Reactive power compensation capability of a matrix converter-based FACTS device

In this paper a shunt FACTS device composed of a matrix converter and a permanent magnet machine is suggested for reactive power compensation at the point of connection to the grid. The device can either provide pure reactive power compensation or reactive power compensation in combination with active power control. The conventional indirect space vector modulation (ISVM) scheme was first chosen to modulate the matrix converter because of its simplicity. The modulation is described and its impact on the reactive power range of the FACTS device is analyzed. The ISVM presents some serious limitations for the reactive compensation range at low matrix converter output power factors and the FACTS cannot provide pure reactive power compensation with this modulation. The use of hybrid modulation, based on ISVM, is suggested to remedy these issues and the new reactive compensation range is calculated. A simulation model of the FACTS device was implemented and the results of the simulation study are confronted with the analytical results.