An ESS charge balancing method based on current allocation with multi-source power converters for electric microcars

Y. C. Fong, K. W.Eric Cheng

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Batteries are one of the most costly components in electric vehicles (EVs) yet they also limit the performance and lifespan of the vehicles. Voltage imbalance between series connected battery cells worsens the limitations but is inevitable due to the manufacturing tolerance of capacity and deviations of environmental and batteries' parameters. Industries have developed a wide range of solutions to keep cell voltage equalized including adding balancing circuits and specialized chargers to improve the battery capacity utilization and to extend the lifespan of whole battery pack. However, these methods are generally ineffective for the energy storage systems (ESSs) in EVs. Instead of developing circuitries for cell balancing, this study would like to investigate the effectiveness of battery charge balancing by load/charge allocation with multi-source power converters such as multilevel voltage source inverters (VSIs) that directly connect the batteries in ESSs as sources. A simulation model with an 11-level cascaded H-bridge inverter (CHBI) was employed to examine the proposed switching scheme. The simulation result is encouraging that voltage sources were balanced by utilizing a significant amount of the load/charging current as balancing current; the sources attained equal voltage within a short period in simulation environment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 6th International Conference on Power Electronics Systems and Applications
Subtitle of host publicationElectric Transportation - Automotive, Vessel and Aircraft, PESA 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509000623
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Feb 2016
Event6th International Conference on Power Electronics Systems and Applications, PESA 2015 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 15 Dec 201517 Dec 2015

Publication series

Name2015 6th International Conference on Power Electronics Systems and Applications: Electric Transportation - Automotive, Vessel and Aircraft, PESA 2015

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Power Electronics Systems and Applications, PESA 2015
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period15/12/1517/12/15

Keywords

  • Charge equalization
  • multi-source power converter
  • multilevel VSI
  • Staircase modulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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