Marco Rivera

A Review of Control and Modulation Methods for Matrix Converters

This paper presents a review of the most popular control and modulation strategies studied for matrix converters (MCs) in the last decade. The purpose of most of these methods is to generate sinusoidal current on the input and output sides. These methods are compared considering theoretical complexity and performance. This paper concludes that the control strategy has a significant impact on the resonance of the MC input filter.

Predictive Control of an Indirect Matrix Converter

This paper presents the implementation of a predictive control scheme for an indirect matrix converter. The control scheme selects the switching state that minimizes the reactive power and the error in the output currents according to their reference values. This is accomplished by using a prediction horizon of one sample time and a very intuitive control law. Experimental results with a 6.8-kVA indirect matrix converter prototype are provided in order to validate the proposed control scheme. The converter uses standard digital signal processor operating at a sampling frequency of 20 mus. It is shown that the idea of controlling this converter topology with a predictive approach can be implemented simply and input currents with unity power factor and a total harmonic distortion lower than 5% can be obtained.

Improved Active Power Filter Performance for Renewable Power Generation Systems

An active power filter implemented with a four-leg voltage-source inverter using a predictive control scheme is presented. The use of a four-leg voltage-source inverter allows the compensation of current harmonic components, as well as unbalanced current generated by single-phase nonlinear loads. A detailed yet simple mathematical model of the active power filter, including the effect of the equivalent power system impedance, is derived and used to design the predictive control algorithm. The compensation performance of the proposed active power filter and the associated control scheme under steady state and transient operating conditions is demonstrated through simulations and experimental results.

Current Control for an Indirect Matrix Converter With Filter Resonance Mitigation

A predictive control scheme for the indirect matrix converter including a method to mitigate the resonance effect of the input filter is presented. A discrete-time model of the converter, the input filter, and the load is used to predict the behavior of the instantaneous input reactive power and the output currents for each valid switching state. The control scheme selects the state that minimizes the value of a cost function in order to generate input currents with unity power factor and output currents with a low error with respect to a reference. The active damping method is based on a virtual harmonic resistor which damps the filter resonance. This paper shows experimental results to demonstrate that the proposed control method can generate good tracking of the output-current references, achieve unity input displacement power factor, and reduce the input-current distortion caused by the input filter resonance.

Model Predictive Current Control of Two-Level Four-Leg Inverters—Part I: Concept, Algorithm, and Simulation Analysis

In this paper, a simple model predictive current control strategy is proposed for four-leg inverters to deliver power to the (un)balanced/(non)linear loads. Unlike classical control schemes, the proposed method does not require current PI controllers or a complex modulation stage. The discrete-time model of the inverter, filter, and load are used to predict the future behavior of the load currents for each of the 16 possible switching states. The control method chooses a switching state that minimizes the error between the output currents and their references. The performance of the proposed method has been investigated for perturbations in the filter and load parameters. The neutral-leg switching frequency reduction algorithm is also proposed to improve the efficiency of the converter. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified in this first part, through simulation results.

Predictive Current Control With Input Filter Resonance Mitigation for a Direct Matrix Converter

This paper presents a control method for direct matrix converters that combines the advantages of predictive control with active damping. The active damping is used to suppress the resonance of the input filter. A discrete-time model of the converter, the input filter, and the load parameters are used to predict the behavior of the input reactive power on the supply side and the output currents for each valid switching state. The control method selects the best commutation state, according to an optimizing algorithm and a cost function, in order to generate unity input displacement power factor with high-quality waveforms. The active damping method is based on a virtual harmonic resistor that damps the filter resonance. This paper shows simulated and experimental results to demonstrate that the proposed control method can generate good tracking of the output current references, achieve unity input displacement power factor, and reduce the input current distortion caused by the input filter resonance.

Digital Predictive Current Control of a Three-Phase Four-Leg Inverter

While the classical control techniques for three-phase two-level four-leg inverters are based on pulsewidth modulation or 3-D space vector modulation, this paper presents a simple digital current control strategy without the modulation stage. The proposed controller uses the discrete nature of the four-leg inverter and filter to generate the switching states. Using a predictive cost function, the optimal switching state to be applied in the next sampling interval is selected. The proposed controller offers excellent reference tracking with less current harmonic distortion for balanced and unbalanced loading conditions. The feasibility of the proposed strategy is verified by digital implementation on a dSPACE DS1104-based rapid prototype platform.

A Comparative Assessment of Model Predictive Current Control and Space Vector Modulation in a Direct Matrix Converter

Matrix converters (MCs) are a very attractive alternative to conventional back-to-back converters with dc links. In this paper, a performance comparison between the well-established space vector modulation (SVM) technique and model predictive control (MPC) is presented for the current regulation in a direct MC. Both methods are analyzed and contrasted through simulation and experimental results. In order to establish their strengths and weaknesses, the assessment is made by measuring and comparing output and input currents and voltages with the same voltage source and load current conditions. Our results show that MPC is simpler than SVM from a conceptual point of view and provides better source current behavior, particularly with a distorted source voltage.

Model Predictive Current Control of Two-Level Four-Leg Inverters—Part II: Experimental Implementation and Validation

This paper describes the experimental implementation of the model predictive current control algorithm for a two-level four-leg inverter operating under balanced, unbalanced, and nonlinear loading conditions. The proposed scheme is designed to predict the future behavior of the load currents for each of the 16 possible switching states of the converter. The control method chooses a switching state that minimizes the error between the output currents and their references. The algorithm is embedded using a MATLAB/Simulink software environment, and experimental results based on the dSPACE DS1103 controller are provided. These results verify the advantages of the proposed control strategy in terms of robustness under filter and load parameter variations, average neutral-leg switching frequency reduction, reference tracking error, and percentage total harmonic distortion.

Instantaneous Reactive Power Minimization and Current Control for an Indirect Matrix Converter Under a Distorted AC Supply

This paper presents a current control scheme with instantaneous reactive power minimization for an indirect matrix converter. The strategy uses the commutation state of the converter in the subsequent sampling time according to an optimization algorithm given by a simple cost function and the discrete system model. Using this strategy, harmonics in the input current generated by the resonance of the input filter are strongly reduced. Simulation and experimental results with a laboratory prototype are provided in order to validate the control scheme, and the effects of a distorted source voltage and filter resonance are analyzed.