T32.6 - Surge Voltage Stress and Modulation Techniques in Variable Frequency Drives: A Comparative Study of Matrix Converter and Two-Level VSI Topologies

This paper investigates the surge voltage stress generated by the Direct Matrix Converter and the two-Level Voltage Source Inverter Back-to-Back drive for the low voltage Variable Frequency Drive in grid tied applications. A method for the comparison of different VFD topologies is developed based on power module Double Pulse Testing characterization. The topological advantage of the MC with respect to the dv/dt stress provided to the motor windings is assessed and different modulation techniques are evaluated.