Topology for individual battery cell charge control in a rechargeable battery cell array
First Claim
1. A system for continuously managing the charge in individual battery cells in a rechargeable battery cell array to establish an equality of charge among all cells during a single charge cycle, the system comprising:
- a microprocessor for controlling the array;
a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel strings, the cells being in series in each string, an identical number of cells being in each string;
a plurality of string current control elements being continuously dynamically controlled by the microprocessor during a single charge cycle; and
a shunt element for each battery cell, the shunt element being continuously dynamically controlled by the microprocessor during a single charge cycle to bypass a portion of the string current for each battery cell;
whereby controlling the string currents and the bypass current for each battery cell, the microprocessor continuously adjusts the charge current for each battery cell in the array and establishes an equality of charge among all cells in the array during a single charge cycle.
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Abstract
A microprocessor-based charge control architecture which provides individual battery cell charge control in order to insure an equality of charge among all cells in a rechargeable battery cell array during a single charge cycle. The array is arranged in parallel strings with an identical number of cells in series in each string. The microprocessor controls the amount of charge current in each battery cell via a shunt element for each battery cell, and adjusts the shunt element to bypass a portion of the string current for each battery cell. The invention also permits charge control algorithms to be conveniently updated, provides individual cell coulometry, and autonomously monitors and corrects conditions which can result in battery failure. Any type of rechargeable battery cell and array size can be accommodated. The array size can be set to accommodate the specific voltage and load current requirements of each application.
39 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A system for continuously managing the charge in individual battery cells in a rechargeable battery cell array to establish an equality of charge among all cells during a single charge cycle, the system comprising:
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a microprocessor for controlling the array; a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel strings, the cells being in series in each string, an identical number of cells being in each string; a plurality of string current control elements being continuously dynamically controlled by the microprocessor during a single charge cycle; and a shunt element for each battery cell, the shunt element being continuously dynamically controlled by the microprocessor during a single charge cycle to bypass a portion of the string current for each battery cell; whereby controlling the string currents and the bypass current for each battery cell, the microprocessor continuously adjusts the charge current for each battery cell in the array and establishes an equality of charge among all cells in the array during a single charge cycle. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for continuously controlling the charge in individual battery cells in a rechargeable battery cell array and establishing an equality of charge among all cells during a single charge cycle, the method comprising the steps of:
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arranging the battery cells in parallel strings, the battery cells being in series in each string, an identical number of battery cells being in each string; continuously dynamically controlling the current in each string using a string current control element in each string under the control of a microprocessor; and continuously dynamically controlling a portion of the string current bypassing each battery cell during a single charge cycle using a shunt element in each battery cell under the control of the microprocessor; wherein controlling the string currents and the bypass current for each battery cell, the microprocessor continuously adjusts the charge current for each battery cell in the array and establishes an equality of charge among all cells in the array during a single charge cycle. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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Specification