Vector control of a 1-phase to 3-phase mains supply extender

Mainly due to historical and convenience reasons, for power levels up to several kVA electric utilities provide power distribution typically uses 1-phase a.c. feeders, despite a 3-phase supply would be technically preferable permitting for instance to use more efficient and compact induction motors, 3-phase rectifiers providing lower output ripple etc. This paper deals with a simple converter able to extend a 1-phase mains to a 3-phase standard supply source, featuring reversibility, good power quality at both input and output sides and a less complex structure than conventional solutions. The converter topology and operation principle are recalled, as well as its main theoretical characteristics and the control strategies previously analyzed. The opportunity to employ a vector control approach and a space vector modulator is then addressed, investigating the peculiar aspects correlated to the unconventional operation of the converter. Significant results referred to both steady-state and transient conditions, obtained by a simulation model purposely developed to investigate the actual performances of the examined system, are finally reported and commented.