Multi-Stacked Superbuck Converter-Based Single-Switch Charger Integrating Cell Voltage Equalizer for Series-Connected Energy Storage Cells

Masatoshi Uno, Qi Xu and Yusuke Sato
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Masatoshi Uno: College of Engineering, Ibaraki University, Hitachi 316-8511, Japan
Qi Xu: College of Engineering, Ibaraki University, Hitachi 316-8511, Japan
Yusuke Sato: College of Engineering, Ibaraki University, Hitachi 316-8511, Japan

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: Voltages of series-connected energy storage cells, such as electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and lithium-ion batteries, need to be equalized to ensure years of safe operation. However, to this end, a voltage equalizer is necessary in addition to a charger, increasing the system complexity and cost. This paper proposes a family of transformerless single-switch integrated chargers that merge a charger and equalizer into a single unit, achieving a simplified system and circuit. Proposed integrated chargers are derived by stacking multiple conventional pulse width modulation (PWM) converters, such as a superbuck converter, that contain two inductors and one energy transfer capacitor. Detailed operation analyses, including an investigation on the impact of component tolerance on voltage equalization performance, are also performed. Experimental charging tests using a 12-W prototype were performed for four EDLC cells. All cells were charged with eliminating voltage imbalance and demonstrating the charging and equalization performance of the proposed integrated charger.

Keywords: charger; electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC); superbuck converter; voltage equalizer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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