Active voltage regulators for low voltage distribution grids: The matrix converter solution

This paper presents the analysis, design and implementation of a matrix converter based active voltage regulator for Low Voltage (LV) distribution grids. The proposed voltage regulator contains a direct AC/AC converter - Conventional Matrix Converter (CMC), and uses sliding mode direct control associated to the space vector representation technique. Together with the Matrix converter, a series transformer is used to allow the voltage regulation in the LV distribution line. In addition, the proposed system is able to regulate the Power Factor in the Medium Voltage (MV) feeder. The obtained MatLab simulation results show the proposed system is able to mitigate sags and swells up to 20% and to ensure the power factor regulation in MV.