Battery Thermal Management System

 

What does BTMS stand for?

BTMS stands for Battery Thermal Management System.

When did we start developing BTMS products? 

The very first BTMS product was built for Solaris in July 2015. We supplied 5 units for an electric bus contract to Barcelona.

The first complete BTMS product in a single box (as most people recognise them now) was built in March 2016.

btms basic box render

Why did we develop BTMS products?

Modern-day electric vehicle batteries are very expensive, and prolonging their life is a high priority to reduce overall vehicle life costs.

Regardless of the outside temperature, battery manufacturers aim to maintain the battery at a steady state temperature, typically 25°C (but we have a range from 8°C up to 35°C) to maximise battery cell life.

For example:

  • Heating will function in a temperature range of -30°C to 15°C
  • Passive cooling will function in a temperature range of 0°C to 20°C
  • Active cooling will function in a temperature range of 20°C to 40°C, our systems have the capability to cool in up to 50°C

Equally, the batteries need to rise above 5°C as quickly as possible because they do not operate efficiently below this temperature.

What is a BTMS?

The primary function of a BTMS:

Maintain electric vehicle batteries at a desired temperature (typically around 25°C depending on the battery manufacturer).

To achieve this a BTMS has the following methods:

  • Active cooling (refrigerant-based cooling)
  • Circulation mode (just pump running coolant around the batteries)
  • Electric coolant heating (optional, for heating the battery when cold)
  • Passive cooling (optional – using ambient air through a traditional radiator)

 

What are the key components of BTMS products?

Water pump, Compressor, Condenser, Fan, Receiver filter drier, Expansion valve, plated evaporator, Electric water heater, Passive cooling radiator, 3-way water valve, Pressure relief valve, BTMS Controller, Header tank.

How does a BTMS work?

Using its internal coolant pump, the BTMS circulates a water/glycol coolant solution throughout the battery cooling circuit as well as within the device itself.

The batteries continuously report to the vehicle’s computer through a CAN message and this information is then sent to the BTMS controller.

After receiving this information, the BTMS switches to the appropriate mode for active cooling, passive, circulation mode, or heating.

Our GEN3 BTMS models:

We introduced our 3rd generation BTMS to production in Q4 2021. Today we sell a combination of GEN2 and GEN3 BTMS to a large number of customers.

Our GEN3 range can be configured, the base model offers active cooling only but passive cooling and/or heating if offered as an option based on the customer’s requirement. The GEN3 range is split into three categories:

BTMS GEN3 STANDARD

The Standard model can provide active cooling put 50°C. It has two electric fans and two condensers which allow for a higher cooling capacity

2 fan btms

BTMS GEN3 COMPACT

The Compact design offers a single-unit solution while incorporating all the same functionality as the GEN3 Standard. The Compact model is ideal for installations where space is at a premium. Due to its compact nature, it provides a lower cooling capacity than our GEN3 Standard.

small btms with one fan

BTMS GEN3 SPLIT

The split model is designed for use where packaging on a vehicle can be a challenge, it provides the customer with the condenser and fans assembly separate from the compressor, pump, and controls unit.

What application do we supply BTMS products to? 

Predominantly the Bus sector, but also the rail, mining / off-highway, handling machinery and commercial vehicle sectors. A new market we are exploring is stationary battery applications.

Who builds our BTMS products?

  •  Dan Faithful
  • Bella Ienciu
  •  Junior Johnson
  • Vanetta Hinsley
  • Shakeel Kahn
  • Ricards Sladsz
  • Carlton Reilly
  • Naval Dhawan
  • Kieran Parr
  • Mohammad Kahn
  • Ali Asghar
  • John Neale
  • Sachin Champineri

Which customers use our BTMS products?

Solaris, Wrightbus, ADL, Vanhool, Skoda, CAT, ABB, VDL, Caetano, Emoss, Safra, Switch Mobility, Forsee Power, Leclahcne and lots more.

 

Test your Knowledge!

 Join us now on our Product Spotlight quizzes that will take you on a journey through the world of Grayson products.

But the best part? You’ll also have the chance to win a £30 gift card, simply for showing off your knowledge!

Are you up for the challenge? Take the seven multiple choice question quiz now and find out what you’re made of!

Simply just click the button to get started:

The deadline to complete the quiz is at 12pm on 25/05/23.