Modular converter system for low-cost off-grid energy storage using second life Li-ion batteries

TL;DR

This paper proposes a modular power management system for second-life Li-ion batteries, enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective off-grid energy storage by individually managing discarded laptop cells.

Contribution

It introduces a novel modular converter system with voltage droop control for optimal use of second-life batteries, including experimental validation of capacity estimation.

Findings

Many discarded laptop cells retain good capacity and cycle life.

The modular system enables individual cell management and full capacity utilization.

Experimental results demonstrate effective capacity estimation and safe operation.

Abstract

Lithium ion batteries are promising for small off- grid energy storage applications in developing countries because of their high energy density and long life. However, costs are prohibitive. Instead, we consider 'used' Li-ion batteries for this application, finding experimentally that many discarded laptop cells, for example, still have good capacity and cycle life. In order to make safe and optimal use of such cells, we present a modular power management system using a separate power converter for every cell. This novel approach allows individual batteries to be used to their full capacity. The power converters operate in voltage droop control mode to provide easy charge balancing and implement a battery management system to estimate the capacity of each cell, as we demonstrate experimentally.