Analysis and Implementation of Inductor Based Active Battery Cell Balancing Topology

Lithium ion batteries are most popular in present world. Battery cell balancing is an integral part of lithium ion battery packs for optimal use of battery capacity. The paper explains the methods of cell balancing in a battery pack. The advantages and disadvantages of both passive and active methods are highlighted. Further the analysis of active cell balancing topology using inductors is presented. The problem with conventional inductor based cell balancing is highlighted and further it is modified to achieve faster equalization time. The proposed topology is easily configured for even or odd cell battery packs. The method can be used to equalize lithium ion battery packs in Electric Vehicles as well as in spacecrafts. In this paper, a modified version of inductor based active cell balancing method, along with its control scheme is proposed and bread board results are presented.