Low switching loss matrix converter

In this paper, a low switching loss bidirectional switch set is proposed for a matrix converter. The proposed switch is able to turn on at zero current and turn off at zero voltage to achieve almost zero loss and soft switching. Hence, a simple hysteretic current control can now be applied directly to the matrix converter without adding any additional snubber circuit and worrying about the short circuit problem. Also, hardware implementation of the matrix converter becomes very simple, and efficiency of the converter can be greatly increased without sacrificing its dynamic performance. Finally, some experimental results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed converter.