Smart Hybrid Battery: Integrating Active Cell Balancing and Peak Power Enhancement in Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly popular in electric vehicle (EV) applications due to their high energy density. A critical factor affecting EV performance and longevity is the effective management of battery packs. Achieving balanced charging in series-connected cells is essential for maximizing capacity utilization, efficiency, and extending battery life. While many applications, including EVs, demand both high power performance and optimized energy storage, existing approaches often address these requirements separately. This paper introduces a novel concept, called the Smart Hybrid Battery, which simultaneously addresses active cell balancing and enhanced peak power capability through the use of ultracapacitors and switching networks. The proposed system is simulated and validated on an experimental prototype, and the results are presented.