Model-based Design Methodology for Capacitor-based Equalization Circuits

This paper proposes a design methodology for capacitor-based equalization circuits that takes into account relevant characteristics of both battery pack and power electronics components. An analytical models have been developed for a switched capacitor (SC) architecture considering ideal and real conditions. The models developed are then used for defining a design methodology that allows for sizing the SC architecture according to the desired performances in terms of efficiency and mean balancing current. It is also noted that the proposed design methodology can be adopted to other capacitor-based equalizers. A prototype of the SC architecture for six series-connected cells has been developed as well in order to evaluate the correct functionality of the equalization circuit and to validate the proposed design methodology.