Induction motor drive fed by a vector modulated indirect matrix converter

This paper introduces the vector controlled induction motor drive, which is supplied by a three-phase 5 kVA indirect matrix converter (IMC). The IMC is modulated using indirect vector modulation. The tested drive is a 2.2 kW induction motor drive. The motor control is performed in a rotor-flux-oriented reference frame using the current vector control method. The calculations needed for control and modulations are performed using a microcontroller. The drive is tested in different operating situations including field weakening. Measurements show both the advantages and disadvantages of the IMC drive: the currents are sinusoidal but the nominal operating point of the standard motor cannot be achieved because of the limited voltage transfer ratio of IMC. This may not be considered a drawback when special motors are used, e.g. with integrated motor drives.