Abstract: A bidirectional converter includes a first rectifier circuit, a first and second half-bridge inverter circuits, an isolation transformer, a second rectifier circuit, and a network coupled between the half-bridge inverter circuits and the isolation transformer. The network forms an impedance control network (ICN) when the bidirectional converter is operated in a forward operation mode and forms a resistance compression network (RCN) when the bidirectional converter is operated in a reverse operation mode. The bidirectional converter also includes an inductive element established across terminals of the isolation transformer. The inductance of the inductive element, the differential reactance of the network, and the turns ratio of the isolation transformer are determined to ensure zero voltage switching of the high frequency transistors of the bidirectional converter.

Abstract: Systems and method herein provide for energy buffering. In one embodiment, a system includes an energy buffer comprising at least two energy storage elements. Each energy storage element is operable to buffer electrical energy. The system also includes a switch module operable to charge a first of the at least two energy storage elements while discharging a second of the at least two energy storage elements, and to discharge the first energy storage element while charging the second energy storage element after charging the first energy storage element. The switched charging of the energy storage elements compensates voltage variations between the energy storage elements to increase available electrical energy from the energy buffer.

Abstract: Systems and method herein provide for energy buffering. In one embodiment, a system includes an energy buffer comprising at least two energy storage elements. Each energy storage element is operable to buffer electrical energy. The system also includes a switch module operable to charge a first of the at least two energy storage elements while discharging a second of the at least two energy storage elements, and to discharge the first energy storage element while charging the second energy storage element after charging the first energy storage element. The switched charging of the energy storage elements compensates voltage variations between the energy storage elements to increase available electrical energy from the energy buffer.