Implementation of cell balancing with super-capacitor for robot power system

Abstract

To prolong battery life cycle of the robot is one of major issues which can be improved by Battery series balancing. Cell balancing is generally classified as either active or passive. The active balancing method is applied by super-capacitor switching scheme. Since super capacitor's power density and life cycle performance are better than a high power battery, it can transfer energy between cells without redundant overheads. The complementary characteristics analysis between the super-capacitor and lithium battery is introduced, and the simulation of this power system reveals a good effect under pulse-load robot. The super-capacitor applied not only absorbed massive surging power to lighten burden of the lithium battery but also balanced cells through switching. A control board with super-capacitor is realized for practical installing on robot. The simulation and experimental results has shown this method can be realized in practical environment with multiple applications.