Advanced matrix converter and method for operation
First Claim
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1. A matrix converter comprising:
- a plurality of at least N by M (N×
M) bidirectional alternating current (AC) switches, whereinN corresponds to the number of AC system phases at an input of the matrix converter and M corresponds to the number of required phases at an output of the matrix converter,each of the AC switches includes a bi-directional set of semiconductor switches coordinated to operate sequentially with a time-delay between sequential operations, each of the semiconductor switches having a common gating pattern; and
a snubber absorbing energy during the time delay where all the N switches of one of the M blocks are in the off-position.
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Abstract
A matrix converter may be provided with AC switches that comprise bi-directional sets of semiconductor switches that are gated with a common gating link. A low loss diode-bridge based snubber may facilitate introduction of time delay between sequential operations of the bi-directional set of semiconductor switches. The matrix converter may be operated in a three-phase mode with only one gating signals for each AC switch, in contrast to prior-art matrix converters which may require use multiple gating signals for each AC switch.
28 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A matrix converter comprising:
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a plurality of at least N by M (N×
M) bidirectional alternating current (AC) switches, whereinN corresponds to the number of AC system phases at an input of the matrix converter and M corresponds to the number of required phases at an output of the matrix converter, each of the AC switches includes a bi-directional set of semiconductor switches coordinated to operate sequentially with a time-delay between sequential operations, each of the semiconductor switches having a common gating pattern; and a snubber absorbing energy during the time delay where all the N switches of one of the M blocks are in the off-position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for providing electrical power at a desired controlled frequency and voltage from a variable voltage variable frequency source, comprising the steps of:
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supplying AC power to a matrix converter; operating multiple semiconductor switches simultaneously with common gating; introducing time-delay between successive operations of the semiconductor switches to preclude short-circuit of supply voltages or open circuit conditions at an output of the matrix converter; absorbing energy in at least one diode-bridge based snubber during the time-delay, wherein each of said snubbers can work individually independent from each other, or integrated together to form a common Aux DC Bus, with common bus voltage and energy recovery circuit. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification