Battery management guide calls for closer attention to safety

Based on international standards in force (IEC 61508, EN50126/128/129, ISO 26262), the Functional and Safety Guide for BMS assessment & certification guide puts forth a comprehensive approach to managing risks associated with BMS systems. In addition to creating a consistent frame of reference, Bureau Veritas has identified the various risks to be taken into account for the design and use of energy storage devices to ensure safe and reliable operation in all industrial applications.

The risks and requirements identified in this frame of reference apply to both stationary batteries (local energy storage, smart grids, auxiliary power systems) and batteries used to power embedded applications (electric vehicles, rail transport, aeronautics, defence).

The guide highlights several significant points, including the need to federate and involve designers, integrators and users in risk management and continuous enhancement initiatives and systematically take account of the full life cycle of equipment when assessing risks (from the design phase through to activation and use). The guide also highlights the need to devote the same level of attention to software components of BMS systems as to the equipment itself.

François-Xavier Tobo, Safety and Operations Manager, Bureau Veritas, stated: “Batteries and BMS systems will be central to the main technological innovations of the future: smart grids, renewable energy, 100% electric cars and more. Risk reduction and performance levels of energy storage devices have become major issues from an economic, industrial and environmental perspective. By putting forth its risk management expertise in this guide, Bureau Veritas is contributing to the energy transition of tomorrow.”