月: 2024年4月

What Is a Static ESS Battery Management System?

A static ESS battery management system is a type of Battery Management System (BMS) specifically designed for Energy Storage System (ESS) applications.

An Energy Storage System (ESS) primarily consists of secondary batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, and is designed to store and release electrical energy as needed. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are subject to fluctuations due to weather conditions, making it challenging to maintain stable output. To address this, a battery storage system is integrated with renewable energy systems. When sufficient power generation is available, excess energy is stored in the battery system from the generation system, and when power generation is insufficient, the battery system supplements the power, ensuring a stable output supply.

To safely and efficiently manage secondary batteries for energy storage, a Battery Management System (BMS) is utilized. The BMS oversees and controls various aspects of the secondary battery, including protection, charging/discharging, cell balancing, power optimization, and health assessment, ensuring the overall safe and efficient operation of the batteries.

Applications of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

The static ESS battery management system is employed to monitor and control the secondary batteries used in ESS, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of energy storage systems. Proper battery usage also leads to extended battery life.
Common secondary batteries used in ESS include lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, advanced lead-acid batteries, nickel batteries, among others. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries offer high efficiency and energy density but require precise control due to the risk of hazards such as fire or smoke.

Usage Scenarios

ESS technology is being widely adopted across various sectors, including:

• Residential (single-family homes, multi-unit residences)
• Commercial and Industrial (commercial facilities, public facilities, industrial facilities)
• Backup power for communication base stations, etc.
• System stability and frequency regulation in power systems
• Integration with renewable energy power plants

Especially in corporate settings, ESS is utilized as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, promote decarbonization, cut electricity costs, and ensure power resilience during emergencies. Its adoption in residential settings is rapidly growing. Alongside ESS, battery management systems play a crucial role in these applications.

Principle of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

The battery management system used in static ESS comprises dedicated ICs and microcontrollers (for system control and communication assistance) to monitor and control battery status. Specific functions include:

• Battery protection
• Charging and discharging control
• Prevention of overcharging and over-discharging
• Cell voltage balancing (cell balancing)
• Power optimization
• Protection against overvoltage, undervoltage, surge current, reverse current, short circuits, etc.
• Health assessment

The battery management system can monitor real-time voltage, current, and temperature of cells (individual battery cells within battery modules). If parameters exceed safe limits, it disconnects output terminals to protect against hazards. It also measures battery capacity and uses algorithms to evaluate the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of each cell.

Types of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

Various manufacturers offer multiple products of static ESS battery management systems tailored for different battery types used in ESS. It’s common to combine battery protection modules with battery monitoring modules for integrated management systems. Battery protection modules are categorized based on battery voltage, typically ranging from 12-24V, 40-60V, 60-100V, 100-150V, 150-400V, and even up to 1500V for high-voltage applications. Selection depends on equipment and application requirements to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

What Is an Automotive Battery Management System？

An automotive battery management system is a system designed to control the safe operation of on-board lithium-ion batteries installed in vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars.

Generally, systems that manage the safety of secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries are referred to as Battery Management Systems (BMS). The automotive battery management system is a specialized system within BMS tailored for on-board vehicle batteries. While lithium-ion batteries offer high efficiency and energy density, they also pose risks such as fire or smoke, necessitating precise control. Using an automotive battery management system enables safe and efficient battery operation.

Applications of Automotive Battery Management Systems

The primary purpose of an automotive battery management system is to control vehicle batteries effectively, enhancing safety and performance. Additionally, it is expected to extend battery life through proper battery usage.

The main vehicles where automotive battery management systems are used include:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
• Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEVs)
• Commercial and Agricultural Vehicles (CAVs)
• Low-speed Electric Vehicles
• Electric Two-Wheelers/Three-Wheelers

Principle of Automotive Battery Management Systems

The automotive battery management system monitors and controls the charging and discharging of batteries through electronic control circuits. Specific monitoring parameters include:

• Voltage
• Temperature
• Capacity
• State of charge
• Power consumption
• Remaining operating time
• Charge cycles

Additionally, one of the roles of the battery management system is to prevent excessive stress on batteries. It includes features to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent in cells (individual battery cells within battery modules), caused by extreme rapid charging or high discharging currents.

Specific Functions

The main functions of an automotive battery management system include:

• Preventing cell overcharging and over-discharging
• Preventing excessive cell currents
• Managing cell temperatures
• Estimating battery capacity
• Balancing cell voltages (cell balancing)

The automotive battery management system measures the voltage, current, and temperature of cells (individual battery cells) within battery modules. If any parameter exceeds set limits, it disconnects output terminals to protect against overcharging, over-discharging, or overcurrent situations, thus controlling power supply based on battery capacity.

Furthermore, it balances cell voltages (cell balancing) to ensure that different battery cells within a battery pack maintain similar charge/discharge requirements.

