Voltage balancing converter network for series-connected battery stack

Energy storage systems are critical elements in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. In these systems, lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their outstanding characteristics and advantages: high power density, long life cycles and high efficiency. For high voltage applications, batteries cells are connected in series, raising the issue of voltage balancing among cells. This paper presents a new structure of active voltage balancing of Li-ion cells associated in series in battery stack. It is based on the use of micro-converters network. The principle of the charge equalization is to derive energy from an overcharged cell and to transfer it to an undercharged cell no matter whether the battery is currently in charge or in use supplying a load. The highlight of this structure is not only its high efficiency and its ease of implement but moreover, its integration capacity in contrast to state of the art passive and active balancing topologies. A monitoring system is required to perform forced balancing. The results from simulations and experimental test bench validate the feasibility and the interest of the proposed balancing circuitry and operating principle.