Design of a bidirectional DC-DC converter with high-frequency isolation for battery applications

Battery charging and discharging requires a high-performance power electronics based converter interface namely with electrical isolation, high efficiency and fast dynamics. This paper analyses and discusses the battery interfacing using the dual active bridge with phase shift control for a bidirectional DC-DC converter. This converter typically integrates systems for vehicle to grid and grid to vehicle applications. The converter is designed and simulated and several aspects of its operation are discussed, namely the condition for zero-voltage switching. The presented experimental results allow to validate the correct design and operation in the two main conditions, in particular the bidirectional power flow in steady-state and dynamic conditions.