EQUILIZATION OF CHARGE ON SERIES CONNECTED CELLS OR BATTERIES

摘要

An equalizer for equalizing the charge on several series connected cells includes a capacitor and a pair of switching devices selectively connecting each cell across the capacitor. The switching devices of each pair are sequentially turned ON and OFF such that each cell is alternately connected in sequence across the capacitor. The capacitor is charged to the voltage level of the most highly charged cell when the more highly charged cell is connected across the capacitor. When a lesser charged cell is connected across the capacitor, the capacitor discharges into that cell, thereby increasing the charge on that cell. Equalization is carried out with very little power consumption by the equalizer, allowing charging to take place in a rapid manner.