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A charge equalization method for a series of string of battery cells has been proposed. This technique uses a simple isolated dc-to-dc converter that has a capacitive output filter and a multiwinding transformer. Its use during charge equalization of an electric vehicle battery system reveals that it improves the uniformity of the battery cells, and thus, prolong battery life. Furthermore, the cost of its application was found to be reasonable.

Charge equalization for series connected battery strings has important ramifications on battery life. It enhances the uniformity of the battery cells and hence improves the life of the battery as a whole. A new charge equalization technique for a series string of battery cells has been recently proposed by the authors. The basic technique utilizes a simple isolated dc-to-dc converter with a capacitive output filter along with a multiwinding transformer. The possibility of integrating the trickle charge function with the charge equalization function is potentially very attractive, as it can lead to an efficient and low cost implementation.