High-voltage rechargeable battery systems are highly applied in electric vehicles and grid load balancing today. These battery packs feature a series/parallel array design of lithium polymer or LiFePO4 cells, specifically chosen for their superior energy density and peak power capabilities. However, series-connected battery stacks pose a challenge: battery balancing. Imbalanced discharge profiles caused by natural performance variations can curtail system runtime and lead to significant energy wastage. Therefore, battery balancing becomes important in ensuring battery performance and lifespan. As a BMS manufacturer, MOKOENERGY writes this blog to show you the transformative impact of active balancing BMS on battery management across various industries and tell you how it revolutionizes battery management.
Passive Balancing BMS vs. Active Balancing BMS
Battery balancing can be accomplished using two main methods: passive balancing and active balancing. Passive balancing relies on resistors to discharge excess charge from high-voltage cells, while BMS active balancing uses sophisticated components like transformers, inductors, or capacitors to transfer energy between cells. Passive balancing is cost-effective and suitable for battery packs with lower capacity, but it dissipates energy as heat, reducing overall system efficiency. Active balancing BMS provides higher efficiency. Also, it ensures optimal charge distribution and offers larger battery packs better performance.
What Does Active Balancing BMS DO?
The Active Balancing BMS contributes a lot to ensuring optimal battery performance. It redistributes the charge among battery cells during both the charging and discharging cycles. By actively transferring charge from stronger cells to weaker cells, the BMS active balancer ensures that all cells are fully utilized, thus maximizing runtime and reducing the frequency of charge-discharge cycles. This is why it can extend the battery life and reduce the likelihood of overcharging or deep discharges.
During discharge, BMS with an active balancer ensures that the battery stack is fully depleted, thereby preventing weaker cells from limiting the system’s runtime. Conversely, during the charging process, the battery stack can achieve its maximum capacity, ensuring effective utilization of all available energy.
Benefits of BMS with Active Balancing
The implementation of active balancing BMS yields numerous benefits, including:
| Benefits | Description |
| Extended Battery Life | Active balancing enhances cell consistency, ultimately extending the overall battery pack’s lifespan. |
| Improved System Reliability | By preventing individual cells from prolonged overcharging or discharging, active balancing enhances the safety and reliability of the entire battery system. |
| Enhanced Energy Efficiency | Active balancing optimizes the charge utilization of each cell, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced waste. |
| Cost Savings | With prolonged battery life and reduced maintenance costs, active balancing results in significant cost savings over the battery system’s lifetime. |
| Sustainable Battery Management | Active balancing promotes the efficient use and sustainability of battery systems. |
Types of Active Battery Balancing Methods: Energy Transfer vs. Parallel Equalization
Selecting the right active balance method is a critical aspect when designing an efficient and dependable Battery Management System (BMS). Several factors need to be considered to determine the most suitable active balancing approach for a specific battery pack. Now, let’s dig into the various types of active balancing BMS and their design considerations.
Energy Transfer
Active cell balancing BMS using energy transfer involves transferring energy between cells through intermediate devices like transformers, inductors, or supercapacitors. Unlike passive balancing, active balancing minimizes energy losses and maximizes efficiency.
- Inductive Balancing
Inductive balancing utilizes inductors to transfer energy between cells. When the voltage of a particular cell becomes significantly higher than others, the inductor shunts the excess energy, leveling the cell voltages. Subsequently, during the charging process, the stored energy in the inductor is released to balance low-voltage cells. Inductive balancing offers higher efficiency than passive methods and is well-suited for medium-sized battery packs.
- Capacitive Balancing
Capacitive balancing involves using capacitors to store and transfer energy between batteries. Similar to inductive balancing, when a cell’s voltage exceeds the others, the capacitor absorbs the excess energy. During charging, the capacitor releases energy to balance low-voltage cells.
- Transformer-Based Balancing
Transformer-based balancing uses flyback transformers to transfer energy between cells. The transformer serves as both an energy source and a sink. It converts energy between magnetic and electric forms. Transformer-based balancing provides high efficiency and is suitable for large battery packs with high power requirements.
Parallel Equalization
Parallel equalization involves dividing the charging current during the charging process, directing more charge to cells with lower voltage. This approach does not involve energy transfer components like inductors or capacitors and does not “rob the rich to give to the poor,” minimizing additional charge and discharge burdens.
