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Using BQ34Z100 for generic battery computer with different batteries

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ34Z100

Hello,

I want to use the BQ34Z100 device to monitor SOC in a Camping RV. In this scenario the battery gauge is sold independently of the battery in use. Thus the Battery type (chemistry, design capacity) would need to be adapted by the user/uC after sales.

Observing this markt, typical user settings for such battery monitors are:

  • Standard Lead Acid (13.8V)
  • AGM1 (14.4V)
  • AGM2 (14.7V)

In future these settings should be considered:

  • LiPo, LiFe (future setting option)

As the design capacity in such systems vary  from typically 45Ah to  300Ah most systems require the user to specify this value during system setup.

So my question is if the BQ34Z100 can handle such scenario? I understand that I can characterize each of the above battery chemistry and generate a profile, but would that be easily adaptable to different design capacities?

A typical use scenario is that the device gets installed and stays in a system, however the battery will most likely be replaced during life time (since the battery life time is usually shorter than the one of the RV). In such scenario the chemistry might be changed as well, so a in-system reset with a new profile and design capacity setup seems to be required. Can this be handled entirely by the I2C uC device?

I am targeting to utilize the BQ34Z100 in an Bluetooth LE setup, so a connected smartphone would be able to communicate new profiles to the uC system.

Thanks for any help and considerations here.

-Kai

  • Kai
    Each of this setups would be considered a new design and an optimization cycle and golden file will need to be create for each one. The gauge can support swapping a given battery with a new battery that is the same part number. It will learn the new battery parameters.