Modular DC Battery System Configurations: A Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Modular battery configurations enable module-level control and fault tolerance through the coordinated operation of multiple interconnected power converters. Focusing on DC conversion, connecting multiple controllable battery modules in series and/or parallel enables easy customisation of a battery system's power, energy, and voltage ratings. However, each interconneciton mode has its implications on system performance. Thus, with the objective of providing a baseline for the design of modular and scalable battery systems, this work presents a comparative evaluation of the different configurations, focusing on fault tolerance, reliability, efficiency, controllability, and flexibility aspects. System fault tolerance and reliability were quantified by considering module-level power and voltage constraints. The results underline the operational advantages of the parallel connection; however, due to the design challenges of high-gain converters, the parallel-series architecture is concluded to be the optimal alternative. It effectively bridges the primary benefits of the fundamental parallel and series configurations, enabling higher voltage levels while maintaining superior controllability and fault tolerance.
Institution: Mondragon Unibertsitatea
Language: English
Topic: Advanced DC-DC Converters
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7224923720