German researchers have launched a new project to improve battery performance in hybrid and electric vehicles through smarter battery management. The focus of the project is on using the power lines in a battery pack to transmit the data that allows individual battery cells to be monitored and controlled, eliminating the need for separate data-transmission wiring.

Partners in the €4.3-million IntLiIon project include Bosch, Pro Design Electronic, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

The IntLilon project aims to develop smart data transmission techniques specifically for lithium-ion batteries. Its focus of research is on innovative communications systems capable of efficiently controlling and monitoring each of the up to 100 cells found in a battery pack.

The basis of this system is a data transfer method that makes use of the path traveled by the electricity in the battery to carry data as well. It is hoped that in the future this power line communication will be able to transmit relevant information to a central control unit, eliminating the need for the costly extra data-transmission wiring that has been necessary in all the battery systems used to date.  

Source: Bosch via Green Car Congress