Switching technique for current-controlled AC-to-AC converters

The AC-to-AC converter called the matrix converter is very simple in structure and has powerful controllability. However, there are few practical applications, particularly in power electronics fields. The major reasons largely lie in the commutation problem and complexity of the control circuit. This paper proposes a novel commutation technique which is very simple to implement. This commutation scheme allows the deadtime to avoid current spikes of nonideal switches and, at the same time, establishes a current path of the inductive load to avoid voltage spikes. A switching technique of the matrix converter using a space-vector-modulation (SVM) based hysteresis current controller (HCC) is also proposed. The switching technique is implemented without any computational burden and is controlled with a simple control circuit. This technique utilizes advantages of the HCC and SVM technique. Simulation and experimental results obtained on a 5 kW single-phase AC chopper and an 11 kW three-phase to three-phase matrix converter are discussed