An Automatic Equalizer Based on Forward–Flyback Converter for Series-Connected Battery Strings

Abstract

This paper proposes an automatic any-cells-to-any-cells battery equalizer, which merges the forward and flyback converters through a common multiwinding transformer. The windings of the transformer are divided into two groups, which have opposite polarities. The principles of the proposed equalizer are that the equalization in one group is achieved based on forward conversion and the balancing between the two different groups is based on flyback conversion, by which the magnetic energy stored in the transformer can be automatically reset without using additional demagnetizing circuits. Moreover, only one MOSFET and one primary winding are required for each cell, resulting in smaller size and lower cost. One pair of complementary control signals is employed for all MOSFETs, and energy can be automatically and directly delivered from any high-voltage cells to any low-voltage cells without the requirement of cell monitoring circuits, thereby leading to a high balancing efficiency and speed. The proposed topology can achieve the global equalization for a long battery string through connecting the secondary sides of transformers without the need of additional components for the equalization among modules, which also overcomes the mismatching problem of multiple windings. The validity of the proposed equalizer is verified through experiments, and the balancing efficiency can reach up to 89.4% over a wide range of conditions.