A high energy saving interface system using a matrix converter between a power grid and an engine generator for bio diesel fuel

This paper discusses an interface power converter between a power grid and an engine generator. A matrix converter, which is one of the AC/AC direct converters, can achieve high efficiency without large energy storages. Therefore, the volume of the converter becomes smaller and the reliability of the interface system is improved due to no use of electrolytic capacitor. This paper discusses the control strategy of a matrix converter for the power grid interconnection. In addition, the performances are demonstrated by simulation and experiments with a 1.5-kW prototype. The proposed control method is confirmed in the simulation and experimental results. Furthermore, the maximum efficiency of 96.8 % is obtained in the experiment. Total loss of the power converter is approximately half of the conventional system that is using a Back-to-Back converter.