A multi-module battery system based on MODBUS for a hybrid aircraft

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) team built a gas/electric hybrid aircraft, called EcoEagle, to enter the NASA-funded Green Flight Challenge in 2011. The battery system for EcoEagle consists of multiple battery modules in parallel. Each battery module has a fully functional battery management system (BMS), which is connected to a data bus controlled by a master controller. In this paper, we describe some topics of the design and implementation of the battery system. First, we discuss the structure of the battery system and the advantages of using multiple battery modules to build the battery system. Then, we briefly describe the functions of the BMS of each battery module. Finally, we demonstrate how to use simple MODBUS functions to setup the communications between the master controller and the BMSs to implement various functions of the battery system.