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

This chapter gives a description and overview of power electronic technologies including a description of the fundamental systems that are the building blocks of power electronic systems. Technologies that are described include: power semiconductor switching devices, converter circuits that process energy from one DC level to another DC level, converters that produce variable frequency from DC sources, principles of rectifying AC input voltage in uncontrolled DC output voltage and their extension to controlled rectifiers, converters that convert to AC from DC (inverters) or from AC with fixed or variable output frequency (AC controllers, DC–DC–AC converters, matrix converters, or cycloconverters). The chapter also covers control of power converters with focus on pulse width modulation (PWM) control techniques.

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Fundamentals of Power Electronics

Analysis, design, and implementation of the space vector modulated three-phase to three-phase matrix converter with input power factor correction are presented. The majority of published research results on the matrix converter control are given an overview, and the one which employs simultaneous output-voltage and input-current space vector modulation, is systematically reviewed. The modulation algorithm is theoretically derived from the desired average transfer functions, using the indirect transfer function approach. The algorithm is verified through implementation of a 2 kVA experimental matrix converter driving a standard induction motor as a load. The switching frequency is 20 kHz. The modulator is implemented with a digital signal processor. The resultant output voltages and input currents are sinusoidal, practically without low-frequency harmonics. The input power factor is above 0.99 in the whole operating range.

Space vector modulated three-phase to three-phase matrix converter with input power factor correction

In this paper, a novel representation of the switch state of a three-phase to three-phase matrix converter is presented. This approach, based on space-vector notation, simplifies the study of the modulation strategies, leading to a complete general solution of the problem and providing a very useful unitary point of view. The already established strategies can be considered as particular cases of the proposed general solution. Using this approach, it can be verified that the space-vector modulation technique, owing to the intrinsic two degrees of freedom, represents the general solution of the modulation problem of matrix converters. This technique can be considered the best solution for the possibility to achieve the highest voltage transfer ratio and to optimize the switching pattern through a suitable use of the zero configurations.

Matrix converter modulation strategies: a new general approach based on space-vector representation of the switch state

This paper presents a review of the most popular control and modulation strategies studied for matrix converters (MCs) in the last decade. The purpose of most of these methods is to generate sinusoidal current on the input and output sides. These methods are compared considering theoretical complexity and performance. This paper concludes that the control strategy has a significant impact on the resonance of the MC input filter.

A Review of Control and Modulation Methods for Matrix Converters

A new modulation technique for three phase to three phase (3 Phi -3 Phi ) forced commutated cycloconverters (FCCs) is presented. It is based on the space vector representation of the output voltages and input currents in the complex plane. The resultant output line voltages and input phase currents do not contain low frequency harmonics. The input current displacement factor and the converter voltage gain can be freely varied, regardless of the load power factor; the only restriction being the equality of input and output active powers. The modulation technique holds for any input and output frequencies, so that it can be also applied for 3 Phi AC to DC and DC to 3 Phi AC conversion, thus making FCC a universal power conversion module. >

Space vector modulation with unity input power factor for forced commutated cycloconverters

A PWM (pulse-width modulation) control technique of forced commutated cycloconverters (FCCs), based on the space vector representation of the voltages in the complex plane, is considered. Output voltage and input current waveforms are analyzed in the time and frequency domains. The approach used in the analysis is valid for all practical cases of the digital implementation of the proposed FCC control technique. The output line voltage frequency spectrum for the stationary case is excellent, with completely suppressed low-order harmonics. The resulting input characteristics are comparable to the full-wave rectifier performance. A detailed explanation of the switch control is given. An algorithm for achieving safe commutation of the FCC switches is provided. >

Voltage space vector based PWM control of forced commutated cycloconverters

The space vector modulation (SVM) technique for control of forced commutated cycloconverters (FCCs) is a new PWM control technique of FCCs. A digital implementation of the space vector modulator for 3 phase-3 phase FCCs is presented. The FCC SVM is realized in a microprocessor system with reduced real-time computation, because the computation of the SVM switching intervals may be time critical. The SVM switching are precalculated offline and the results are stored in EPROMs. The FCC switch control is implemented on two levels. First, the control signals for the 4QSWs (four quadrant switches) are generated. Secondly, the 4QSW control pulses are transformed into control signals for the corresponding 2QSWs. In particular, the author deals with: the fundamentals of the space vector modulation technique for control for FCCs; the digital implementation of the FCC space vector modulator; the analog simulation of the FCCs; and the experimental verification of the space vector modulator applied for control of a low power FCC (10 A/100 V) laboratory prototype.<
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D. Borojevic

Papers

Space vector modulated three-phase to three-phase matrix converter with input power factor correction

Space vector modulation with unity input power factor for forced commutated cycloconverters

Voltage space vector based PWM control of forced commutated cycloconverters

Digital implementation of the space vector modulator for forced commutated cycloconverters