Battery balancing circuit

Question

I am facing the following problem. I need to power my device (RC airplane) with 2 separate battery packs 12 V each in order to extend the capacity. Connecting them in series will not work, as the power stage is not prepared for that. When I connect 2 battery packs in parallel, and there is a difference in their voltage, they will charge each other, thus a large current will flow making them explode even. I thought of a simple fix for that, it is visible in the below schematics:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

With those 2 diodes I loose some power as voltage drop, but there is no current flowing between the batteries. What If I wanted to add a "voltage" balancing circuit in between them? Lets say if one battery is voltage is only 9 V, because its discharged a little bit, then the 12 V should charge it with set by me current, ie 2 A max. One could design a circuit for that but it would take some time and its not worth for this application I believe. Instead, I wonder either there are such IC's readily available? Bidirectional chargers of some sort? Could not find anything my self, but maybe I dont know how to name them? I would appreciate all help regarding this problem.

Answer 1

You are much better off making ideal diodes using MOSFETs

• Replaces a Power Schottky Diode
• Internal 20mΩ N-Channel MOSFET
• 0.5μs Turn-Off Time Limits Peak Fault Current
• Operating Voltage Range: 9V to 26.5V
• Smooth Switchover without Oscillation
• No Reverse DC Current

But the simplest solution is a better Schottky Diode Array $6 with a heatsink

These are common cathode.

Answer 2

Charging one battery from the other will result in overall drop in efficiency and run time. Consider that energy will be lost in the charging circuit and in heat losses of both the battery powering the charger and the battery being charged.

The most efficient is to take power from the 'good' battery. As its voltage drops to the level of the battery with lower voltage they will both support the load.

When both are charged up your diode arrangement will work and is the simplest solution. With this arrangement the battery voltages will drop at the same rate.

Answer 3

You say series is out... but may have dismissed that too quickly.

You have not really detailed what the power stage requires but I am assuming in this answer it expects some battery like voltage. You have also intimated that the double-up is to extend duration not increase the current available.

As such you may want to consider putting the batteries in series and adding a buck-boost invertor to regulate the output to your required voltage. These can be quite high efficiency and will supply you with your required voltage even when the batteries have fallen significantly below the required output voltage. The power gained from the latter may be enough to compensate for the losses in the regulator.

Answer 4

In your case, assuming the two packs are identical, I would suggest you consider putting the packs in parallel, permanently, to make one pack. Yes, this can be dangerous, but I think it is the only solution that is going to perform for you.

You just need to make sure that both packs have the same voltage when you put them in parallel. The easiest way to do that will be by charging them both fully, one at a time, then measure the voltage for final confirmation, and put them in parallel. If the voltages are different by 0.01V, that is no big deal.

It is kind of customary with RC battery packs to accept a little more risk than would be acceptable in other areas (such as power tools). So just be aware that your pack lacks somewhat in safety features. Treat it carefully and try to always be prepared for it to vent or catch fire. Use safe storage and charging techniques, etc.

This advice would not apply as professional design advice to other battery packs (such as packs used for ordinary consumer products). Those need a lot more safety features.

Happy flying.

Answer 5

If you are using identical power packs, your solution (two shotky diodes) is an effective and simple solution.
In your diagram you are showing 12V and 9V batteries, 3V difference is NOT "little." If you, in fact, have different batteries as shown, what happens is that only the 12V battery will power your device until its voltage drops to 9V. Then the 9V battery also starts supplying power to the load. However, if your helicopter stops working at 10V, the additional battery is of no use, it only added extra weight to your helicopter!