Comparison of IGBT cycling capabilities for different AC/AC topologies

This paper analyzes the IGBT power cycling capability for dual bridge matrix converter (DBMC) used as a motor drive and compares the result with the traditional DC/AC inverter and the conventional matrix converter (CMC). Two PWM control methods for the DBMC are investigated. One is called zero current switching PWM (ZCPWM) that allows zero current commutation of the rectifier side switches. The other is named zero voltage switching (ZVPWM) that generates zero voltage switching in the inverter IGBT. It is found that the DBMC under ZVPWM method shows overall advantages in the IGBT power cycling capability over ZCPWM and the other two topologies. Moreover, by appropriately select the sequence of ZVPWM and ZCPWM method, the DBMC shows advantages on sizing of the IGBT, balancing of the thermal system and easier to operate under higher switching frequency conditions.