Poly-phased matrix converter for large synchronous generators — Design of the voltage surge protection

This paper introduces a special mx3 matrix converter connected between the stator of a poly-phased synchronous generator and a power grid. Some commutations of the chosen switching scheme induce voltage surges due to leakage inductances of the generator. This paper then presents an analysis of a passive solution using capacitive and resistive elements to control the magnitude of this voltage overshoot. In particular, it provides a design tool based on a simplified equivalent circuit and calculates the losses through the additional resistive part. Simulation results and practical measurements confirm the theoretical predictions. From this analysis, it is then possible to assess the suggested power generation arrangement further.