A novel space vector modulation strategy for thyristor matrix converters

A novel modulation strategy for matrix converters based on space vector representation is outlined in this contribution. In particular, the method is applied to a thyristor matrix converter connecting a multi-phase generator of varying frequency with the fixed-frequency three-phase grid. Compared with the well-known space vector modulation for a three-phase voltage source inverter, the elementary output voltage vectors are no longer constant but varying themselves in time. Additionally, not every transition between the switching states is possible at any time as an appropriate external commutation voltage is needed. Goal of the proposed control approach is get by with only a small number of commutations per fundamental in order to keep the switching losses low while ensuring a reasonable harmonic distortion.