System Components

The automotive battery management system comprises the following components:

• Voltage detection: Measures battery module and individual cell voltages
• Monitoring circuit: Monitors cell conditions and performs cell balancing
• Temperature detection: Measures temperatures of individual cells
• Control circuit: Controls BMS measurements and balancing operations
• Current detection: Measures overall unit current
• Voltage detection: Measures overall unit voltage
• Junction box: Disconnects in case of anomalies to protect the battery
• Ground fault detection: Detects unit-wide ground faults

Electronic components used include:

• Temperature sensors such as NTC thermistors
• Chip resistors for cell balancing and voltage measurement
• Control circuits like DC/DC converter circuits
• Conductive polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors for noise reduction and smoothing
• Power inductors for voltage conversion
• Chip varistors for ESD noise suppression

Types of Automotive Battery Management Systems

Automotive battery management systems vary based on vehicle types such as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), etc. It is essential to select the system based on vehicle type and other factors like the number of monitorable cells, battery voltage type (e.g., 12-24V or 48V), and voltage control precision. Specifically, high-voltage battery systems are appropriate for vehicles using high-voltage batteries.

What Is a Recovery Towing Rope?

A recovery towing rope serves the purpose of connecting immobilized vehicles, such as automobiles stuck in adverse conditions, to a recovery vehicle for towing.

Fitted with hooks on both ends, this specialized rope facilitates the attachment between the disabled vehicle and the towing vehicle. Unlike conventional towing ropes, recovery towing ropes are engineered specifically for extricating vehicles trapped in off-road environments like mud or sand. Given the demanding nature of towing immobilized vehicles, recovery towing ropes stand out for their exceptional elasticity, flexibility, and durability.

Applications of Recovery Towing Ropes

Recovery towing ropes are indispensable in scenarios such as:

1. Retrieving malfunctioned vehicles
2. Extricating vehicles stranded in snow, mud, or rugged terrains
3. Towing vehicles with a wheel off the ground

These ropes are tailored for the precise task of recovering vehicles ensnared in off-road conditions, offering the requisite robustness to withstand the considerable forces involved in towing operations. 

Principle of Recovery Towing Ropes

The fundamental function of recovery towing ropes lies in the retrieval of vehicles stranded off-road, where the forces involved far exceed the vehicle’s weight.

To mitigate the strain on both vehicles during recovery, these ropes are engineered with optimal elasticity, ensuring a balanced load distribution. Moreover, they are meticulously designed to minimize the risk of injury or damage in case of accidental detachment.

Materials Used

Standard recovery towing ropes are crafted from materials like nylon 66, renowned for their superior elasticity. These ropes boast a stretch capacity of up to 30% and are treated with coatings for enhanced waterproofing, UV resistance, and abrasion resistance. They offer a blend of strength, resilience, and minimal stretch, catering to vehicles across the spectrum from compact cars to heavy-duty SUVs.
For enhanced performance, ropes incorporating HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) fibers are employed. These ropes exhibit outstanding elasticity, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and minimal elongation (less than 4%), enabling snatch recoveries without shock. Compared to conventional nylon ropes of equivalent breaking strength, HMPE ropes are lighter and stronger.

Types of Recovery Towing Ropes

Recovery towing ropes are available in a variety of types characterized by their materials and diameters, ranging typically from 20mm to 50mm, with breaking strengths spanning from approximately 8,200kg to 57,000kg. Various lengths, such as 6m or 9m, are offered to accommodate diverse requirements.
Merely considering breaking strength when selecting a rope is inadequate. Ropes with higher breaking strengths may lack the requisite elasticity for lighter vehicles, resulting in undue strain. Hence, it is imperative to select the appropriate rope tailored to the vehicle’s specifications.

Comparison with Other Towing Ropes

Conventional towing ropes encompass wire ropes and stretch variants. Wire ropes demand technical proficiency for recovery and impose substantial stress on vehicles. On-road towing ropes possess distinct elasticity properties, rendering them less suited to off-road recoveries.
For off-road retrieval operations, a recovery towing rope emerges as the optimal choice, thanks to its tailored elasticity and strength, which minimize vehicular strain during recovery maneuvers.

What Is a Polyester Rope?

A polyester rope is a type of rope made using polyester material.
Polyester is known for its resistance to acids, alkalis, seawater, and excellent weather resistance. It is highly resistant to friction, making it a durable and robust rope. It finds applications in marine activities such as fishing, as well as in construction and marine leisure sports.

Applications of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes are extensively used due to their exceptional weather resistance and durability. Here are some primary examples of their applications:

• Fishing (float lines, seine nets, mooring lines, set nets, aquaculture)
• Marine vessels (hawsers, tag lines, maritime operations)
• Lifelines and safety ropes
• Marine leisure activities
• Tents and tarps
• Cargo handling and bundling
• For trucks, cranes, and towing
• Festival floats
• Agricultural purposes
• Waterskiing
• Worksite signage
• Electrical work
• Forestry

Thinner polyester ropes are especially used for bundling, tents, tarps, etc., while thicker ones find use in fishing and maritime activities.

