Simple PWM strategy of a matrix conveter for reducing output voltage harmonies

Matrix converter is a bi-directional direct AC-AC converter that converts AC source voltage to another AC voltage with arbitrary amplitude and frequency. This system is more reliable and smaller than converter-inverter system because of no need for the bulky and short life-time electrolytic capacitor. Therefore, a matrix converter can obtain high efficiency, high power-density and high reliability. The output voltage of a matrix converter contains harmonics caused by PWM control. This paper presents simple PWM strategy of a matrix converter (MC) in minimal number of commutations for reducing output line voltage harmonics. In the PWM strategy, two PWM patterns in each control period are obtained. In the proposed PWM strategy, one of PWM patterns which can averagely reduce the output voltage harmonics is always selected. The effectiveness of the control method has been verified by experiments.