Operating Performance of the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter in Drive Applications

The Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter (M3C) is an emerging topology, especially suitable for high torque low speed drive applications in the medium voltage range. One special benefit is the overload capability of the output currents. Up to 200% of the nominal values can be reached near standstill to overcome breakaway torques without additional efforts. This contribution gives an experimental verification of the operating performance by using a low voltage laboratory prototype with 5 cells per arm. In addition, different energy balancing methods, depending on the operating point are presented. Finally, possible applications for the M3C are discussed.