SMART4 Active Balancing

This document provides an in-depth insight into the functionality and benefits of the active balancer within the Roamer Battery Management System (BMS).

An active balancer is a device crucial for managing individual cells within a battery pack. Its primary role is to equalise the voltage of each cell, thereby optimising the overall capacity and efficiency of the battery system.

The active balancer continuously monitors the voltage of each cell in the battery pack. Upon detecting a cell with a voltage at least 10mV higher to lower than the other cells, it triggers a balancing process to redistribute the charge among the cells. This ensures that all cells operate within their optimal voltage range, preventing overcharging or undercharging.

This process occurrs automatically, when any of the cells is over 3.00V; so that is almost constantly during normal use, until all cells are within 10mV of eachother. As the battery is constantly monitored, throughout the majority of the charge cycle, this leads to a more reliable battery overall, and small imbalances can be addressed quickly, before they develop into larger issues - prolonging the life of the battery overall.
The powerful 2A balancing current allows for less than ideal charge voltages and still keeps the battery in optimal working order, whilst producing far less heat. As energy is transferred from one cell to another, instead of being lost at heat - the process is more efficient. Instead of stopping, and waiting for the high cell to catch up, you can simply transfer some of that energy to the lower cells and bring the remaining cells up faster.
Much like giving up when the dog refuses to walk - instead just laying on the pavement. Carrying him back gets everyone home much faster! Thats the high cell (you) giving up some of your energy to the low cells (dog) to achieve the end goal quicker (home for beers?)

Integrating an active balancer into a battery system offers several advantages:

• Extended Battery Life: By preventing overcharging and undercharging, the active balancer helps prolong the lifespan of the battery pack.

• Wider Charge Voltage Range: Active balancers can adjust imperfect charging voltages by redistributing energy to maintain a balanced cell pack, enabling charging at voltages that might not have been possible with a standard passive balancer.

The Roamer SMART4 battery has a built-in active balancer that activates automatically based on cell balance conditions. Users do not need to intervene manually, but simply use the battery, and it will take care of itself.

The active balancer is a critical component in ensuring the reliability and longevity of the Roamer SMART4 battery. By actively managing cell voltages and promoting balance, the active balancer plays a vital role in maximising the performance and safety of the SMART4 battery across various applications.