Analysis of Different Cell Balancing Techniques

To achieve long-term battery performance in a large format battery system, equalizing between series-connected cells is required to avoid over-charging or over-discharging. In electric vehicles (EVs), cell balancing is critical because it increases efficiency, extends battery life, and guarantees safe operation. To date, several cell balancing techniques have been presented. Passive cell balancing, also known as dissipative cell balancing, is the most cost-effective of the three since it is simple to create and operate, but it is less efficient due to significant energy losses and a limited balancing speed. This approach uses a reduced control algorithm and can be used in situations when space is limited. The inductor-based cell balancing method has high efficiency, needs accurate voltage sensing, and has a quick equalization speed. It also requires a filtering capacitor for high switching current. When compared to other techniques, the flyback converter offers a quick balancing time. This technique has fewer losses and is more efficient since it utilizes fewer active switches. This study compares the equalization speed, control complexity, implementation, size, cost, and charge-discharging type of dissipative balancing, inductor-based cell balancing, and flyback converter-based cell balancing methods using MATLAB Simulink.