Improvement of the Matrix Converter Start-up Process

The behavior of the matrix converter (MC) is usually studied in the stationary condition, however, turning on the MC is a very crucial moment for this device as overcurrents and overvoltages may appear, damaging the converter. In order to improve its ride-through capability, this paper focuses on matrix converter (MC) power-up protection strategies. The input filter and clamp circuit protect the MC and improve its behavior in the stationary condition. Given the importance of the filter, the design criteria to be followed, its mathematical analysis and the procedure to select its constituent parts, are defined in great detail. Following this, an analysis is made of the interaction between the filter and the MC clamp circuit during the initial transitory of the MC. Finally, a new, improved solution for the clamp circuit is proposed. This optimizes the behavior of the MC during power-up. The start-up procedure that mitigates overcurrents around the input filter is also defined. Consequently, this paper represents a step forward in the work being done to increase the reliability of the MC.