BMS comparison chart (v2.02)
As each manufacturer only puts forward what they think will make you buy their product, it is very difficult to make a comparison based on a set of criteria. You can download a BMS comparison chart with more than 100 criteria grouped in 17 sections. There are currently 5 BMS and more will be added as we get input from manufacturers and users.
There is not one BMS that is better or worse. They are different, with different characteristics and designed to meet different requirements. We believe that it is our interest that only informed customers buy our product, based on a comprehension of their requirements and with clear expectations.
I only include BMS that can control external switching devices and provide advanced warning before shutting down the battery. For safety reasons, these are the only ones I would use on my boat. They meet the definition of a BMS given by the Bureau Veritas and recommendations by the ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council), and I would not be surprised if insurance companies soon request that lithium installations must comply with these (or similar) standards.
Bureau Veritas: “Battery Management System (BMS): Electronic system associated with a battery pack which monitors and/or manages in a safe manner its electric and thermal state by controlling its environment, and which provides communication between the battery system and other macro-system controllers (e.g.: Vehicle Management System (VMS) and Energy Management System (EMS)).”
ABYC: “If a shutdown condition is approaching, the BMS should notify the operator with a visual and/or audible alarm prior to disconnecting the battery from the DC system”
We have developed that comparison chart based on each manufacturer documentation (web site, specifications, user manuals). We have attempted to be as complete and accurate based on available information and we will be pleased to correct any error if you point them out with a reference to the source of information. We will add more commercial BMS on request if they meet the above definition and if the relevant information is available.
Please use the comments section to point out any error and ask for modifications / additions. We will update the chart accordingly if the proper supporting data is provided.