Study of the application of a multiphase matrix converter for the interconnection of the high speed generation to the grid

The article shows a new field of application for the matrix converter (MC) as the interconnecting device between the high speed, permanent magnet generator and the grid. The converter works under the developed control algorithm based on a so called ‘area based’ approach. The device consists of a converter, a transformer (or transformers) and filters and is supposed to substitute or revolution decreasing gear box or DC link based power electronic converter. Several structures, including multiphase structures (3, 12 phase) were investigated and their properties were assessed using the results of Matlab Simulink based simulations. The simulations were performed using the standard Simulink models and the developed, simplified permanent magnet motor model. The results were very satisfactory, i.e. input waveforms distortions, output current and machine torque ripples were at acceptable levels for the multiphase structures and high frequency input. The waveform distortions were found to be a function of input frequency and the number of phases in the conversion device, but the structure of the converter was limited to a 12x12 structure for economic reasons