Towards Energy Efficiency: Innovations in High-Frequency Converters for Renewable Energy Systems and Electric Vehicles

Abstract

This study reviews advancements in high-frequency converters for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles, emphasizing their role in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Using the PRISMA 2020 methodology, 73 high-quality studies from 2014 to 2024 were synthesized to evaluate innovative designs, advanced materials, control strategies, and future opportunities. Key findings reveal significant progress in converter topologies, such as dual active bridge and LLC resonant designs, which enhance efficiency and scalability through soft-switching. Wide-bandgap semiconductors, including silicon carbide and gallium nitride, have driven improvements in power density, thermal management, and compactness. Advanced control strategies, including adaptive and AI-driven methods, enhance stability and efficiency in microgrids and vehicle-to-grid systems. Applications in photovoltaic and wind energy systems demonstrate the converters’ impact on improving energy conversion and system reliability. Future opportunities focus on hybrid and multifunctional designs that integrate renewable energy, storage, and electric mobility with intelligent control technologies like digital twins and AI. These innovations highlight the transformative potential of high-frequency converters in addressing global energy challenges driving sustainable energy and transportation solutions. This review offers critical insights into current advancements and pathways for further research and development in this field.