Do you know what a BMS is? It stands for Battery Management System, a device that plays a crucial role in ensuring batteries operate at optimal performance.
LG Energy Solution, which has been developing BMS technology since 2005, unveiled the next-generation BMS—known as BMTS—in September 2024. With the launch of its proprietary BMTS solution, B.around, LG Energy Solution aims to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions for customers to manage the entire lifecycle of a battery more efficiently.
In Part 1 of this interview, we sat down with three key figures who led the planning of BMTS technology and solution development — Cheol-Taek Kim, Vice President of BMS Diagnostics Department; Sang-Hoon Lee, Executive Director of Service Solutions; and Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader of the BMTS Technology Development Team — to learn more about what BMTS really means and how it came to life.
BMTS: A New Paradigm in Battery Management
BMS refers to a system that manages a battery to ensure it stays in optimal condition by measuring cell voltage, current, temperature, and other parameters through various sensors within the battery pack. One of the key functions of BMS is to monitor the battery to predict its remaining capacity and performance status. It also controls risk factors such as overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent to ensure safe battery operation. In addition, BMS performs cell balancing, which reduces the voltage deviation between cells to enhance battery efficiency. In this way, BMS plays the role of a control tower for the entire battery pack, managing its lifespan, performance, and safety. However, due to limitations in resources such as memory, it had difficulties handling sophisticated algorithms or large-scale data analysis.
In response, LG Energy Solution introduced the BMTS concept, which is a further advancement of BMS. BMTS is a solution that combines BMS hardware with cloud and AI-based software technologies, enabling the analysis of much larger and more complex datasets with significantly improved accuracy and reliability. As a result, the system goes beyond simple monitoring of battery status to allow more proactive and effective management and control.
LG Energy Solution Opens a New Frontier in BMTS with B.around
Based on its solid technological foundation in BMTS, LG Energy Solution launched its new BMTS brand, B.around, in September 2024, entering a new line of business. B.around carries the meanings of “Battery around,” “Be around,” and “Better around.” As suggested by its slogan “Be around your side,” it reflects LG Energy Solution’s strong commitment to always stay close to its customers and provide optimal solutions.
From the Development of BMTS to the Launch of B.around at LG Energy Solution!
We met with the key people behind the development of BMTS and B.around at LG Energy Solution — Cheol-Taek Kim, Vice President in charge of Diagnostic Solutions; Sang-Hoon Lee, Executive Director of Service Solutions; and Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader of the BMTS Technology Development Team — to learn more.
Q. Could you please introduce your team/organization?
(Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader, BMTS Technology Development Team)
The BMTS Technology Development Team is dedicated to strengthening the technological competitiveness of BMTS by actively discovering and developing differentiated technologies. We analyze how competitive LG Energy Solution’s BMTS technology is in the battery market to derive new insights and fully support the advancement of BMTS technologies.
(Cheol-Taek Kim, VP, Diagnostics Department)
The Diagnostics Department I belong to is an organization that develops technologies to enhance battery safety based on vast amounts of data. We are developing safety diagnostic software that can detect battery defects in advance and prevent them beforehand.
(Sang-Hoon Lee, Executive Director, Service Solutions)
In the Service Solutions Department, we carry out various activities to utilize collected data in new businesses such as BaaS. First, we develop battery modeling and algorithms for lifecycle prediction based on battery themes. We also develop EV-specific terminals to collect driving data for this, as well as cloud-based data platforms for data storage and analytical processing. Furthermore, we participate in the development of web and mobile applications in various service formats, such as the integrated EV battery diagnostic service B-Lifecare.
Q. What prompted LG Energy Solution to develop BMTS?
(Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader, BMTS Technology Development Team)
LG Energy Solution’s BMS technology has evolved for about 20 years since 2005. Utilizing the strengths of being a battery manufacturer, we’ve developed technologies optimized for battery management and led technological development in the BMS market. However, LG Energy Solution determined that the role of BMS needed to expand further to maximize customer convenience and safety.
