A review and implementation of Matrix-Converter for aerospace application

Abstract

This paper describes the main requirements and challenges regarding the application of a Matrix Converter (MC) for aerospace power conversion. The challenges are reviewed in terms of (i) the input-filter (and output-filter) design, (ii) the selection of semiconductor switches and commutation-strategy, and (iv) the PWM strategy. The aerospace application of the MC requires operation at an input-frequency of 360Hz to 800Hz. The required output-frequency is either 400Hz to operate as a power supply or variable frequency of a few Hz up to 1200 Hz for drive applications such as fans and air compressors. Operation at 800Hz input-frequency imposes restrictions on the selection of the input-filter component values. These restrictions require the MC to operate at a high switching-frequency. Consequently, the switches, commutation strategy, and PWM strategy should be selected properly to enable MC operation at the higher switching-frequency. This paper uses MOSFET switches and demonstrates suitable commutation and modulation-strategies that enable a MOSFET-based MC to properly operate at around a switching-frequency of 40kHz, single-sided or 20kHz, double-sided.