Operating characteristics of a three-phase to single-phase matrix converter with hybrid control scheme of power compensation and modulation applied to gas engine cogeneration system

Operating characteristics of a three-phase to single-phase matrix converter applied to a gas engine cogeneration system is investigated in this paper. Application of the matrix converter can enhance efficiency of a synchronous generator and converter because it improves total power factor of the generator and reduce losses in the converter. This matrix converter has no dc link but a small capacitor to compensate single-phase power pulsation, however the capacitor size is still required to be smaller. To reduce its size further, a novel power control scheme has been proposed. According to this control scheme, instantaneous three-phase power is modulated and power pulsation is partially absorbed by rotor inertia of the generator and gas engine. Primary results of experiment of small output power operation have been reported. In this paper, results of experiment of rated output power of 1 kW are described and efficiency measurement of the matrix converter is newly conducted.