An Efficient and Compact Equalizer Based on Forward-Flyback Conversion for Large-Scale Energy Storage Systems

An effective battery equalizer is of great significance to eliminate inconsistencies and improve the performance of large-scale battery packs. Nevertheless, the existing balancing circuits have various problems, such as slow balancing speed, high cost, bulky size, and complex control. Therefore, this article designs an efficient and compact transformer-based equalizer, which works at forward-flyback conversion. Distinguished from the conventional transformer-based equalizers, the proposed equalizer requires only one MOSFET and one transformer winding equipped with each cell. Two complementary pulse width modulation (PWM) signals can control all MOSFETs used in the proposed equalizer. The equalizer can automatically equalize all cells without the need for additional voltage sensing and demagnetization circuits, reducing the cost and volume. It can directly transfer energy between any two adjacent modules, improving the equalization efficiency and speed. An experimental prototype of eight series-connected cells was set up. The experimental results and systematic comparison with the existing balancing topologies show that the proposed equalizer is appropriate for balancing large-scale energy storage systems (ESSs). The energy delivery efficiency among cells can be as high as 93.15% over various loading conditions.