Reactive power compensation using an indirectly space vector-modulated matrix converter

This paper investigates the implementation of a matrix converter for shunt reactive power compensation. The input of the matrix converter can be connected to the power grid and the output to a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM). By controlling the input displacement angle Φ_i, the reactive power flowing into the grid can be controlled. To prove the concept of reactive power compensation using the matrix converter, a simulation model of the matrix converter-based reactive power compensation system is build in MATLAB Simulink. The matrix converter model is implemented with the direct topology, although the control strategy considers the matrix converter as if it has an indirect topology and hence is separated into a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) part and a Current Source Rectifier (CSR) part. As a result the input current and output voltage can be controlled separately. The PMSM is modelled by a simple equivalent circuit. The range and limitation of reactive power compensation of the system are analyzed theoretically and investigated by simulations. The results show that reactive power is indeed respectively provided to or drawn from the grid according to the investigations made.