Battery Management and Controls 2006-21-0002

Investigations by automobile associations and manufacturers show that the main reason for vehicle breakdowns is the electrical power supply. The ever growing number of electrical functions requires new strategies to satisfy the increasing demand for electrical power since the alternator is no longer able to provide sufficient energy in certain circumstances. Because the battery is the only available passive power source, accurate knowledge of the battery state forms the fundamental basis for any energy management functionality which is becoming more and more important.

The Intelligent Battery Sensor is a mechatronic device integrated into the standard battery terminal. The sensor is able to record battery voltage, current and temperature very precisely over wide operating ranges and to process this data into the battery states. Comprising all necessary electronics and mechanical parts for integration in the battery clip, this component incorporates several additional advantages for vehicle operation, production and service.

Based on the information provided by the battery monitoring, the energy management called eBalance can optimally control the battery state and the availability of stable vehicle power supply. Thus it ensures cranking capability as well as the power supply to safety-related electrical consumers while retaining the greatest possible availability of comfort functions.