Application of non-isolated bidirectional DC–DC converters for renewable and sustainable energy systems: a review

Abstract

Abstract The primary challenge in renewable-energy utilization is an energy-storage system involving its power converter. The systems have to promise high efficiency, reliability and durability. Also, all of these can be realized at an economical cost. Buck and boost converters connected in parallel can convert power in both directions. It is the basic non-isolated bidirectional topology commonly used with energy-storage systems. The primary issue with the buck–boost non-isolated bidirectional converter is how to enhance its performance, so the modification involving this topology is still conducted. This paper examines 29 proposed converters from 30 research publications published in the last 10 years, the most recent of which focuses on modified non-isolated bidirectional converters based on the buck–boost topology. These are classified into eight modification schemes, which involve adding new components or circuits to the base topology. Each is evaluated against six parameters: the number of components, control complexity, power-rating applications, soft-switching ability, efficiency outcome and capacity to minimize losses. Moreover, each modified non-isolated bidirectional converter was compared from the renewable-energy-based power-generation-source perspective utilized. Based on these studies, researchers might think of ways to improve the buck–boost converter by changing it to make a new non-isolated bidirectional converter that can be used in systems that need it.