New control strategy for indirect matrix converters operating in boost mode

Distributed generation (DG) units will become more common not only in microgrids but also conventional power grids due to advantages such as demand-side management capability, the potential for electricity generation at low costs, reduced congestion of transmission lines, and power quality improvements. Matrix converters (MCs) have been proposed as a power electronic interface (PEI) for interconnecting DG units based on microturbines that require efficient and reliable ac-ac converters. A novel current control strategy for indirect matrix converters (IMCs) used as the PEI for DG units operating at variable frequency is introduced. The proposed controller does not require sensing the DG unit output voltages and has the capability of regulating the IMC voltage in order to accommodate the commanded active power. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach is validated using a 5-kVA SiC-based IMC prototype to interface a variable-frequency voltage source with the grid.