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This paper proposes an interleaved equalization architecture for series-connected lithium-ion battery strings, which can deliver energy from a battery module to the cells in the next adjacent battery module, resulting in an enhancement of the equalization current and efficiency. Particularly, the global equalization is achieved without the need of additional stage circuits to balance among modules, leading to a small size and low cost. A two-module equalizer based on resonant LC converter and buck converter with soft switching is implemented to verify the validity of the proposed interleaved architecture. Furthermore, a self-learning fuzzy logic control (SLFLC) algorithm is employed to online regulate the equalization period based on the voltage difference among cells and the cell voltage, not only greatly abbreviating the balancing time but also effectively preventing overequalization. The SLFLC has the outstanding advantages of high balancing precision, easy implementation, and strong robustness. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed equalizer has good balancing performances with soft switching and high efficiency, and achieves zero-voltage gap among cells. Moreover, the proposed SLFLC algorithm abridges the total equalization time by about 27%, and reduces the equalization cycles by about 59% compared with the traditional control algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a robust sliding-mode observer (RSMO) for state-of-charge (SOC) estimation of a lithium-polymer battery (LiPB) in electric vehicles (EVs). A radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN) is employed to adaptively learn an upper bound of system uncertainty. The switching gain of the RSMO is adjusted based on the learned upper bound to achieve asymptotic error convergence of the SOC estimation. A battery equivalent circuit model (BECM) is constructed for battery modeling, and its BECM is identified in real time by using a forgetting-factor recursive least squares (FFRLS) algorithm. The experiments under the discharge current profiles based on EV driving cycles are conducted on the LiPB to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed framework for the SOC estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell voltage equalization is inevitable to ensure years of safe operation of series-connected energy storage cells, such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors (SCs). Although various kinds of cell voltage equalizers have been proposed, most equalizer topologies require multiple switches and/or a multiwinding transformer, resulting in complex circuitry and poor modularity. In this paper, a single-switch single-transformer equalizer using a forward–flyback resonant inverter (FFRI) with a voltage multiplier is proposed. The required switch count of the proposed equalizer is the minimum without impairing modularity due to the single-switch circuitry with no need for a multiwinding transformer. An experimental equalization test performed for eight SCs connected in series successfully demonstrated the equalization performance of the proposed equalizer. The FFRI can be extended as a “resonant input cell,” and by combining one of resonant input cells and a voltage multiplier, a single-switch resonant equalization charger that is basically a charger with an equalization function is also derived. An experimental charging test using the resonant equalization charger was also performed, and its equalization-charging performance was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design guideline of a bidirectional isolated Ćuk converter with an active-snubber circuit, which is used as a cell level tester for multiple automotive dc energy storage devices (ESDs), such as ultracapacitors, Li-ion batteries, and NiMH batteries. The converter interfaces those automotive dc ESD cells with 24-V dc systems, and it realizes bidirectional power flow with two main switches. Based on the ratings of those dc ESD cells, the designed converter operates at a very low voltage range, i.e., from 1.5 to 6 V, with current as high as 300 A. The detailed operation principle and major features, such as soft switching and energy recovery, are analyzed under continuous current mode. Based on the analysis, the design guideline of the dc–dc converter is presented. A 1.2-kW laboratory prototype has been built and tested with full power rating. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The cell voltage imbalance of series-connected energy storage cells, such as supercapacitors (SCs) and lithium-ion cells, causes premature deterioration and a decrease in the available energies of the cells. Various equalization techniques have been developed for diminishing such imbalances. However, since the number of switches, sensors, and/or multiwinding transformers present in conventional equalizers is directly proportional to the number of series connections of the cells, the circuit complexity and cost of the equalizers are prone to increase with the number of series connections. In this paper, single-switch cell voltage equalizers using multistacked buck-boost converters, such as the single-ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC), Zeta, and Ćuk converters, are proposed. These equalizers consist of passive components and a single switch, significantly reducing the complexity of the circuit when compared with that of conventional equalizers. In addition, when the proposed equalizers operate in discontinuous conduction mode, feedback control is not required to limit currents flowing through cells and circuit components. The proposed equalizers are compared with conventional topologies in terms of the number of active and passive components required. Operating analyses were conducted under both cell-voltage-balanced and -imbalanced conditions. Experimental equalization tests were performed for four series-connected SCs using the SEPIC-based single-switch equalizer. The energies of the series-connected SCs were preferentially redistributed by the equalizer to the cell(s) having the lowest voltage, resulting in the elimination of the cell voltage imbalance and subsequent uniformity of the cell voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]