Review on Modeling and Control Strategies of DC-DC LLC Converters for Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charger Applications

Bidirectional DC-DC converters are frequently chosen for applications requiring high power density such as in bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology makes the EV battery an electrical energy source. In this article, the use of a DC-DC LLC converter used in a bidirectional EV charger is reviewed. Different modeling approaches of the DC-DC LLC converter, such as small and large signal modeling, are discussed. Common modulation strategies applied to the DC-DC LLC converter in V2X mode, such as Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Phase-Shift Modulation (PSM), are presented. The new challenge is to present the main characteristics and limitations of each modulation strategy in order to cover the whole operating zone of the EV charger in V2X mode. Furthermore, different control strategies based on a small or large signal model combined with different modulation strategies are highlighted. Linear and nonlinear controllers applied to the DC-DC LLC converter are discussed. Robust controllers are mainly highlighted regarding their advantage in ensuring the control robustness with respect to unexpected disturbances. A comparative study among modulation strategies as well as different control algorithms is conducted in terms of control performance and converter efficiency in V2X mode.