Principle of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes exhibit various excellent characteristics such as:

• Heat resistance
• UV resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Seawater resistance

They soften at around 240°C and melt at about 250°C, with practical heat resistance within 110°C. Their resilience to UV rays and seawater makes them suitable for outdoor use near the sea.
Additionally,

• They maintain strength even when wet and have minimal stretch
• They are lightweight and float on water

Fiber Structure

Polyester ropes are made from filament yarns or spun yarns.
Filament yarns are continuous fibers twisted together to form a single yarn. Typically, monofilaments are twisted to create “multifilament” yarns, which are then used.
Spun yarns are made from processed short fibers and have a slightly fluffy and soft feel compared to filament yarns.

Types of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes are made from spun yarns and multifilament yarns, resulting in ropes with different appearances and properties. Spun yarn ropes have a softer feel like cotton ropes but may have slightly lower strength. On the other hand, ropes made from multifilament polyester have a slight sheen and a somewhat smooth surface (though not excessively slippery). They offer higher strength.
There are various twisting methods for these yarns.

Twisting Types

Polyester ropes can be twisted in different ways, denoted by “lays,” such as 3-strand lay, cross-laid ropes (8-strand, 12-strand), and braided ropes (12-strand).

3-strand lay is the most common with good grip and strength but may twist more.
Cross-laid ropes are more shock-absorbent and have good strength, with less tendency to twist compared to 3-strand lay.

Color

While white polyester ropes are common, colored ones are also available. Colored polyester ropes are dyed from the polyester yarn, offering a soft feel similar to cotton due to the spun yarn nature.

Packaging

Polyester ropes are available in various packaging forms such as rope coils, bobbin-wound, paper-tube wound, twine-wound, truck ropes, and cut ropes, with different lengths suited for different purposes. Selecting the appropriate type based on the intended use is necessary.

What Is a Tow Strap?

A tow strap is a type of strap primarily used to tow immobilized cars or trucks for vehicle recovery purposes.

They are mainly made of nylon or polyester materials. Unlike metal hooks, they do not have protrusions, which is a key feature. Originally, tow straps and hooks were essential safety equipment required during circuit racing. Today, they are also used in regular vehicles for both fashion and functionality. Rather than being used only during towing, they are kept installed at all times and are used for towing during emergencies. They typically have a tensile strength ranging from 2 tons to 3 tons, providing sufficient strength for vehicle recovery. Due to different product specifications for specific vehicle types, caution is required. Additionally, when using them on public roads, it is crucial to comply with regulations and ensure proper installation for safe driving. Similarly, for racing events, adherence to specific regulations for each competition is necessary. They are also known as tow straps or towing straps.

Applications of Tow Straps

Tow straps are primarily used as essential safety equipment in racing cars. This is because during racing events, vehicles can become immobilized for various reasons, requiring towing by rescue vehicles.

They are also used in regular cars, 4WDs, trucks, etc. For instance, when a vehicle gets stuck in mud or experiences a breakdown, having a tow strap installed can facilitate vehicle recovery.

Apart from functionality, tow straps are also used in regular cars for their racing car-inspired designs. They come in various colors and patterns. However, it is essential to ensure compliance with regulations on public roads and adhere to competition rules for racing events when selecting colors or shapes.

Principle of Tow Straps

Tow Hooks vs. Tow Straps

Traditional ring-shaped steel tow hooks protrude from the bumper, posing safety issues such as:

• Damaging other cars upon contact with the protruding tow hook
• In accidents, the tow hook entering the vehicle’s body causing damage

In severe cases, not only the bumper but also parts like radiators and frames can be damaged. These accidents can also occur with foldable tow hooks.

On the other hand, tow straps, being fabric-based, do not protrude metal parts, reducing potential damage upon contact.

Materials of Tow Straps

Tow straps are mainly made of nylon or polyester. Nylon 6 tow straps have elasticity and stretchability, with a stretch ratio of over 20%. This allows them to absorb shocks during towing, and they offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance.

Polyester tow straps have low stretchability of less than 10% and are also used in seat belts. They often excel in durability and strength compared to nylon, making them suitable for towing trucks and large vehicles.

Types of Tow Straps

Tow straps come in various types, with nylon and polyester materials, and some are reinforced for higher strength. Breaking strengths vary between products, ranging from 4000kg to 15000kg or more. They typically have a tensile strength of over 2500kg.

The loop length of straps attached to the vehicle is around 10-20cm, but they are sold in longer units ranging from 3m to 20m. The width is usually around 5cm to 10cm.

They come in various colors such as red, orange, blue, black, pink, camouflage, etc., but compliance with regulations on public roads and adherence to competition rules for racing events are crucial considerations.