Matrix converter based unifled power flow controller

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices have gained big attraction today. Because these can be used to increase power system operation, flexibility and controllability to enhance system stability and better utilization of existing power system operation. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is one of the recent members of these devices, which offers unique characteristics such as independent control of active and reactive powers in a transmission line. The main concept of UPFC is based on back to back connection of two inverters with a common capacitor dc link. In this paper, the two converters and the capacitor in the UPFC´s structure are replaced with a dual-bridge matrix converter. Matrix converter allows direct ac to ac power conversion without DC energy storage links, which results in considerable decrease in UPFC´s cost and volume. A detailed model of the UPFC with matrix converter is derived and tested in a sample power system to evaluate the suitability and functionality of the model. To control the switching of the matrix converter, Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) control scheme is used.