Output Voltage Improvement of a Matrix Converter under Unbalance and Distorted Input Voltage Using PR Controller

Matrix converter is an AC to AC converter without any energy storing element in the dc-link; therefore, any distortion in the input voltage directly affects the output voltage quality. In this paper, firstly, space vector modulation for direct matrix converter is discussed. Afterwards, a closed loop method without output voltage sensors is proposed in order to reduce the distortions in the output voltage. In the proposed method, output currents are measured and compared with their reference values, then, the error goes into a proportional resonant (PR) controller to determine the modulation index and angle of the output voltage. No need for output voltage sensors, simple implementation and low computational burden can be considered as the advantages of the proposed method. Although the method is presented for direct matrix converter, it can be adopted easily for indirect matrix converters. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, comprehensive simulation tests are conducted and the obtained results are compared with previously proposed method

IGBT-SiC dual fed ground power unit

This paper presents the design and control of a three-phase ground power supply unit for aircraft servicing. A new mixed technology converter composed by a three-phase Silicon Carbide (SiC) full bridge unit and a three-phase full bridge IGBT unit connected across the same dc link is used instead of the conventional full bridge configuration. In order to satisfy the stringent requirements of the output voltage quality particular attention is given to the controller. The common dc link topology of the converter allows circulation of Zero Sequence Current (ZSC), therefore also a 0 axis regulator is necessary. The state space model of the system considering the LC output filter is presented and used in order to synthetize the controller parameters using the Optimal Control theory

A four-legs matrix converter ground power unit with repetitive voltage control

In this paper, a four-leg matrix converter is proposed as the power conversion core for aircraft ground power unit (GPU) applications. This structure allows easy management of unbalanced and nonlinear loads with minimal disruption of the power supply operation. A hybrid repetitive-traditional control system is proposed to regulate the output voltage of the GPU. This solution reduces the steady-state tracking error, maintaining fast dynamic characteristics, and increases the stability of the converter compared to conventional approaches. Simulations and experimental results from a 7.5-KW converter prototype are presented to verify the operation of the proposed configuration and to prove the effectiveness of the solution

Modulated predictive control for indirect matrix converter

Finite State Model Predictive Control (MPC) has been recently applied to several converter topologies as it can provide many advantages over other MPC techniques. The advantages of MPC include fast dynamics, multi-target control capability and relatively easy implementation on digital control platforms. However, its inherent variable switching frequency and lower steady state waveform quality, with respect to standard control which includes an appropriate modulation technique, represent a limitation to its applicability. Modulated Model Predictive Control (M2PC) combines all the advantages of MPC with the fixed switching frequency characteristic of PWM algorithms. The work presented in this paper focuses on the Indirect Matrix Converter (IMC), where the tight coupling between rectifier stage and inverter stage has to be taken into account in the M2PC design. This paper proposes an M2PC solution, suitable for IMC, with a switching pattern which emulates the desired waveform quality features of Space Vector Modulation (SVM) for matrix converters. The switching sequences of the rectifier stage and inverter stage are rearranged in order to always achieve zero-current switching on the rectifier stage, thus simplifying the current commutation strategy

Experimental efficiency comparison between a direct matrix converter and an indirect matrix converter based on efficiency using Si IGBT and SiC MOSFETs

This paper presents an experimental efficiency comparison study between two different direct AC-AC converter topologies: a direct matrix converter (DMC) and an indirect matrix converter (IMC). The evaluation is performed under variable load conditions using both discrete Silicon (Si) IGBTs and Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs working at power levels up to 9 kW. Each loss measurement is carried out using two power analyzers: one placed at the input and one at the output of the converter under study. To facilitate this measurement an output filter was necessary in addition to the normal input filter. Both converters are modulated the same traditional symmetrical space vector approach and feature an identical input/output filter design

Predictive Voltage Control of Direct Matrix Converters with Improved Output Voltage for Renewable Distributed Generation