However, parallel equalization is most effective during the static charging process and may not be suitable for dynamic charging scenarios. It is commonly used for smaller battery packs where the complexity and cost of energy transfer methods are not justified.
| Active Balance Method | Description | Suitability | Efficiency | Application |
| Inductive Balancing | Uses inductors to transfer energy between cells. | Well-suited for medium-sized battery packs. | Higher efficiency compared to passive balancing. | Medium-sized battery packs. |
| Capacitive Balancing | Involves capacitors to store and transfer energy between cells. | Suitable for medium-sized battery packs. | Efficient but requires careful control to prevent overcharging and discharging. | Medium-sized battery packs. |
| Transformer-Based Balancing | Uses flyback transformers for energy transfer between cells. | Suitable for large battery packs with high power requirements. | High efficiency. | Large battery packs. |
| Parallel Equalization | Divides charging current to balance cells with lower voltage. | Effective during static charging but not suitable for dynamic charging. | No energy transfer components are needed. | Smaller battery packs. |
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your Active Balancing BMS?
When it comes to application-specific active battery management systems, there are several key factors to take into account for a well-optimized solution.
Battery Pack Size
The size of the battery pack is a crucial consideration. Passive balancing is advantageous for smaller battery packs with lower power requirements due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This method efficiently handles balancing needs without adding unnecessary complexity. On the other hand, larger battery packs with higher power demands can benefit from active balancing methods such as inductive or transformer-based balancing.
Power Requirements
It is essential to carefully consider the power demands of the specific application. Battery packs with higher power needs necessitate more efficient balancing methods, making transformer-based or inductive balancing more suitable.
- Energy-Consuming Equilibrium (Passive Balancing) for Battery Packs Within 10AH
For battery packs with a capacity of up to 10AH, the energy-consuming equilibrium, also known as passive balancing, proves to be a more suitable option. This method effectively utilizes resistors to equalize cell voltages and is particularly well-suited for lower-capacity battery packs. It offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution to maintain balance in smaller systems.
- Inductive Balancing with Flyback Transformers for Battery Packs in the Tens of AH Range
Battery packs with capacities in the tens of AH range require more efficient balancing methods. Inductive balancing, which utilizes flyback transformers in conjunction with battery sampling, becomes a feasible option. The flyback transformer serves as an energy transfer device, efficiently balancing the cell voltages. This approach offers higher efficiency compared to passive balancing, making it ideal for medium-sized battery packs.
- Independent Charging Module for Battery Packs in the Hundreds of AH Range
An independent charging module is the preferred option for battery packs with capacities in the hundreds of AH range. In such large-scale battery packs, the balanced current required for efficient balancing is around 10 A. If the number of series sections within the battery pack is substantial, the balanced power can become significant. To handle this higher power demand safely, it is advisable to employ an external DC-DC or AC-DC balance through an independent charging module. This ensures effective balancing while minimizing any potential risks associated with the high power involved.
Application Specifics
Different applications might have unique operational requirements. For example, in electric vehicles, fast charging and discharging rates might necessitate efficient active balancing methods to optimize performance and ensure safety.
By considering these factors, one can determine the most suitable active balancing approach for a given battery pack size, power requirements, and specific application needs.
Mokoenergy’s Active Balancing BMS Solutions
Discover MOKOEnergy‘s comprehensive range of BMS with active cell balancing, specially crafted to cater to a diverse array of application requirements. Our Active Battery Balancer stands as an exemplary high-efficiency, bidirectional active balance control IC, essential for achieving active balancing in BMS systems. This advanced IC can simultaneously balance up to 6 Li-Ion or LiFePO4 cells connected in series. Whether it’s energy-consuming equilibria for smaller battery packs or advanced inductive and transformer-based balancing for larger systems, Mokoenergy ensures optimal battery performance and longevity.
Mokoenergy’s expertise in designing and manufacturing active balancing BMS solutions ensures that customers receive reliable, high-efficiency, and cost-effective battery management systems for their specific applications. With active balancing technology at the forefront, Mokoenergy continues to pave the way for a sustainable and eco-friendly future in the battery management industry. Contact us if you’re looking for any Battery-balancing solutions!
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