Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a plurality of cells in a battery includes common bus having a connector for connecting to a common bus of another battery. Each of plurality of balancing circuits has a bidirectional voltage converter connected to a given cell of the plurality of cells and a linear current regulator arrangement controls the magnitude of current flow between the bidirectional voltage converter. A controller is connected to the common bus and the plurality of cells and selectively operatives the plurality of balancing circuits to transfer energy between the plurality of cells and the common bus to balance the states of charge of the cells. The balancing circuits are operated in response to actual states of charge of the cells, an average state of charge, a desired voltage level for the common bus, and an actual voltage level on the common bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a plurality of cells in a battery includes common bus having a connector for connecting to a common bus of another battery. Each of plurality of balancing circuits has a bidirectional voltage converter connected to a given cell of the plurality of cells and a linear current regulator arrangement controls the magnitude of current flow between the bidirectional voltage converter. A controller is connected to the common bus and the plurality of cells and selectively operatives the plurality of balancing circuits to transfer energy between the plurality of cells and the common bus to balance the states of charge of the cells. The balancing circuits are operated in response to actual states of charge of the cells, an average state of charge, a desired voltage level for the common bus, and an actual voltage level on the common bus.