Bi-directional DC/DC converters for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications

Power electronic DC to DC converters in plug-in hybrid and electric automotive applications demand high power bidirectional power flow capability, with wide input voltage range. Output voltage of energy storage devices like ultra capacitor or battery varies with the change in load. The converter needs to provide a successful voltage regulation on the load side for a wide range of input voltage. An isolated half bridge based converter is proposed in this project, with bidirectional power flow and minimum peak current for wide input voltage range through duty cycle, and phase shift control. The proposed converter has competitive total device rating with the conventional isolated bidirectional power converters. The converter uses the transformer leakage inductance as the primary energy transfer element. Proof of concept is realized through a small prototype.