Cell Balancing Circuit Using Inductors for Higher Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell balancing circuits face challenges in increasing balancing current due to heat limitations and high costs associated with active cell balancing circuits requiring numerous elements.
Innovation Solution
A cell balancing apparatus and method that reduces costs by using a simplified circuit design with a first and second inductor, first and second transistors, and first and second active elements, along with a processing circuitry to manage energy transfer between battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive cell balancing circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the balancing current is limited due to heat through a resistor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive resistor-based current limiting mechanism with an active switching mechanism using transistors and inductors. The transistor acts as a controllable switch that can regulate current flow without the thermal limitations of resistors, while the inductor stores and transfers energy efficiently. This substitution enables higher balancing currents while maintaining circuit simplicity.
2Productivity
If an active cell balancing circuit is used, then the balancing current can be increased, but the cost is increased due to many elements required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a minimal set of components. The transistor serves both as a current regulator and a switch, while the inductor provides both energy storage and current continuity. By combining these functions into just two main active components per battery cell group, the circuit achieves high balancing current capability with minimal element count, reducing cost while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor and transistor components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The inductor serves as both an energy storage element and a current smoothing component, while the transistor provides both switching control and current regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the circuit.
3Productivity
If an active cell balancing circuit is used, then the balancing current can be increased, but the cost of the cell balancing circuit is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard, commercially available transistors and inductors that are inexpensive and widely manufactured. These components are designed to be simple and robust, using common materials and fabrication processes. The minimal component count further reduces assembly costs and manufacturing complexity, making the circuit economically viable for mass production in battery management systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the number of elements, thereby lowering the cost of the cell balancing circuit while maintaining efficient energy transfer and balancing between battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
A first inductor, a second inductor
Implementation Method 2
A first transistor connected between a second terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal of the second inductor
Implementation Method 3
The first active element may include a first diode having a cathode connected to the positive electrode of the first battery cell and an anode connected to the second terminal of the first inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A cell balancing apparatus of a battery module in which a first battery cell, a plurality of second battery cells, and a third battery cell are connected in series is provided. A first terminal of a first inductor is connected to a negative electrode of the first battery cell, and a first terminal of a second inductor is connected to a positive electrode of the third battery cell. A first transistor is connected between a second terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal of the second inductor. A first active element is connected between a positive electrode of the first battery cell and the second terminal of the first inductor, and a second active element is connected between a negative electrode of the third battery cell and the second terminal of the second inductor.