Patent ID: 8284576

Claim:
A multi-module bidirectional power converter operable in a multi-module mode and in a single module mode comprising: a low side common node; a high side common node; at least a first and a second bidirectional DC/DC converter module each comprising: first and second low voltage switches; first and second high voltage switches; a transformer comprising; a low side winding having first and second legs; and a high side winding having first and second legs; wherein, as to each of the at least first and second bidirectional DC/DC converter modules, the first leg of the low side winding is connected with the first and second low voltage switches of the module; wherein the second leg of the low side winding is connected with the low side common node of the multi-module bidirectional power converter; wherein, as to each of the at least first and second bidirectional DC/DC converter modules, the first leg of the high side winding is connected with the first and second high voltage switches of the module; and wherein the second leg of the high side winding is connected to the high side common node of the multi-module bidirectional power converter; and whereby the multi-module bidirectional power converter is operable with any one or more of the modules so that efficiency is maintained when electrical loads are high and so that Zero Voltage Switching is maintained when electrical loads are low.