A matrix converter based micro-turbine distributed generation system

This paper investigates the use of an AC-AC matrix converter, as an alternative to AC-DC-AC converter system, to interface a high-speed micro-turbine generator (MTG) to a utility grid as a distributed generation unit. A new switching strategy and a control mechanism for the converter are presented. Based on time-domain simulations in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment, the dynamic behavior of a micro-turbine generation system, including the dynamic models of the micro-turbine (thermodynamics), generator, matrix converter, converter control and micro-turbine control, is studied. The studies conclude that a matrix converter is technically a viable option to interface a MTG to a utility grid.