Review of Bidirectional DC-DC Converters and Trends in Control Techniques for Applications in Electric Vehicles

Abstract

This paper comprehensively reviews bidirectional DC-DC converters and their control techniques for Electric Vehicle applications. A classification is proposed based on the three power ratings levels of the SAEJ1772 standard. Circuit topologies are compared based on power rating, switching frequency, static voltage gain, operating modes, number of components and power switch material. High switching-frequency topologies that include emerging Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices are also discussed. Cost comparison of traditional Si power switches and WBG devices employed in the reviewed topologies is also included. Traditional control methods for power converters in EVs are presented while also considering the emergence of Artificial Intelligence algorithms applied in systems controls that offer alternative methods to improve the efficiency of bidirectional DC-DC converters.