Charge Balancing Circuit Using Inductive Energy Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In charge storage arrangements with multiple cells connected in series, capacitance imbalances lead to incomplete charging or discharging of cells, limiting the overall capacity utilization due to manufacturing variations and voltage limits.
Innovation Solution
A charge balancing circuit with an inductive storage element and a switch arrangement, controlled by a control circuit, which selectively connects cell terminals to balance charge distribution by storing and redistributing energy between cells, enabling current flow in both directions based on voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging is stopped when one accumulator reaches its upper voltage limit, then the charging limit is protected, but the overall capacity utilization is reduced because other accumulators remain undercharged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into two phases: first, all accumulators are charged simultaneously from the charging source; second, after the first accumulator reaches its upper voltage limit, the charging process continues by charging only the remaining accumulators that have not yet reached their limit. This segmentation allows the system to protect individual cell limits while maximizing overall capacity utilization.
2Reliability
If discharging is stopped when one accumulator reaches its lower voltage limit, then the discharge limit is protected, but the overall capacity utilization is reduced because other accumulators remain charged
Solution Approach 1:
The discharging process is segmented into two phases: first, all accumulators discharge simultaneously to power the load; second, after the first accumulator reaches its lower voltage limit, the discharging process continues by discharging only the remaining accumulators that have not yet reached their limit. This segmentation allows the system to protect individual cell limits while maximizing overall capacity utilization.
3Device complexity
If a simple charging stop method is used, then the control system is simple, but the charge balancing between accumulators is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the accumulators themselves to perform the charge balancing function. After the first accumulator reaches its voltage limit, the charging or discharging process automatically continues with the remaining accumulators without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms. The accumulators self-regulate the charging/discharging process based on their individual states, achieving efficient charge balancing with minimal additional control complexity.
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 circuit effectively balances charge across cells, ensuring complete charging and discharging, thereby optimizing the usable capacity of the charge storage arrangement by compensating for capacitance variations and adhering to voltage limits.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive storage element operable to be connected to the first and second terminals of the switch arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A charge balancing circuit and an energy storage arrangement with a charge balancing circuit are disclosed.