In particular, at that time, major automotive manufacturers were gradually shifting their development direction toward SDVs. SDVs are vehicles where major functions of a vehicle are controlled by software. The concept of modern cars has evolved beyond simple means of transportation to emphasize space, journey, and connectivity—essentially becoming a computer on wheels or a broader mobility platform. Accordingly, technologies for accurately identifying the current status and usable life of a battery have become more crucial than ever. More precise battery management required the evolution of BMS. As BMS functions became more sophisticated, the volume of data to be analyzed increased, and the computational complexity grew, which created limitations for processing within conventional BMS environments. Moreover, there was growing demand for systems that could manage the entire battery lifecycle to enhance resource efficiency. This is the context in which LG Energy Solution’s BMTS and B.around were born.
Q. What services does LG Energy Solution’s B.around offer?
(Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader of the BMTS Technology Development Team)
The B.around service domain is largely divided into four categories: △BMS solutions △application software solutions including safety diagnostics, degradation/lifetime prediction △SDV solutions △service solutions.
First, the BMS solutions are offered in two forms: customized products tailored to reflect the customer’s specific requirements, and standardized products that significantly reduce development time and cost. Especially for the customized BMS, although each customer values different functions, price points, or compatibility, we provide services that meet the required specifications within the development period based on our deep understanding of battery cells.
Next, the SDV solutions focus on optimizing performance and configuration in line with each manufacturer’s SDV development concept. The most notable feature of this solution is that various algorithms, previously operated in the cloud environment, are now transferred to high-performance computing systems installed in vehicles or embedded into a single chip and mounted on the vehicle. We are currently collaborating with Qualcomm, a US-based semiconductor and telecommunications equipment manufacturer, to further advance the technology.
The service solution refers to the various technologies and services applied to multiple BaaS-oriented business areas. Generally, we conduct thorough analysis and reprocessing of collected data to provide customized services to a wide range of customers across the battery’s lifecycle.
(Cheol-Taek Kim, VP, Diagnostics Department)
Application software solutions are broadly divided into safety diagnostic software and degradation/lifetime prediction software.
Among them, the safety diagnostic software detects abnormalities in battery cells, and LG Energy Solution’s major diagnostic algorithms include MAVD and dSOH. MAVD diagnoses disconnection in the anode and cathode tabs, and Rdv checks for micro internal short circuits. dSOH detects variations in cell capacity, thereby further enhancing battery safety.
(Sang-Hoon Lee, Executive Director, Service Solutions)
The degradation/lifetime prediction software performs the role of estimating battery degradation status and remaining useful life. This software includes three core technologies: FRISM, LLAZER, and BLiS. First, FRISM applies AI and ML-based calibration techniques to estimate the remaining useful life of the battery. LLAZER estimates the degree of degradation in cell components such as the anode, cathode, and electrolyte based on battery degradation indicators like LAM and LLI. Lastly, BLiS calculates the battery degradation status through electrochemical mechanisms and predicts future remaining capacity and abnormal degradation based on the vehicle’s driving patterns.
Q. What value can B.around services offer to customers?
(Dong-Geun Kwon, Team Leader, BMTS Technology Development Team)
Customers using B.around can experience a wide range of value throughout the entire battery lifecycle. Key customer groups include automotive manufacturers, end-user buyers, and fleet operators. B.around is the integrated solution that can deliver maximum satisfaction to all these customers.
(Sang-Hoon Lee, Executive Director, Service Solutions)
B.around services are expected to deliver value to a variety of customers. First, EV drivers can continuously monitor the battery status. They also receive charging solutions and battery management services optimized to their driving patterns, allowing them to enjoy an economical and efficient battery management experience.
Next, automakers can utilize B.around’s accurate battery metrics and predictive features to improve EV battery efficiency through the accumulation of continuous data.
Finally, customers such as vehicle insurance companies or used car leasing companies can access clear information on the battery’s resale value. These services help ensure the safety of electric vehicles and maximize their lifespan, thus helping to generate economic benefits.
We’ve just met the key figures behind the development of BMTS solutions! Not only did we learn the differences between BMS and BMTS, but also explored the diverse solutions offered under LG Energy Solution’s new BMTS brand, B.around. In Part 2 of the interview, we will spotlight the efforts LG Energy Solution has put into developing BMTS. We’ll also share insights into the technical advantages achieved and where LG Energy Solution’s BMTS roadmap is heading next—so stay tuned!
