The two-day course developed the concept of ‘Smart Batteries (SB)’ for Li-ion cells. Smart battery integrates power electronics and intelligent control to the cells. This is done by using a half-bridge circuit connected across the cell terminals. The course introduced the operation of the SB with the integrated half bridge circuit. 

The course gave a detailed overview of the state-of-the-art battery management systems, chargers/ charging methods. This discussion evolved into the advantages of the SB in making smart BMS and energy efficient charging methods and lifetime improvement. The design of the SB, optimal device selection, PCB design for different geometries of the cells (prismatic, pouch and cylindrical ) was discussed. The SB also has intelligent control and the course introduced the communication architecture and controller selection for the SB management systems. 
Simulation exercises in Simulink/Plecs/LTSpice was used as tools to understand and appreciate the SB concept and hardware architecture.