This article addressed the problem of matrix converters (MxC), specifically the investigation of power losses and matrix converter efficiency in a 3 × 5 arrangement. In today’s modern world, efficiency is very important; hence, power loss and efficiency analysis are important throughout the design process of modern semiconductor converters. The ability to evaluate power losses more quickly using the simulation approach can greatly reduce the amount of time necessary for the design, in comparison with numerical analysis. The described model employed contemporary SiC semiconductors, which offer substantial benefits over IGBT transistors. The 3 × 5 converter model was shown, along with a study of power losses in various elements of the converter, such as the power circuit, input filter, and so on. A summary of the simulated findings was offered at the end of the study, along with the benefits and drawbacks of employing SiC semiconductors in bidirectional switches for matrix converters.

This paper examines the properties of a multi-phase drive for EV (electric vehicles) and HEV (hybrid-electric vehicles) using a simulation model in the Matlab/Simulink environment and verifies the findings by experimental measurements on a real motor. The paper studies a five-phase induction motor, a suitable alternative for electric vehicles, due to its better properties such as better torque, smoother ripple, better fault tolerance, and the possibility of connecting stator windings to star, pentagon, and pentagram. The fundamentals of the article are to find out how this engine behaves in fault states, which can be called hazardous states. The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the decrease of mechanical power, torque, and power losses during motor operation without failure, in case of failure of one phase, and in case of failure of two adjacent phases and two non-adjacent phases, in different connections. In the simulations, the five-phase drive is powered from an ideal five-phase voltage source to verify the behavior of losses on the motor in fault conditions. Subsequently, the motor model is powered by a five-phase VSI, while the simulated waveforms are confirmed on a real motor, which is also powered by a five-phase VSI. The investigation results are the detection, which of the stator windings has better properties in the fault-free state and the case of fault states in operation. For which stator windings connection, it is most advantageous to design and dimension a five-phase induction motor.

The popularity of multiphase drives is increasing due to the growing interest in drives with more than three phases. One promising topology is the multiphase matrix converters, which enable the implementation of a single-stage AC/AC power conversion system with bidirectional power flow capability. In this paper, we present the implementation of indirect control for a practical sample of the direct matrix converter. To reduce the overall cost of the control solution for these types of converters, we utilized low-cost FPGA and DSP. The usage of only DSP itself was not possible due to low number of available PWM output needed for 3 × 5 MxC driving. Another reason is commutation, which must be precise and fast to avoid any hazardous states in the converter. Due to these problems, the authors decided to implement an algorithm of a combination of DSP and FPGA, where FPGA is used for time critical operations. The indirect algorithm treats the converter as two separate parts, the rectifier and the inverter, with the DC-LINK being fictitious. The matrix converter is composed of compact modules, and the entire system is verified. The practical verification demonstrates that matrix converters can produce a wide range of output frequencies and achieve input power factor control. Finally, we compare and review the practical model with the simulation model, examining efficiency and other parameters.

This paper discusses a new approach for building a compact all-in-one matrix converter module based on SiC semiconductors arranged in a common source connection. The used transistors are in the D2PAK package. The design of the module is divided into two parts, namely a power module designed at one-layer aluminum substrate printed circuit board (PCB) to ensure good thermal performance and voltage isolation between the module and heatsink. The second board is responsible for the SiC driving and is mounted at the top of the power PCB and consists of metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) drivers, isolated power supplies, a current direction detection circuit, and current value sensors. In the paper, the proper function of the SiC MOSFET drivers, current direction detection, and current measurement sensors were evaluated. Finally, 3D design together with the final prototype is presented. The modules contain three bidirectional cells for interconnection three input voltage sources and one output phase. The uniqueness and novelty of the presented module are the compactness and easy expandability of the module to achieve higher power outputs and multiphase applications such as five phase machines.

The paper presents the practical design and implementation of a three-level neutral point clamped (TNPC) six-phase inverter rated at 100 kVA. The study initiates with prior work review, whereby most research work done earlier was mainly simulation-based. Based on the simulation results, this paper focuses on the practical aspects of inverter design, such as the development of a power board on an Insulated Metal Substrate, a gate driver board, an interconnect board, and the main control board. An inverter physical prototype has been built and tested at 500 V and 20 kW of output power. The SiC semiconductor technology is the base of the inverter, which represents the main merit of the work. Finally, high power density, compact design, and high efficiency are shown, which are major contributions of the paper. Tests performed proved that the designed converter was operating reliably and efficiently. While a simple Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) control algorithm has been implemented, the overall performance of the inverter showed great promise for higher-power applications. Compact and high-efficiency TNPC converters are developed for meeting increasing demands of advanced energy, automotive, and industrial applications.