Analysis of a three-to-five-phase matrix converter using DTFA

This paper analyzes a three phase fixed input to five phase variable amplitude/frequency output matrix converter topology to feed a five phase induction motor. Less spacious applications like aeroplanes, ships etc. are employing multiphase machines more frequently. Front-end converters have been so far employed to interface the load with the supply. These converters employ dc-link capacitor - which is disadvantageous for low space applications. The alternative is seen in matrix converters. The maximum limit on attainable output voltage in a matrix converter with a three phase input is found to be 50 % of the input voltage. It is found that this limit can be increased to 78.86 % for three-to-five phase system, if input and output voltages are optimized. A simplified modulation method for five phase output is defined by employing direct transfer function approach (DTFA). The performance of a five phase motor is then analyzed. It is found that lower voltage level is required at the input of the matrix converter to run a motor at rated voltage with voltage optimization than without voltage optimization. This aspect is again beneficial for low space applications.