The matrix converter is an array of controlled semiconductor switches that connects directly the three-phase source to the three-phase load. This converter has several attractive features that have been investigated in the last two decades. In the last few years, an increase in research work has been observed, bringing this topology closer to the industrial application. This paper presents the state-of-the-art view in the development of this converter, starting with a brief historical review. An important part of the paper is dedicated to a discussion of the most important modulation and control strategies developed recently. Special attention is given to present modern methods developed to solve the commutation problem. Some new arrays of power bidirectional switches integrated in a single module are also presented. Finally, this paper includes some practical issues related to the practical application of this technology, like overvoltage protection, use of filters and ride-through capability.

Matrix converters: a technology review

Solid-state switch-mode rectification converters have reached a matured level for improving power quality in terms of power-factor correction (PFC), reduced total harmonic distortion at input AC mains and precisely regulated DC output in buck, boost, buck-boost and multilevel modes with unidirectional and bidirectional power flow. This paper deals with a comprehensive review of improved power quality converters (IPQCs) configurations, control approaches, design features, selection of components, other related considerations, and their suitability and selection for specific applications. It is targeted to provide a wide spectrum on the status of IPQC technology to researchers, designers and application engineers working on switched-mode AC-DC converters. A classified list of more than 450 research publications on the state of art of IPQC is also given for a quick reference.

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A review of single-phase improved power quality AC-DC converters

This report presents a survey on generator concepts and power electronic concepts for wind turbines. The report is aimed as a tool for decision-makers and development people with respect to wind turbine manufactures, utilities, and independent system operators as well as manufactures of generators and power electronics. The survey is focused on the electric development of wind turbines and it yields an overview on: State of the art on generators and power electronics; future concepts and technologies within generators and power electronics; market needs in the shape of requirements to the grid connection, and; consistent system solutions, plus an evaluation of these seen in the prospect of market needs. This survey on of generator and power electronic concepts was carried out in co-operation between Aalborg University and Risoe National Laboratory in the scope of the research programme Electric Design and Control. (au)

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Conceptual survey of Generators and Power Electronics for Wind Turbines

This paper presents a maximum power point tracking approach for a photovoltaic system using the dividing rectangles algorithm. The new approach overcomes some weaknesses of the existing methods such as the perturb and observe method as it is capable of searching for global maximum. This is particularly important for a system that is partially shaded. To validate the performance of the proposed scheme, experimental studies have been conducted. The results have shown that the proposed approach is robust and possesses a fast tracking speed.

A Global Maximum Power Point Tracking Scheme Employing DIRECT Search Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems

This paper presents a review of the current state of the art in terms of practical matrix converter technologies. Present solutions to the numerous technological issues and challenges faced when implementing viable matrix converters are discussed. The reported use of the matrix converters in different applications is also presented together with a review of current industrial applications.

Technological Issues and Industrial Application of Matrix Converters: A Review

In this paper, a new topology is proposed that can significantly reduce the converter rated power and increase the efficiency of total photovoltaic (PV) system. Since the output voltage of PV module has very wide operating range, in general, the DC/DC converter is used to produce constant high-DC-link voltage for DC/AC inverter. According to the analysis of the proposed topology, only 20% of total PV system power is processed by the DC/DC power conversion stage. The DC/DC power conversion stage used in proposed topology has flat efficiency curve throughout all load range and very high efficiency characteristics. In the proposed topology, because the converter efficiency curve is almost flat throughout all load range, the total system efficiency at light load is dramatically improved. The proposed topology is implemented for 250-kW power conditioning system. This system has only three DC/DC power conversion stage with 24-kW rated power. It is only one-third of total system power. The experimental results show that the proposed topology has good performance.

A New Topology With High Efficiency Throughout All Load Range for Photovoltaic PCS

The AC–AC converter called the matrix converter is very simple in structure and has powerful controllability. However, to date there have been few practical applications, especially in power electronics fields. One of the major reasons is the commutation problem. The paper proposes a novel commutation technique which is very simple to implement. This commutation scheme allows the dead time to avoid current spikes of nonideal switches and at the same time establishes a current path of the inductive load to avoid voltage spikes. Experimental results obtained on a 5 kW prototype are discussed.

Novel commutation technique of AC-AC converters

In this paper, a novel topology for a photovoltaic (PV) dc/dc converter that can dramatically reduce the power rating and increase the efficiency of a PV system by analyzing PV module characteristics is proposed. Based on the analysis, in the proposed topology, only 30.7% power of the total PV system is needed for a dc/dc converter. Furthermore, the dc/dc converter efficiency curve is flat under wide PV module voltage and all load ranges. In particular, the converter efficiency at the lower duty range is dramatically improved. The total PV system is implemented for a 250-kW PV power conditioning system (PCS). This system has only three dc/dc converters with a 25-kW power rating. It is only one-third of the total PV PCS power. The 25-kW prototype PV dc/dc converter is introduced to experimentally verify the proposed topology. In addition, an experimental result shows that the proposed topology exhibits a good performance.

A Novel Topology for Photovoltaic DC/DC Full-Bridge Converter With Flat Efficiency Under Wide PV Module Voltage and Load Range

A highly efficient PV system using a series connection of DC–DC converter output with a photovoltaic panel

A novel pulsewidth modulation buck-boost AC chopper using regenerative DC snubbers is proposed and analyzed. Compared to the previous buck-boost AC choppers, AC snubbers causing power loss are eliminated using regenerative DC snubbers. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme gives good steady-state performance of the AC chopper, which coincides with the theoretical results.

Byung-Duk Min

Papers

A New Topology With High Efficiency Throughout All Load Range for Photovoltaic PCS

Novel commutation technique of AC-AC converters

A Novel Topology for Photovoltaic DC/DC Full-Bridge Converter With Flat Efficiency Under Wide PV Module Voltage and Load Range

A highly efficient PV system using a series connection of DC–DC converter output with a photovoltaic panel

A PWM buck-boost AC chopper solving the commutation problem