Control of a matrix converter for the operation of autonomous systems

In this paper a new control system for a 4-leg Matrix Converter (MC) feeding an isolated load is discussed. The proposed system is appropriate for wind-diesel schemes or any other application where a path for the circulation of zero sequence currents is required, e.g. wind energy conversion systems feeding isolated loads, small portable diesel generators used in ambulances and similar emergency vehicles, wind hybrid generation systems, wind-diesel schemes, etc. In this work it is assumed that the 4-leg MC is fed from a variable speed diesel-driven Permanent Magnet (PM) generator. A vector control system based in two synchronous rotating d-q axes is used to regulate the load voltage. The frames are rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively in order to control the positive and negative sequence of the output signals. A separate resonant controller is used to regulate the homopolar components of the load voltage. The design of the control system is discussed in this work and experimentally validated using a prototype.

► A new control system for 4-leg matrix converters is proposed and experimentally validated. ► The 4-leg matrix converter could operate with fast changes in the input voltage and frequency. ► The load voltage is well regulated despite the unbalance and other perturbations. ► The control systems is suitable for distributed generation, wind-diesel systems and hybrid generation systems. ► The control system is not computationally intensive and switching frequency in excess of 10 kHz are possible.