Engineers at Germany’s Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) have developed a new concept for current and voltage sensors that may be particularly relevant to EV batteries.

Battery monitoring typically requires as many current and voltage sensors as there are individual cells. RUB’s system uses only one of each, regardless of the number of cells. Moreover, both sensors support cell balancing, a necessary function that counteracts the fact that individual cells may be charged to unequal levels.

Bochum’s measurement system could lead to simpler and smaller battery packs. “Just like the cells, the sensors are a considerable weight and cost driver,” said system designer Philip Dost.

The Ruhr-Universität engineers have created a lab prototype, which they now intend to evaluate in detail with a view to optimizing it for the requirements of the automotive industry.

Source: Ruhr-Universität Bochum via Green Car Congress