This paper investigates feasibility of a current source converter (CSC) for battery energy storage applications. An inherent feature of the converter is boosting of the DC-link voltage. We discuss the converter operation principle and choice of circuit parameters with effects on system performance. A model that includes switching harmonics is derived to predict accurate behavior of various voltages and currents. Using the model, the performance of the CSC is investigated for a range of practical operating conditions. A control scheme for regulating load current and DC-link voltage is proposed. The validity of both the model and control scheme is shown using simulation results of a 1 kW system.