Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/battery-pack-balancing-power-estimation
In the world of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage, the efficiency and longevity of battery packs are paramount. Understanding how to manage these complex systems is crucial, and Coursera’s “Battery Pack Balancing and Power Estimation” course, offered by CU Boulder as part of their Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree, provides an in-depth exploration of these critical topics.
This course is a deep dive into the intricacies of battery management systems (BMS), focusing on two key areas: cell balancing and power estimation. The curriculum is structured logically, starting with the fundamental reasons why battery packs become unbalanced and then progressing through various balancing strategies. You’ll gain a solid understanding of passive balancing methods, including the design of component values for simple passive balancing circuits. The course doesn’t shy away from the energy inefficiencies of passive methods and smartly transitions into active balancing techniques, highlighting their advantages and how to implement them. You’ll even learn to write Octave code to analyze the rate of imbalance, a vital skill for proactive battery maintenance.
The second half of the course tackles the complex task of power estimation. It revisits the Hybrid Power Pulse Characterization (HPPC) method, building upon previous knowledge to extend its application to various limits like state-of-charge (SOC) and load power. The practical application of these concepts is emphasized through Octave coding exercises, allowing you to see the results in representative scenarios. The course further enhances this by introducing more comprehensive cell models and advanced estimation techniques using Extended Kalman Filters (xKF) and full Equivalent State Cell (ESC) models. This allows for a more accurate determination of power limits, moving beyond the simplifying assumptions of the HPPC method.
Beyond the immediate practical skills, the course offers a glimpse into the future of BMS algorithms, touching upon physics-based models that could revolutionize cell degradation and failure prediction. The capstone project provides a fantastic opportunity to synthesize your learning, challenging you to design a passive balancing system and refine a power-limits method.
For anyone involved in battery pack design, management, or research, this course is an invaluable resource. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical coding exercises, particularly with Octave, equips you with the skills needed to design more efficient, reliable, and longer-lasting battery systems. It’s a rigorous yet rewarding journey into the heart of battery technology.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/battery-pack-balancing-power-estimation