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Topology for individual battery cell charge control in a rechargeable battery cell array

  • US 6,157,167 A
  • Filed: 04/29/1998
  • Issued: 12/05/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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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:

  • 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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