Design of a Bi-Directional Converter Module for Battery Cell Voltage Charge Cycling

Abstract

A framework for testing and controlling a bidirectional DC to DC converter is proposed that can be used for battery cell cycle testing. The circuit allows for the shuttle of energy in both directions for a battery cell under test, enabling functions such as monitoring the deterioration of battery cells’ capacity across discharge/charge cycles. This thesis includes the design, fabrication, and testing this circuit to validate and characterize its utility. Additional code was written to quickly provide feedback on the circuit’s performance and control the circuit’s operating point. This thesis builds off previous work done on an inductive cell-balancer circuit topology[3], while tweaking the topology and adding features that lend towards improved utility in settings where battery monitoring and characterization are important, such as a laboratory.