Patent ID: 8008890

Claim:
A charge equalization apparatus, comprising: N transformers respectively connected in parallel with N series-connected batteries, and configured to store energy, discharged from overcharged batteries, among the N batteries, and to charge batteries other than the overcharged batteries with the stored energy; N charge/discharge control switching units respectively connected between first ends of primary windings of the N transformers and an anode of a first battery of the N batteries so as to supply a charge, supplied by the N series-connected batteries, to the primary windings of the N transformers; a redistribution switch connected between a common node of second ends of the primary windings of the N transformers and a ground so as to supply the charge, supplied by the N series-connected batteries, to the primary windings of the N transformers; N first semiconductor switching devices respectively connected between first ends of secondary windings of the N transformers and anodes of the batteries; and a voltage detection and drive signal generation unit configured to detect voltages of respective N series-connected batteries, to generate a drive signal, required to drive the charge/discharge control switching units and the redistribution switch, depending on detected voltages, and to control driving of the charge/discharge control switching units and the redistribution switch.