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How do you wake up lithium BMS?

Published in Lithium Battery Wake Up 6 mins read

To wake up a lithium Battery Management System (BMS) that has shut down, typically due to a low voltage protection state, you can employ several methods ranging from gentle trickle charging to carefully applied force charging or even a direct BMS reset. The goal is to bring the battery cell voltage back into a safe operating range so the BMS can reactivate.

Understanding Why a BMS Shuts Down

A lithium battery's BMS is a critical safety component designed to protect the battery from conditions that could lead to damage or danger, such as overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, and extreme temperatures. When a lithium battery is discharged too deeply, its voltage can drop below a safe threshold. At this point, the BMS will often disconnect the battery's output to prevent further discharge and potential irreversible damage to the cells, effectively putting the battery into a "sleep" or "protected" state.

Initial Steps: Checking Battery Voltage

Before attempting any method to wake up a lithium BMS, it is crucial to check the battery voltage. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the main terminals. If the voltage is extremely low (e.g., below 2.5V per cell for LiFePO4 or 3.0V per cell for NMC/LCO), the battery may be unrecoverable, or attempting to revive it could be risky. Always proceed with extreme caution.

Methods to Wake Up a Lithium BMS

Here are effective methods to attempt to wake up a lithium BMS:

1. Using a Trickle Charger

This is one of the safest methods for batteries that are not excessively discharged.

  • Process: Connect a low-current, smart lithium battery charger designed for the specific battery chemistry (e.g., LiFePO4 or Li-ion). Many modern smart chargers have a "wake-up" or "repair" mode that applies a very low current to gradually raise the battery voltage until it reaches a level where the BMS can re-engage and allow normal charging.
  • Application: Ideal for batteries that have only mildly discharged into the BMS protection zone.
  • Caution: Ensure the charger is appropriate for lithium batteries to prevent damage.

2. Employing a Force Charging Method

This method involves carefully applying a small current directly to the battery to raise its voltage just enough for the BMS to activate. This method carries risks and should only be performed with extreme caution.

  • Process:
    • Use a Regulated Power Supply: Set the power supply voltage slightly above the battery's nominal voltage (e.g., 13-14V for a 12V LiFePO4 battery, or 3.7V for a single 3.2V cell).
    • Limit Current: Crucially, limit the current to a very low level, typically 0.1C or less (e.g., 1 amp for a 10 Ah battery, or even lower, like 0.1-0.5A).
    • Connect Safely: Connect the positive terminal of the power supply to the battery's positive terminal and the negative to the battery's negative terminal.
    • Monitor Closely: Observe the battery voltage using a multimeter. Once the voltage rises above the BMS cutoff threshold (e.g., typically above 2.5V per cell or 10V for a 12V LiFePO4 pack), the BMS should reactivate.
    • Immediately Switch to Standard Charger: As soon as the BMS wakes up, disconnect the power supply and connect a proper lithium battery charger to complete the charging process.
  • Application: For batteries that are deeply discharged but still show some voltage.
  • Caution: Excessive voltage or current can permanently damage the battery or lead to thermal runaway and fire. Never leave unattended.

3. Jump-Starting the Battery (for Multi-Cell Packs)

Similar to force charging, this method involves using another healthy battery to momentarily provide enough voltage to "kick-start" the protected battery.

  • Process:
    • Use a Same Voltage Source: Connect the terminals of the "dead" lithium battery to a healthy battery of the same voltage and chemistry using jumper cables.
    • Brief Connection: Make the connection for a very short duration (a few seconds). The idea is to allow a small amount of charge to flow into the protected battery, raising its voltage slightly.
    • Monitor and Disconnect: Immediately disconnect the jumper cables and check the protected battery's voltage. If the BMS has woken up, proceed with a standard lithium charger.
  • Application: Generally for larger multi-cell packs (e.g., 12V automotive-style lithium batteries) where a safe voltage boost is needed.
  • Caution: High current can flow, so ensure proper cable gauge and connections. Only attempt if you are confident in your understanding of battery safety and electrical connections. Avoid sparks.

4. Performing a BMS Reset

Some advanced BMS units have a physical reset button or a software-based reset procedure that can be used to clear the protection state.

  • Process:
    • Consult Manufacturer Documentation: Refer to the specific BMS or battery manual for instructions on how to perform a reset. This might involve pressing a button, cycling power, or using a diagnostic tool or software if available.
    • Application: Applicable to batteries with accessible or programmable BMS units.
  • Caution: Improper resetting could bypass critical safety features. Only follow manufacturer guidelines.

Preventing Future BMS Shutdowns

The best way to avoid having to wake up a lithium BMS is to prevent it from shutting down in the first place:

  • Avoid Deep Discharge: Never fully deplete a lithium battery. Stop using devices or applications powered by the battery when it reaches its recommended minimum voltage.
  • Charge at the Right Time: Recharge lithium batteries promptly after use, especially after significant discharge. Avoid leaving them in a deeply discharged state for extended periods.
  • Store Properly: If storing batteries for a long time, charge them to a recommended storage voltage (typically 50-70% of full charge) and store them in a cool, dry place.
Method Description Key Considerations & Caution
Trickle Charge Apply a very low current from a smart charger to gently raise voltage. Safest method; requires patience. Charger must be lithium-compatible.
Force Charge Direct application of low current from a regulated power supply. High risk: Must limit current strictly to avoid damage/fire. Monitor constantly.
Jump-Starting Briefly connect to a healthy battery of the same voltage/chemistry. High current risk; only for short duration. Use appropriate cables.
BMS Reset Activate a physical button or software command to clear protection state. Manufacturer-specific; consult manual. Avoid bypassing safety.