Design of matrix converter topology and modulation algorithms with shorted and opened failure tolerance

This paper proposes a matrix converter structure and modulation techniques for fault-tolerant operations in case of single-switch short-circuit failures as well as single-switch open-circuit faults and single-phase open-circuit failures. The fault tolerant topology is achieved by redefining the matrix converter configuration with the help of auxiliary devices including connecting devices and fast-acting fuses. Based on the reconfigured converter structure, fault-tolerant control schemes are individually developed to produce output currents for obtaining continuous operation, depending on the types of occurred failures. The proposed fault-tolerant topology and associated pulsewidth modulation algorithms require only minimum hardware modifications to the conventional off-the-shelf three-phase matrix converter, by including electronic components such as triacs/SCRs and fast-acting fuses. In addition, the developed approach offers the potential of mitigating not only semiconductor device faults also drive related faults such as motor insulation failures. The added fault-tolerant capability can greatly improve reliability of the overall matrix converter system even after shorted switch or opened switch/phase losses, with minimal system cost increase. Simulation and experimental results are shown to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed fault-tolerant scheme to the matrix converter drives.