What is a Battery Management System (BMS) and what does it do?

The Battery Management System monitors and controls the battery pack for safe and optimal operation. Key functions include: Cell voltage monitoring and balancing, temperature monitoring, SOC/SOH estimation, current limiting for protection, fault detection and handling, communication with vehicle systems, and thermal management control. The BMS protects against overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and thermal conditions that could damage cells or cause safety issues.