Search for Optimal Pulse Charging Parameters for Li-Ion Polymer Batteries Using Taguchi Orthogonal Arrays

Many methods have been proposed for faster and better battery charging with increased energy efficiencies. One of the most promising has been the pulse charge algorithm-also referred to as a pulse charging technique. Many researchers have investigated the impact of pulse charging on lithium-ion batteries. However, the combined impact of duty cycle and frequency of the pulse charge current on lithium-ion polymer batteries is seldom investigated. This work uses the Taguchi orthogonal arrays to search for optimal pulse charging parameters that will maximize battery charge and energy efficiencies while decreasing charge time. Confirmation experiments were performed and compared with the benchmark constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) charging method. It was determined that by operating a pulse charger using optimal parameters, charge time was reduced by 47.6%, and battery charge and energy efficiencies were increased by 1.5% and 11.3%, respectively, when compared with the CC-CV charging method at a charge rate of 0.5 C.