Single Transformer High-Power Balancer for Battery Cell Voltage Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery cell imbalance reduces the energy capacity and lifespan of battery packs in electric vehicles and smart-grid systems, leading to premature aging and increased replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell balancing system using a transformer with a primary and secondary winding, coupled to a bus and a cell interface, and controlled by switches and circuits to manage power transfer based on sensed voltages, ensuring all cells are balanced and energy is efficiently distributed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional battery cell balancing methods are used, then cell voltage can be monitored, but energy loss increases and balancing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between battery cells to enable inductive coupling. This mediator transfers energy between cells through magnetic coupling, allowing balancing without direct electrical connection, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining high balancing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical connection-based balancing methods with inductive coupling through electromagnetic fields. By substituting direct electrical contact with field-based energy transfer, the system reduces resistive losses and improves overall energy efficiency while maintaining effective power transfer
2Reliability
If multiple transformers are used for each cell, then power transfer control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transformer functions into a single multi-winding transformer device. By combining primary and secondary windings in one integrated transformer, the system achieves reliable power transfer control for multiple cells while reducing the number of discrete components and overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal transformer design with multiple windings that can serve multiple battery cells simultaneously. This multi-functional device provides power transfer control for several cells through a single component, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable control over each cell's charging state
3Measurement precision
If conventional balancing circuits are used, then cell monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer acts as an intermediary that enables both power transfer and voltage sensing functions. By using the transformer's windings for both energy transfer and voltage measurement, the system achieves precise cell monitoring without requiring separate sensing circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
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 system extends the lifespan of battery packs by maintaining balanced cell states, reducing energy loss, and lowering replacement costs by optimizing energy usage and preventing overcharging or undercharging.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding of the transformer being coupled to an interface for coupling to a bus, and the secondary winding being coupled to another interface for coupling to a cell
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus and methods for balancing charge in a plurality of cells in a battery. In one example apparatus, the primary winding of the transformer may be coupled to a bus, and the secondary winding may be coupled to a cell of the plurality of cells in the battery. The apparatus also includes a switch coupled to the primary winding of the transformer and one or more control circuits coupled to the switch. The control circuit may be configured to control the first switch based on a voltage at a first terminal of the primary winding to control transfer of power between the cell and the bus via the transformer.