Matrix Converters: Challenges and Solutions

The advantages of high efficiency, reliability, low weight, and loss make matrix converters an attractive option for AC/AC power conversion. This article discusses principles and techniques associated with matrix converter technology, with the view of their application to mining industry. From comparison of known control schemes, Comprehensive control is selected, for its potential to simultaneously achieve accurate load side tracking, supply side active damping and power factor correction. The article then presents a new and advanced version of Comprehensive control, with significantly improved transient response, which makes it suitable for highly dynamic mining industry applications. Advantages of the proposed control method are validated by simulation and experiment.