Cell balancing is crucial to maintain all
cells at a similar state of charge (SOC),
maximize the capacity utilization of the
battery module, extend its life, and ensure
safe operation. Without cell balancing, cells
with lower capacity could get overcharged
or over-discharged, leading to accelerated
degradation and potential safety issues."
Ganesh Chine
Battery Design Engineer, Octarange Technologies
C h a p t e r 3
Standard large-format battery packs, like those in
EVs, tend to consist of hundreds or thousands of
cells connected in series or in parallel.
For a BMS, this configuration presents a challenge,
as the performance of the entire battery pack is
often limited by the SOC of the weakest cell in the
pack. For example, the entire battery pack's charge
and discharge modes are limited by the SOC of the
weakest cell in the pack.
The solution to improve the battery charge mode is
known as cell balancing. Cell balancing is a method to
equalize the SOC of each cell or group of cells within
a battery pack so that the system is not limited by
the SOC of weak cells.
Cell balancing can occur in two forms: passive and
active.
CELL BALANCING
14
8 Industry Experts Discuss Battery Management Solutions