Utilizing inertial energy to extend ride-through for matrix converters in adjustable speed drives

This paper presents a new ride-through approach for matrix converters in adjustable speed drives. The improvements consist of a new ride-through control strategy and the addition of three bi-directional switches to isolate the input filter capacitors. This strategy is shown to enable ride-through of multi-second faults by harvesting the inertia in the spinning mass of the motor and load. The control strategy is analyzed followed by simulations with real motor parameters. Through a review of power quality assessments, it is shown that these improvements allow matrix converter based adjustable speed drives to operate in the vast majority of real world fault situations.