The matrix converter (MC) has recently attracted significant attention among researchers because of its applications in wind energy conversion, military power supplies, induction motor drives, etc. Recently, different MC topologies have been proposed and developed which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Matrix converter can be classified as a direct and indirect structure. This chapter aims to give a general description of the basic features of a three phase to three phase matrix converters in terms of performance and of technological issues. Matrix converter is a direct AC-AC converter topology that is able to directly convert energy from an AC source to an AC load without the need of a bulky and limited lifetime energy storage element. AC-AC topologies receive extensive research attention for being an alternative to replace traditional AC-DC-AC converters in the variable voltage and variable frequency AC drive applications.
TopThree Phase Ac/Ac Power Converter
AC/AC converters are commonly employed for power transmission from a 3-phase source to 3-phase load, such as changeable speed drives & configurable frequency, phase and amplitude. To increase the performance, efficiency, and dependability of the systems in which they are used, different type of power converters are employed these days. (Gupta et al., 2010) A taxonomy of converter families utilised in electrical drive applications is shown in Fig.1.1. The two type of power converters are, indirect converters, that involves DC-link elements linking the two AC systems, & other are direct converters, that offer direct AC/AC power conversion. (Chlebis et al., 2010)
Figure 1.
Categorization of converters (low-to-high power drives)
2-level diode-rectified voltage source inverters (VSI) generally used in all indirect power converter circuits that convert DC input voltage into AC output voltages. The extensively utilised inverter topologies for 3-phase applications are the 3-phase 2-level VSI depicted in Fig.1.2. (Satish, 2007)
Figure 2.
3-phase 2-level VSI circuit technique
In 3-phase arrangements, the cyclo-converter is the most often used topology, which employs semiconductor switches for linking through the power source to the load, exchanging 3-phase AC voltage into 3-phase AC voltage by variable magnitude, frequency and permits flow of power in both directions. This direct converter's operational output frequency must be lower in comparison to input frequency. Matrix converters, also cyclo-converters, have seen increased attention as direct converters in past time. (Chlebis et al., 2010; Gupta et al., 2010; Satish, 2007)