Unveiling the Potential of Three-Phase to Three-Phase Matrix Converter for Enhanced Efficiency and Control

This paper presents improved switching techniques of the 3Phase-3Phase matrix converter for AC drive applications to improve motor performance and dynamics. This converter provides one-stop solution producing variable AC voltage and frequency, bypassing the traditional AC-DC-AC conversion process. The absence of an energy storage element further enhances the compactness of the converter. The control of the converter, particularly its nine switches, is examined in this research, revealing certain challenges. The Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique is proposed to alleviate these control complexities, offering improved management in both inverter and rectifier modes. A platform is designed to unify the control of these two modes, leading to streamlined operation of the converter’s switches. An in-depth discussion of switching transitions, which includes zero vectors and the specific timings of the nine segments, is also provided to simplify the understanding of these intricate dynamics. Matrix Converter has the capability to produce sinusoidal output voltages with varying amplitude and frequency, enabling precise control of AC motor speed and torque. The converter’s performance is analyzed under various load conditions, and on the operation of an induction motor powered by the same converter. The results, validated through extensive simulations, show significant improvements in reducing THD, enhancing motor performance and dynamics.