This paper presents a comparative study of isolated and symmetrical bidirectional dc-dc converters based on flyback and forward topologies. It covers those converters with dissipative and non-dissipative snubbers, active clamped switches and two-switch configuration. The parameters used for this study include conversion efficiency, component count, component stress and gate driving requirements. It is found that some structures produce high circulation current which should be avoided. The study has identified two promising converter structures which eliminate the problems and produce high efficiency with reasonable component count.
