Inherently Non-Pulsating Input Current DC-DC Converter for Battery Storage Systems

With an ever-growing number of batteries being integrated into the electric grid, bidirectional converters with non-pulsating dc input current are required to replace the existing bidirectional converters so as to extend the lifetime of such dc power suppliers. Bidirectional DC-DC converters are increasingly used in a variety of applications including uninterruptable power supplies, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. In this study, we propose a new topology of bidirectional dc-dc converter with inherently non-pulsating input current (NPIC), which is intended to be used for battery energy storage systems. With simple modifications from the conventional converters, the proposed NPIC converter has no inherent pulsating input current in the step-down (buck) mode under both continuous and boundary conduction modes (CCM and BCM), whereas in the step-up (boost) mode, the proposed NPIC converter retains the desired voltage gain. Underpinning theories, operating principles and steady-state performances are analyzed and presented in detail, which are then corroborated by simulation and experimentation. The proposed converter topology, with simple design principle and ease for implementation, is likely to have wide-ranging applicability in interfacing electrochemically functioned dc sources to modern power systems.