PACK Process & Battery Management System

From cell selection to final battery pack assembly, discover the full workflow and key machines used in lithium battery PACK production.

FAQs of PACK Process & Battery Management System

What is the lithium battery PACK process?

The PACK process involves grouping battery cells, welding them into series/parallel configurations, installing a BMS, insulating the pack, and sealing it into a protective shell. This ensures safety, performance, and reliability.

The Battery Management System (BMS) acts as the brain of the battery. It ensures cells are balanced, monitors temperature and voltage, and protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, and short-circuits.

Typical steps include:

  1. Cell matching and sorting

  2. Spot or laser welding

  3. BMS installation

  4. Insulation and structural fixation

  5. Functional testing

  6. Sealing and packaging

Spot welding (for nickel strips) and laser welding (for high-precision or automated lines) are commonly used, depending on production scale and cell type.

A typical BMS monitors:

  • Voltage (per cell & total)

  • Current (charge/discharge)

  • Temperature

  • State of Charge (SOC)

  • Cell balancing status
    Advanced models may also include CAN/UART data output.

When faults are detected (like overheating or voltage imbalance), the BMS cuts off the circuit to stop charging/discharging—preventing dangerous conditions and protecting the system.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

What Is the Battery PACK Process?

In lithium battery manufacturing, PACK refers to the process of assembling individual lithium cells (cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch) into usable battery modules or packs with added structure, electronics, wiring, and protection. The result is a finished battery pack ready to power electric bikes, tools, scooters, or energy storage devices.

This process is not just about physical assembly—it integrates electrical testing, welding, software configuration, and safety measures to ensure long-term performance and compliance.

 

Chapter 2

Full PACK Workflow Overview

The PACK process typically starts with cell inspection and ends with final functional testing and labeling. Here’s a streamlined view of how a professional battery pack is built:

Process Step Key Equipment Purpose
Cell Sorting Voltage & IR Tester Ensures cell consistency in voltage and impedance
Cell Arrangement Positioning Fixture Aligns cells by series/parallel config
Nickel Tab Welding Spot Welder Connects cells securely for current flow
BMS Installation Manual / Semi-auto Wiring Tools Connects sensing wires and control circuits
Insulation & Wrapping PVC Shrinking Machine Adds outer protection, anti-shock cover
Aging Test Cycling Test Machine Simulates charge/discharge under load
Final QC Multimeter, Load Tester Verifies voltage, capacity, communication
Chapter 3

Why the Outer Shell Matters?

Explore the different outer shell materials, structures, and designs available for lithium battery packs—and how they impact durability, cooling, and customization.

The shell, or enclosure, protects the internal battery structure against mechanical damage, water ingress, and thermal risks. Depending on application—such as e-bikes, scooters, power stations, or drones—manufacturers choose from different materials and shapes that optimize safety, installation, and branding.

A well-designed shell ensures not just durability, but also effective heat dissipation, water resistance (IP65–IP67), and user convenience in plug-and-play systems.

We can broadly categorize battery shells into plastic (ABS/PC) and metal (aluminum alloy) enclosures, with hybrid composite options for special cases.

Chapter 4

Common Shell Materials and Their Characteristics

We can broadly categorize battery shells into plastic (ABS/PC) and metal (aluminum alloy) enclosures, with hybrid composite options for special cases.

Shell Type Material Applications Advantages
Plastic Case (e.g. Hailong) ABS or PC+ABS E-bikes, scooters Lightweight, cost-effective, moldable into brand shapes
Metal Case Aluminum Alloy Energy storage, high-power tools Better heat dissipation, high strength, longer lifespan
Soft Pack with PVC Wrap Pouch Cell + PVC Wrap Compact space, custom shapes Ultra-lightweight, shape-flexible
Rack/Box System Steel, FRP, or Composite Industrial, Solar ESS Customizable module layout, scalable capacity

Shells often integrate heat-sinking fins, ventilation ducts, or thermal pads to maintain ideal temperature under load. For outdoor or mobile systems, IP65/IP67 sealing, waterproof gaskets, and robust connectors prevent environmental damage.

We also support conformal coating and potting for high-vibration or wet environments.

Chapter 5

Common Shell Materials and Their Characteristics

Shells often integrate heat-sinking fins, ventilation ducts, or thermal pads to maintain ideal temperature under load. For outdoor or mobile systems, IP65/IP67 sealing, waterproof gaskets, and robust connectors prevent environmental damage.

We also support conformal coating and potting for high-vibration or wet environments.

Chapter 6

What Is a BMS and Why It’s Indispensable?

A deep dive into how BMS ensures lithium battery safety, performance, and smart integration in modern power systems.

A Battery Management System (BMS) is the nerve center of every lithium battery pack. It continuously monitors cell voltages, temperatures, charge/discharge currents, and more—making real-time decisions to protect, balance, and optimize the pack.

Without BMS, even the best cells can degrade rapidly, overheat, or become dangerous. For B2B applications—whether powering eBikes, energy storage, or industrial equipment—BMS is a must-have.

Chapter 7

BMS Core Modules & Circuit Architecture

A well-designed BMS typically includes the following internal modules:

Module Function Key Components
MCU (Microcontroller) Decision-making & logic ST/TI/NXP chips, firmware
Voltage Monitoring Detects individual cell voltage Voltage sensing IC, resistive dividers
Temperature Sensing Monitors NTC/PTC sensors Thermistors, ADC
Current Sensing Measures in/out current Shunt resistor, Hall sensor
MOSFET Control Disconnects charge/discharge paths N-channel FETs, gate drivers
Balancing Circuit Equalizes cell voltage Passive (resistors) or Active (inductor/capacitor switching)
Communication Interface Transmits data externally UART, CAN, RS485, I²C
Protection Logic Executes cutoffs Software logic + comparator
Chapter 8

Passive vs. Active Balancing — What's the Difference?

  • Passive Balancing: 
    Extra voltage from higher cells is dissipated as heat via resistors. Simple, low-cost, but wastes energy.

  • Active Balancing:
    Transfers charge from higher to lower cells using inductive or capacitive methods. Improves efficiency and longevity.

 

Comparison Table:

Balancing Type Efficiency Complexity Typical Use
Passive Low (~50%) Simple, low cost eBikes, tools, small packs
Active High (~90%) High, needs logic+switches ESS, EVs, premium industrial packs
Chapter 9

Communication Protocols: UART, CAN, RS485

A BMS isn’t isolated—it often needs to talk to controllers (MCU/VCU), chargers, apps, or cloud platforms.

  • UART: Simple, low-cost. Ideal for debugging or simple display communication.

  • CAN (Controller Area Network): Automotive-grade, fast, reliable. Used in EVs, robotics, high-end eBikes.

  • RS485: Good for industrial setups with long-distance, multi-node wiring.

 Choosing the right protocol depends on your end-use system architecture.

Chapter 10

Smart BMS Features: From Bluetooth to Cloud

  • Bluetooth App: View voltage, SOC, temperature in real-time

  • GPS Module: Fleet tracking or anti-theft

  • OTA Firmware: Update features or protection limits remotely

  • Data Logging: Export performance & diagnostic logs

Smart BMS transforms the battery into a networked energy device, not just a power source.

Chapter 11

Summary

Lithium battery reliability begins with a precise PACK process and is safeguarded by a smart BMS. During PACK assembly, cells are sorted, welded, and integrated with BMS and protective structures, ensuring electrical stability and structural integrity. The BMS monitors key parameters—voltage, temperature, SOC—and actively prevents overcharge, over-discharge, and imbalance. Together, these systems enable safe, long-lasting, and efficient battery packs ready for real-world demands.