paracidium
1 mW
I have been looking into the usage of Schottky diodes to protect the built in BMS of two 48v 10Ah LiFePO4 batteries when connected in series.
I understand this has been discussed exhaustively in the past with conflicting views as to whether it is even necessary.
I have came to the conclusion that I will install the diodes anyway just to be on the safe side...
I have a few questions:
As the batteries are connected in series with the diodes connected in parallel across each of the battery terminals there will not normally be any current flowing through the diodes under normal operation unless a fault condition occurs. Therefore, would it be safe to have these diodes connected without the use of a heat sink due to the fact that the diodes will rarely see any current and should not overheat?
If I was to use a Schottky Diode package that has two diodes in one package, remove pin 2 and tie the two outer legs together(Anode), using the case as the Cathode (putting the two diodes in parallel), will this increase the total current/voltage handling of the package?
The advice on the Ping Battery website states:
- Voltage rating of each diode = maximum voltage of the battery pack
- Current rating of each diode = maximum current of the system.
Is the maximum voltage referring to the maximum voltage of the entire circuit or the maximum voltage of an individual pack?
and finally, can anyone recommend a suitable Schottky diode that fits this spec, (the max current in my circuit will be 40A).
Cheers guys
Matt
I understand this has been discussed exhaustively in the past with conflicting views as to whether it is even necessary.
I have came to the conclusion that I will install the diodes anyway just to be on the safe side...
I have a few questions:
As the batteries are connected in series with the diodes connected in parallel across each of the battery terminals there will not normally be any current flowing through the diodes under normal operation unless a fault condition occurs. Therefore, would it be safe to have these diodes connected without the use of a heat sink due to the fact that the diodes will rarely see any current and should not overheat?
If I was to use a Schottky Diode package that has two diodes in one package, remove pin 2 and tie the two outer legs together(Anode), using the case as the Cathode (putting the two diodes in parallel), will this increase the total current/voltage handling of the package?
The advice on the Ping Battery website states:
- Voltage rating of each diode = maximum voltage of the battery pack
- Current rating of each diode = maximum current of the system.
Is the maximum voltage referring to the maximum voltage of the entire circuit or the maximum voltage of an individual pack?
and finally, can anyone recommend a suitable Schottky diode that fits this spec, (the max current in my circuit will be 40A).
Cheers guys
Matt
