Hierarchical equalization scheme for retired lithium-ion battery packs based on inductor-flyback transformer

Abstract

Some lithium-ion batteries can be reused after sorting and recombination. Equalization of these batteries during the process of step utilization is an effective way to improve the inconsistency of battery packs and extend their lifespan. This paper proposes a hierarchical equalization topology based on a combination of inductor and transformer, which is divided into intra-group and inter-group battery equalization. The intra-group equalization circuit achieves energy transfer between non-adjacent individual batteries through an improved Buck-Boost circuit. The inter-group equilibrium circuit exchanges energy between any battery subpackages and the entire battery pack using a flyback transformer. An LCD (Inductance-Capacitor-Diode) lossless absorption network is added to the transformer to absorb voltage spikes caused by leakage inductance while achieving soft switch to reduce switch losses. Considering that retired lithium-ion batteries can affect battery capacity and State of Charge (SOC) estimation accuracy due to aging issues, a modified Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm is proposed to improve battery SOC estimation accuracy. A fuzzy logic controller is introduced into the SOC-based control strategy to improve the equalization efficiency of the battery pack. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed equalization scheme, a model is built and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional double-layer inductor equalization scheme using the most value equalization algorithm and fuzzy logic control algorithm respectively, this equalization scheme has a faster equalization speed and higher equalization efficiency.