Three-level neutral-point-clamped matrix converter topology

Matrix converter is a direct AC-AC converter topology that is able to directly convert energy from an AC source to an AC load without the need of a bulky and limited lifetime energy storage element. Due to the significant advantages offered by matrix converter, such as adjustable power factor, capability of regeneration and high quality sinusoidal input/output waveforms, matrix converter has been one of the AC – AC topologies that receive extensive research attention for being an alternative to replace traditional AC-DC-AC converters in the variable voltage and variable frequency AC drive applications. Multilevel matrix converter is an emerging topology that integrates the multilevel concept into the matrix converter topology. Having the ability to generate multilevel output voltages, the multilevel matrix converter is able to produce better quality output waveforms than conventional matrix converter in terms of harmonic content, but at the cost of higher number of power semiconductor device requirement and more complicated modulation strategy. In this research work an indirect three-level sparse matrix converter is proposed. The proposed converter is a hybrid combination between a simplified three-level neutral-point-clamped voltage source inverter concept and an indirect matrix converter topology. This multilevel matrix converter topology has a simpler circuit configuration and is able to generate three-level output voltages, making this topology an attractive option in industrial applications. In this work a comprehensive simulation study is carried out to investigate the operation of the proposed converter. The performance of the proposed converter is compared to the conventional indirect matrix converter topology and a multilevel neutral-point- clamped matrix converter in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages offered by the proposed converter. A study of the semiconductor losses in the indirect three-level sparse matrix converter is also included. Finally, the operation of the proposed converter is experimentally validated using a laboratory prototype.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo