Method for balancing cells in batteries

摘要

Adjacent battery cells connected in devices are balanced by closing a first circuit to charge an energy storage device from a first battery cell and thereafter simultaneously opening the first isolated switch and closing a second isolated switch to cause the energy storage device to charge a second battery cell. A circuit includes an isolated switch that operates simultaneously to balance battery cells connected in series, and a battery system balances battery modules connected in series, the battery module including battery cells connected in series. The battery cells and modules can be balanced by hierarchical balancing of modules of the battery pack and component cells of the modules.

主权项

1. A method for balancing two adjacent battery cells arranged in series, comprising the steps of:
a) closing a first isolated switch of a first battery cell from which energy is to be transferred to thereby transfer energy from that battery to an energy storage device that is in electrical communication with a node connecting a negative terminal of a second battery cell to a positive terminal of the first battery cell, thereby charging the energy storage device; and thereafter b) simultaneously opening the first isolated switch and closing a second isolated switch, the second isolated switch thereby causing energy to be transferred from the energy storage device to the second cell, whereby the second battery cell will have a voltage at least closer to that of the first battery cell.