWh LiFePO4 battery management system for low voltage battery storage applications(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Horn, Bartholomeus van Wyk; Strauss, Johann M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Renewable energy sources are a promising replacement for fossil fuels in future energy generation. To fully replace fossil fuels some form of energy storage is required. Chemical batteries offer an energy storage solution that is flexible and scalable for applications ranging from electric vehicles to residential and even commercial applications. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technologies offers the most promising performance in terms of energy density, power density as well as cycle life. Unfortunately, Li-ion batteries are very sensitive to usage outside of the specified operating range. These specified parameters include the battery operating temperature, over- and undervoltage thresholds as well as the maximum charge and discharge current. A Battery Management System (BMS) is thus required to monitor all of the above mentioned parameters and to ensure the battery is operated safely and within the specified range. A BMS’s primary focus is on the safety and protection of the battery, to minimise the risk of sudden failure and to maximise the life of the battery. The secondary function of the BMS is to perform battery diagnostics which could be used for more effective energy management of the battery. The objective of this project was to develop a BMS to be used within a Li-ion battery pack for a micro electric vehicle. The developed BMS was used for battery testing. The battery results were used to estimate the battery parameters off-line according to a specific battery model. The estimated battery parameters can be used as a basis for future energy management purposes. An on-line parameter estimation algorithm was also developed. The algorithm was proven to be successful with a simulation. Future work is required in order to simplify the practical implementation of the algorithm. Another objective of this project was to development a solid state contactor (SSC) that can be used to disconnect the battery from a load. Mechanical contactors, which presents some disadvantages, are typically used for high current applications. The proof of concept SSC was proven to be an efficient though costly substitute to replace the mechanical contactor within the BMS design.