Multifunctional power converter and controller for mixed chemical battery packs

Abstract

A power system comprises a power converter configured to establish a coupling between a power source and a battery assembly with battery modules of different chemical compositions. The power converter includes at least one branch with an inductor. The power system further comprises a switching device connected between the at least one branch of the power converter and a node between the battery modules, and a control module configured to selectively control the switching device to cause the power converter to operate in a first mode, in which the branch of the power converter is coupled to the battery assembly, and in a second mode, in which the branch of the power converter is coupled to the node between the battery modules of the battery assembly. Further exemplary power systems and control methods are also disclosed.

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