An electric circuit for equalizing voltages between serially arranged
cells. The circuit is operable to generate AC voltages at amplitudes
dependent on the DC voltages of the received cells. The AC voltages are
all connected to an inductive coupling circuit. The inductive coupling
allows higher-voltage cells to induce a recharging current flow in lower
voltage cells and so equalize the cell voltages. The circuit also
operates to ensure that cell voltages are maintained in equilibrium
during charging or discharging of received cells, irrespective of the
individual charging and discharging characteristics of the cells. The
circuit thus prevents individual cells in a battery from being
over-charged or over-discharged and allows more efficient use of the full
capacity of a battery without risking damage to the individual cells. The
cell equalizing circuit is thus especially useful for rechargeable cells,
such as lithium-ion cells, which are sensitive to damage by over-charging
and over-discharging.