What are the advantages of Hot Swap technology?

BMS PowerSafe® has developed a unique Hot Swap parallelization technology in its BMS (Battery Management System).

  • The Hot Swap technology allows to connect battery modules during their operation. First advantage: there is no interruption of the system, and no discontinuity during power supply.
  • The BMS does not need an additional ECU or electronic module to act as a master BMS. This represents a significant financial saving in the system, less space, less wiring, therefore less potential technical or service problems in the product.
  • With this built-in intelligence, each BMS is potentially a master or a slave, and this is defined automatically.

Auto-assignment master-slave, how does it work?

A dedicated algorithm plays the role of an EMS, which allows each BMS to become master or slave automatically depending on the state of the system. All BMS are connected to each other by CAN bus.

For example, in a system of 4 correctly configured batteries, if one battery is removed, the system will automatically reconfigure itself and continue to operate, with 25% less power and energy of course. You can use the remaining battery alone if you perform a simple reconfiguration (ID reallocation). At some point, you can reconnect this fourth battery to the initial system.

How does the system Hot Swap technology works with different voltages?

If the system starts with parallel packs with different voltages, it will avoid connecting batteries with too different voltages to avoid high inrush currents. The packs will be automatically connected to the main DC bus according to the charging and discharging of the system.

In which applications is this technology useful?

This technology is widely used in stationary applications, for residential and commercial energy storage. It allows the system’s capabilities to adapt to changing needs throughout its lifetime. It is used in an emergency energy storage system for sensitive locations, such as hospitals for example.

This technology is also used in electric mobility, for a vehicle that has several batteries that can be replaced easily, quickly, safely and without switching off the system.

This technology is used in emergency response robots, when the time to change the battery must be reduced to a minimum during the operation, to save time and lives.