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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of equalizing the voltages of the individual cells of storage batteries

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5156388
There is disclosed a method of equalizing the voltages of the individual cells of a storage battery that consists in the steps of, providing a single input circuit type of D.C. To D.C converter incorporating multiple output circuits equal in number to the number of cells of the battery to which it is planned that the converter will make connection, with the converter so designed and employed that, with its input circuit connected to the terminals of the battery, and one of each of its output circuits connected across one of each of the cells of the battery , flow of cell equalizing current will hold low so long as the downward departures of the voltages of the battery's cells from average cell voltage hold below a prescribed index value. Providing, via method of converter design and employment, an choice of the above referred to index value, so that, for a given type, size, and prior condition of use of a battery, employment of the converter as in step 1 above can be expected to provide a cost-effective way to both favorably affect the equality of the battery's cell voltages, and avoid cell voltage reversal during battery discharge under contemplated conditions of the battery's use. Providing to connect one of each of the output circuits O the converter across one of each of the individual cells of the battery. Providing so that when the battery is in active use the inpu circuit of the converter will be energized from the battery's terminals. Providing a means of indicating when the extent of inequalit of the cell voltages of the battery is such as to cause converter input current to exceed a preset value.
Assignee:
EDB-82-141706
Patent Number(s):
US 4331911
OSTI ID:
5156388
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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