Dennis Bräckle, Felix Kammerer, Mathias Schnarrenberger, Marc Hiller, Michael Braun

PCIM Europe 2016, International Conference and Exhibition for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management

Abstract

The Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter (M3C) performs a direct three-phase AC to AC power
conversion and is highly suitable for medium voltage high power drive applications. One area of
application are high speed drives such as compressors. However, additional balancing power
components which reduce the output power capability of the M3C when input and output frequencies
are similar occur. This paper analytically examines the operation behavior and power
capability in these operation points in order to assess whether the M3C can generate these
additional components without oversizing the converter’s components. Subsequently, the theoretical
evaluation is verified by a laboratory scaled prototype with a rated power of 15 kW.