Transformerless Battery Balancing Circuit Using Inductor Pre-Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery balancing systems require transformers and are inefficient, often needing multiple transfer cycles to balance cell voltages and energy storage, especially when using inductors.
Innovation Solution
A switch matrix-based balancing circuit that utilizes an inductor without a transformer, allowing for efficient energy transfer by selectively pre-charging and transferring energy between battery cells, reducing the time required for balancing and minimizing the need for additional charge redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transformers are used for energy transfer between battery cells, then energy balancing can be achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transformer component from the energy transfer circuit, replacing it with a simpler inductor-based switching architecture. This eliminates the need for complex transformer windings and magnetic coupling while achieving the same energy transfer function through direct inductor charging and discharging cycles controlled by switching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic induction mechanism of transformers with a direct inductor charging/discharging mechanism controlled by electronic switches. This replacement simplifies the system by eliminating transformer complexity while maintaining energy transfer capability through controlled current flow cycles.
2Volume of moving object
If inductors are used for energy transfer, then device size can be reduced, but multiple transfer cycles are required increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary charging phase where the inductor is fully charged to maximum current before discharging to the battery cell. This preliminary action ensures maximum energy transfer in each cycle, reducing the total number of cycles needed. The switching circuit is designed to optimize the charging current and duration before each discharge phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous energy transfer by immediately transitioning from inductor charging to discharging without idle periods. The switching elements are controlled to ensure seamless operation where the inductor continuously cycles between charging and discharging states, maximizing energy transfer efficiency and minimizing total balancing time.
3Reliability
If multiple transfer cycles are used to balance cells, then energy distribution can be optimized, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the switching elements to adapt the inductor charging and discharging parameters in real-time based on battery cell voltage differences. The switching frequency, duty cycle, and current limits are dynamically adjusted to optimize energy transfer for each specific balancing scenario, achieving both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates voltage sensing and control logic that continuously monitors battery cell voltages and adjusts the energy transfer parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise energy distribution by detecting when cells reach target voltages and automatically adjusting or terminating transfer cycles to achieve accurate balancing without excessive time consumption.
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 enables faster and more efficient energy balancing across battery cells, reducing the number of transfer cycles and improving operational efficiency by using the inductor in multiple manners to achieve target state of charge without relying on transformers.
Implementation Method 1
forming a balancing circuit that does not require a transformer, that reduces the time required for the energy transfers, and that facilitates using an inductor in multiple manners to accomplish the energy transfers
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of forming a balancing circuit for a plurality of battery cells includes configuring the balancing circuit to selectively pre-charge a transfer element from a power source, and to subsequently selectively couple the transfer element to one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells to transfer energy from the transfer element to the one battery cell.