Novel Three-Phase to Single-Phase Matrix Converter Modulation Strategy for Bidirectional Inductive Power Transfer

In recent years, there has been a notable tendency toward reducing the number of power conversion stages in electric vehicle (EV) charging applications based on inductive power transfer. Matrix converter topology presents itself as an attractive solution due to its known benefits of having the high power density and small volume. However, its control is challenging. In this article, we propose a novel modulation strategy of the three-phase to single-phase matrix converter that ensures stable power flow between the grid and the EV. The proposed control method enables the processing of the reactive power by the matrix converter while keeping low THD of grid currents and high PF. A compensation circuit based on the third winding and accompanying resonant circuit that is suitable for this application is presented. The problem of power flow control in these systems is analyzed, and the answer is put forward, excluding any type of wireless communication between the two microcontrollers controlling the system. An experimental setup was built to verify the proposed ideas. A power transfer of 3.6 kW was achieved over an air gap of 40 mm with an overall efficiency of 95.15% with 3.2% THD of the grid currents and 0.975 PF.