System for battery module balancing via variable voltage DC-DC converter in a hybrid-electric powertrain

An apparatus for balancing a battery module comprising:

• a DC—DC converter including a microcontroller, voltage sensors, and power circuitry;
• wherein said DC—DC converter receives power from an electrical generator or the battery module;
• wherein the battery module includes a plurality of batteries each said battery having a battery voltage;
• and
• wherein said DC—DC converter charges at least one of said plurality of batteries with reference to the voltages of the remaining plurality of batteries.

A method of regulating a battery module in a vehicle having a plurality of batteries, at least one of said plurality of batteries providing power to a vehicle electrical system, comprising:

• monitoring the voltage of at least one of said plurality of batteries;
• generating a voltage with an electric generator to charge said plurality of batteries and provide power to a DC—DC converter;
• applying a voltage with said DC—DC converter to said at least one of said plurality of batteries providing power to said vehicle electrical system;
• and
• varying said applied voltage with respect to said monitored voltage.