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System and method for cell balancing and charging

  • US 8,541,980 B2
  • Filed: 05/13/2010
  • Issued: 09/24/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for charging and balancing a plurality of series-coupled battery cells, the apparatus comprising:

  • first and second input terminals for providing a charging voltage to the plurality of series-coupled battery cells;

    a transformer including a primary side associated with the charging voltage and a secondary side including a plurality of portions each coupled across a respective at least two of the plurality of series-coupled battery cells;

    a plurality of first switches each coupled between a respective single portion of the secondary side and a corresponding first battery cell of the at least two of the plurality of series-coupled battery cells and configured to provide a charging current to the first battery cell during a first half of a cycle of a current in the primary side of the transformer;

    a plurality of second switches, each coupled between the respective single portion of the secondary side and a corresponding second battery cell of the at least two of the plurality of series-coupled battery cells and configured to provide a charging current to the second battery cell during a second half of a cycle of a current in the primary side of the transformer; and

    wherein each of the plurality of portions of the secondary side is configured to have a first polarity during the first half of the cycle of the current and a second polarity opposite the first polarity during the second half of the cycle of the current.

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