© 2013 IEEE. This paper proposes a predictive voltage control strategy for a direct matrix converter used in a renewable energy distributed generation (DG) system. A direct matrix converter with LC filters is controlled in order to work as a stable voltage supply for loads. This is especially relevant for the stand-alone operation of a renewable DG where a stable sinusoidal voltage, with desired amplitude and frequency under various load conditions, is the main control objective. The model predictive control is employed to regulate the matrix converter so that it produces stable sinusoidal voltages for different loads. With predictive control, many other control objectives, e.g., input power factor, common-mode voltage, and switching frequency, can be achieved depending on the application. To reduce the number of required measurements and sensors, this paper utilizes observers and makes the use of the switch matrices. In addition, the voltage transfer ratio can be improved with the proposed strategy. The controller is tested under various conditions including intermittent disturbance, nonlinear loads, and unbalanced loads. The proposed controller is effective, simple, and easy to implement. The simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and control strategy. This proposed scheme can be potentially used in microgrid applications

A design methodology of multi-resonant controllers for high performance 400Hz ground power units

In aerospace applications, a Ground Power Unit (GPU) has to provide balanced and sinusoidal 400 Hz phase-to-neutral voltages to unbalanced and non-linear single-phase loads. Compensation of high-order harmonics is complex, as the ratio between sampling frequency and compensated harmonics can be very small. Thus multiple superimposed resonant controllers or PI nested controllers in multiple dq frames are not good alternatives. The first approach cannot ensure stability, while the second cannot track sinusoidal zero-sequence components, typically present in unbalanced system, and unachievable high bandwidth at the inner current control loop is typically required. In this paper, a simple methodology for designing a single-loop, multiple resonant controller for simultaneous mitigation of several high-order harmonics, ensuring stability, is presented. Experimental results, based on a 6kW four-leg NPC converter, validates the proposed controller design, showing excellent steady state and transient performance

A review of model predictive control strategies for matrix converters

Matrix converters are a well-known class of direct AC-AC power converter topologies that can be used in applications in which compact volume and low weight are necessary. For good performance, special attention should be paid to the control scheme used for these converters. Model predictive control strategy is a promising, straightforward and flexible choice for controlling various different matrix converter topologies. This work provides a comprehensive study and detailed classification of several predictive control methods and techniques, discussing special capabilities they each add to the operation and control scheme for a range of matrix converter topologies. The paper also considers the issues regarding the implementation of model predictive control strategies for matrix converters. This survey and comparison is intended to be a useful guide for solving the related drawbacks of each topology and to enable the application of this control scheme to matrix converters in practical applications

Design control and implementation of a four-leg matrix converter for ground power supply application

The technology of direct AC/AC power conversion (Matrix Converters) is gaining increasing interest in the scientific community, particularly for aerospace applications. The aim of this research project is to investigate the use of direct AC/AC three phase four-leg Matrix Converter as ground power unit to supply aircraft with power during stopover or maintenance in airports. The converter fourth leg is used to provide a path for the zero sequence components when feeding unbalanced or non-linear loads. A high bandwidth controller is required to regulate the output voltage of Matrix Converter with a 400Hz output frequency. However, the controller bandwidth is limited due to the reduced ratio between the converter switching frequency and the fundamental frequency. In this case undesirable, periodic errors and distortion will exist in the output voltage above all in the presence of a non-linear or unbalanced load. Digital repetitive control system is proposed to regulate the output voltage of a four-leg Matrix Converter in an ABC reference frame. The proposed control structure introduces a high gain at the fundamental and its integer multiple frequencies. Using the proposed repetitive controller will reduce the tracking error between the output and the reference voltage, as well as increasing the stability of the converter under balanced and unbalanced load conditions. Simulation studies using SABER and MATLAB software packages show that the proposed controller is able to regulate the output voltage during balanced and unbalanced load conditions and during the presence of non-linear load. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, an experimental prototype of a 7.5KW has been implemented in PEMC laboratory using DSP/FPGA platform to control the converter prototype. The steady state and the dynamic performance of the proposed control strategy are investigated in details, and extensive experimental tests have showed that the proposed controller was able to offer high tracking accuracy, fast transient response and able to regulate the output voltage during balanced, unbalanced and non-linear loading