Why might a battery still overcharge even with a BMS in place?
Let's see a few probable reasons for such a paradox:
The main reason batteries might overcharge even with a BMS in place is because of a faulty BMS. Just as any electronic gadget might occasionally malfunction, the BMS is no exception. If it's not working correctly, it might misread the battery's charge level or fail to cut off the charge at the right time.
Another reason could be poor calibration. The BMS needs to be finely tuned to the specific battery it's looking after. If it's not, it might not accurately gauge when the battery is full. It's a bit like using a broken fuel gauge in a car; you might think the tank isn't full when it actually is, leading you to overfill.
Batteries, like all things, age over time. As they grow older, their characteristics change. An old battery might not be able to hold as much charge as it did when it was young. If the BMS isn't aware of this age-related change or hasn't been adjusted accordingly, it might still think the battery is young and overcharge it.
Environmental factors can also play a role. Think of how hard it is to pour a thick milkshake through a narrow straw compared to a watery drink. In the same way, cold temperatures can make it challenging for the BMS to understand how much charge the battery has, potentially causing it to overcharge.
Sometimes, the problem isn't with the BMS, but with the charger. If you use a charger that's not well-suited to the battery, it might force more charge into the battery than the BMS expects.
Lastly, even small communication glitches between the BMS and other devices can lead to overcharging.
While the BMS is designed to be the protector of our batteries, it's not flawless. As users, being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking preventive measures, like using the right charger and being cautious in extreme temperatures, can help ensure our batteries live long and healthy lives.
There could also be many other reasons for the battery overcharging, which should be studied and taken into account while designing a safe and long-lasting battery pack.