Comprehensive Documentation for Three-Phase Matrix Converter Simulation

System Overview

What is a Matrix Converter?

A matrix converter directly connects the three-phase input to the three-phase output using an array of bidirectional switches. This removes the need for intermediate DC storage, reducing size and improving efficiency. However, precise control of the switching devices is crucial for reliable operation, especially under real-world grid and load disturbances.

Purpose of the Simulation

The simulation aims to:

• Demonstrate direct AC-AC conversion principles.
• Validate power factor correction and frequency conversion capabilities.
• Analyze efficiency, power quality, and control strategies.

How Impedyme HIL/PHIL Adds Value

Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP): Develop and test control algorithms for switching logic, power factor correction, and frequency conversion directly in Impedyme’s HIL platform before deploying to hardware.

HIL for Power Electronics Controllers: The control logic for the matrix converter can be tested in real-time with a simulated grid and load, ensuring it performs correctly in software-in-the-loop (SIL) and controller-in-the-loop (CIL) stages.

PHIL Testing: The final converter hardware can be tested at power level, interacting with a realistic AC grid and load, ensuring safe and reliable performance before field deployment.

Key Features

Unity Power Factor Operation

The matrix converter achieves unity power factor by adjusting its switching strategy to match the input voltage and current phases.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Real-time grid emulation using Impedyme’s PHIL allows testing how the converter maintains unity power factor under various grid conditions (voltage sags, frequency variations, harmonics).

Bidirectional Power Flow Control

The converter supports power flow in both directions, enabling energy recovery (regenerative braking) and operation in both motor and generator modes.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Impedyme platforms can emulate both the grid and load, allowing comprehensive verification of bidirectional power transfer in realistic conditions.

Seamless Frequency and Voltage Conversion

The converter can deliver any desired output frequency and voltage within the limits imposed by the input source, enabling integration into flexible industrial processes.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: With Impedyme’s programmable grid simulators, various input conditions (50Hz, 60Hz, voltage dips, harmonic distortion) can be applied in real time, ensuring the matrix converter handles diverse environments correctly.

Simulation Objectives

This simulation helps evaluate:

• Direct AC-AC conversion quality
• Switching strategy effectiveness
• Input power factor correction
• Power transfer efficiency ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: These evaluations can be performed not just in simulation, but also in hardware testing environments using Impedyme’s platforms, allowing correlation between model predictions and real hardware behavior.

Technical Description

System Configuration

Input: Three-phase AC supply (grid or generator)
Output: Three-phase AC load (static load – resistive, inductive)
Power Stage: 3×3 matrix of bidirectional switches (IGBTs, MOSFETs, or SiC devices)

Control Methodology

Direct Transfer Function or Space Vector Modulation (SVM) to generate switching signals.

Control goals: maintain output quality, ensure unity power factor at input, minimize harmonics.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: The control logic can be tested via RCP on Impedyme’s HIL platform, and the actual power stage can be verified under real power using PHIL, ensuring smooth transition from simulation to hardware.

Advantages of Matrix Converters

One of the key advantages of matrix converters is their compact size.

Not only are matrix converters smaller in size, but they are also more reliable.

Another advantage of matrix converters is their ability to achieve sinusoidal grid currents. Another advantage of matrix converters is their ability to achieve sinusoidal grid currents.

Additionally, matrix converters provide a completely controllable power factor. Even if the load is an induction motor drawing reactive power from the system, the switches can be controlled in such a way that the grid does not perceive any reactive power being drawn. This allows the system to operate at a unity power factor.

Furthermore, matrix converters can function as compensators, drawing leading VARs from the system to compensate for other lagging loads. This means the power factor of the currents drawn from the grid can be unity, leading, or lagging, making the input power factor fully controllable.

Other advantages have also been explored recently, such as the possibility of eliminating common-mode voltage. However, discussing this in detail would go beyond the current discussion.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Each of these features can be validated across the full development cycle (RCP → HIL → PHIL) using Impedyme’s solutions.

Applications

Motor Drives: Industrial motors requiring variable frequency
Renewables: Direct grid connection of AC generators (wind, ocean)
Aerospace Power Systems: Compact frequency conversion
Microgrids: Flexible AC-AC conversion for DER integration
Marine Power: Frequency conversion for ships with multiple sources
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: All these applications can be emulated and tested in real-time using Impedyme platforms, accelerating the development of tailored solutions for each case.

Simulation Benefits

With this simulation, users can:

• Explore matrix converter dynamics in detail.
• Test advanced control algorithms.
• Assess input/output power quality.
• Evaluate transient behavior under grid/load changes.

➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: These insights can be directly translated to hardware using Impedyme’s PHIL, ensuring your real device meets its design targets.