Considerations for Highly Efficient Bidirectional Battery Chargers for E-Mobility

The increasing number of electric vehicles demands a wide range of charging solutions. The key component is a converter that connects the battery to the electric grid. In general, one can distinguish between AC and DC charging, i.e. an onboard or stationary converter. The difference lies in the position of the power electronics that converts the AC voltage of the grid to a controlled DC current for charging the battery. Additionally to transferring energy from the grid to the battery, the chargers should also be capable of supporting the grid in terms of power quality if required.