Application Dependent Optimization of Balancing Methods for Lithium-ion Batteries

Multi-cell lithium-ion batteries must be balanced in order to avoid severe cell charge imbalances, which reduce the apparent capacity of the battery pack. Nowadays active balancing methods are gaining popularity in spite of having potential to result in less beneficial outcome in certain situations. In this paper a balancing design selection guide will be presented in an application oriented way. The importance of proper balancing strategy selection will be demonstrated with an in depth simulation of different passive and active designs.