Modeling, Real-time Simulation And Design Of Matrix Converters

Abstract

Power converters have evolved from the classical low switching frequency thyristorised converters to the modern high-frequency switched mode converters employing fast power devices such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs). This evolution has changed the way power is processed in all the four functional areas of power conversion namely, AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC and AC-AC. High frequency switching has made it possible to reduce the size of the converters by using smaller energy storage elements. Switched mode conversion applied to AC-AC power conversion results in the use of two approaches: An indirect (two stage) conversion with a rectifier and an inverter with a dc link storage and a direct conversion scheme with a matrix converter. Matrix converter is a potential candidate in certain applications where a compact power converter design is required. Two approaches in topology, namely direct and indirect matrix converters are well reported in the literature. This thesis looks at the analysis, modeling and control of matrix converters from the perspective of converter switching functions. The switching functions as proposed for the line frequency switching rectifiers and cycloconverters is extended to the high frequency switching pulse-width modulated inverters and rectifiers. The matrix converter modulation schemes are analysed and a fresh interpretation in terms of these switching functions is presented in this thesis. The application of the switching function based analysis also yields a better insight into popular space phasor moulation techniques employed in matrix converters such as indirect-space-phasor modulation. The topology of the matrix converter is simple. There are no energy storage elements. However, the control, modulation and protection processes are more complex than other converters. The complexities involved in the control, modulation, commutation and protection of the matrix converter necessitates a much more complex controller capable of carrying out these tasks fast and effectively. In this work, a versatile FPGA based digital controller is designed which is not only capable of carrying out all the modulation, control, commutation and protection requirements of the matrix converter but also, can simulate the converter and the load in real-time. The real-time simulation capabilities of the control and real-time simulation platform are demonstrated with a suitable example of dynamic system. The real-time models of the matrix converter feeding passive load are developed and demonstrated in comparison with offline simulation models. Matrix converters are buck-derived converters and hence the input currents are discontinuous. Hence design of an appropriate filter becomes necessary. Some guidelines are suggested to design an appropriate input filter considering the non-idealities of the source. Finally, hardware designs of suitably rated direct and indirect matrix converters are presented and some representative results are given.