A guide to the application-oriented selection of AC/AC converter topologies

A comprehensive review and a comparative evaluation of AC/AC converter topologies are presented. This provides guidelines for selecting an optimum technology for a given application. It is noted that, while hard switched and load commutated converters will continue to dominate the high power market in the foreseeable future, resonant soft switched converters are likely to make advances. New soft switched technologies, at least at the low power level, are expected to find more widespread use in OEM and high-performance market situations before expanding into industrial end-use applications. Of the resonant topologies, the clamped resonant DC link (RDCL) seems most appropriate for lower power levels, while the resonant pole technology is applicable for higher power ranges. Of the resonant link converters, the series resonant converter (SRC) is likely to remain the dominant one, especially for applications calling for its inherent bidirectionality and capability to operate into unbalanced loads. Successful matrix converter implementation still hinges on further development of the MCT.<>