Design of a Battery Management System for Formula Student Electric Race Vehicle

Formula Student is an International student design competition, a platform for students to use their design, manufacturing knowledge and management skills to solve complex race car engineering challenges. The students are tasked to design and build a single-seater open cockpit, formula-style race car. Formula student is not just about designing a race car, students are also exposed to the challenges of project and resource management, budget planning and teamwork. To keep pace with the changing face of the automotive industry i.e. the electric powertrains, Formula Student has evolved as well with the introduction of Formula Student Electric competition. Lithium Ion batteries with their high energy density and power density are an appealing solution for people trying to build compact and lighter battery packs but if they are used outside of their safe area of operation, cell starts degrading. A battery monitoring and management system is a necessity to make the most of this amazing cell chemistry and ensure the safety of the car as well as surrounding.