The equalization topologies based on inductive energy storage have high equalization accuracy and perfect functionality, but often have more complex structure and control method. To overcome this problem, an active equalization method based on an inductor is proposed for the series-parallel battery pack. The energy storage device responsible for energy transfer requires only one inductor and the topology is simple and low cost. Combining diodes a. The equalization topologies based on inductive energy storage have high equalization accuracy and perfect functionality, but often have more complex structure and control method. To overcome this problem, an active equalization method based on an inductor is proposed for the series-parallel battery pack. The energy storage device responsible for energy transfer requires only one inductor and the topology is simple and low cost. Combining diodes and MOSFETs to form a switching array reduces the cost of the equalization topology while increasing the fault tolerance of the control signal and making equalization control simpler. First, the working principle and parameter design process of the topology are described, and the control strategy adapted to it is proposed on this basis. Second, based on the simulation models, the variation law of the efficiency and speed of the proposed equalization method influenced by inductance and switching frequency is analyzed, and by comparing the new equalization method with similar methods, it is verified that the new equalization method is simple in structure, low in cost, and convenient in control. Final, by building an experimental platform for “four-series and two-parallel” battery pack, the effectiveness of the new equalization method is verified.••The characteristics of the new equalization method can be summarized as follows:••The energy storage device only needs one inductor, and the balanced energy can be transferred between any cell or unit in the series-parallel battery pack.••Active equalizationInductorSeries-parallel battery packSimulation modelslithium-ion batteries are widely used in high-power applications, such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and telecom energy systems by virtue of their high energy density and long cycle life,,. Due to the low voltage and capacity of the cells, they must be connected in series and parallel to form a battery pack to meet the a. 2.1. Topological structureThe proposed equalization topology based on an inductor is shown in Fig. 1. The m series battery pack in parallel are named P1, P2. , Pm. The n cells and 2n + 2 MOSFETs in each series battery pack are named Bx1, Bx2,. , Bxn and Sx0, Sx1,. , Sx(2n+1), where x is the serial number of the parallel battery pack (x = 1, 2,. , m). The inductor is named L.2.2. Equalization principle analysisDuring the equalization process, there are differences in the equalization principle when the highest voltage cell and the lowest power cell have different position relationships. The equalization principles in each of the two different cases are analyzed.When the highest and lowest voltage cells are in the same series battery pack Px, assuming that Bxi has the highest voltage and Bxj has the lowest voltage, the equalization principle is shown in Fig. 2. The equalization process of each switching cycle can be divided into two stages.Fig. 2. The equalization principle when the highest and lowest voltage cells are in the same series battery pack.In the first stage, the highest voltage cell transfers energy to the inductor and the equalization current is shown in loop i. At the in.