A novel low-cost microcontroller-based implementation of SVM algorithm for an indirect matrix converter

ABSTRACT

Modulation algorithms of indirect matrix converters (IMCs) are complicated and need powerful processors, such as DSP along with FPGA or CPLD for implementation. Using any extra hardware increases the cost and complexity and also reduces the reliability of the system. In this paper, a new realization for the space vector modulation (SVM) of the IMC is proposed so that it can be implemented by using a single low-cost 32-bit ARM-based microcontroller chip without any additional hardware. Therefore, due to the elimination of the extra hardware in the proposed method, the compact design in the control part of the system is provided so the reliability of the system is increased. Moreover, the cost of the system can be significantly reduced in low-power applications. This realization is based on using the timer-counter modules and the interrupt routine of the microcontroller. Therefore, the CPU burden is also minimized and the microcontroller can perform other tasks such as calculation of complex control algorithms. This feature can also be valuable in some applications. The experimental results of an IMC connected to the RL and a motor load demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.

KEYWORDS:

• Matrix converter
• indirect matrix converter (IMC) realization
• ARM microcontroller
• space vector modulation (SVM)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ahmad Khajeh

Ahmad Khajeh was born in Zabol, Iran in 1982. He received the B.Eng. degree from Sistan and Baluchestan Universtity, Zahedan, Iran, in 2004, and the M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from Amirkabir University of Technology and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2007 and 2014, all in electrical engineering, respectively. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. His current research interests include power electronics, wind power, adjustable speed drives and photovoltaic system.

Mohamad Hosseini Abardeh

Mohamad Hosseini Abardeh received the B.Eng. degree from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, in 2005, and the M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Tarbiat Modares and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2008 and 2014, all in electrical engineering, respectively. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran. His current research interests include power electronics, wind power, adjustable speed drives and photovoltaic system.

Reza Ghazi

Reza Ghazi (M’90) was born in Semnan, Iran in 1952. He received his B.Sc. degree (with honours) from Tehran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran in 1976. In 1986, he received his M.Sc. degree from Manchester University, Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and the Ph.D. degree in 1989 from the University of Salford UK, all in electrical engineering. Following receipt of the Ph.D degree, he joined the faculty of engineering Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran as an Assistant Professor of electrical engineering. He is now Professor of Electrical Engineering in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His main research interests are reactive power control, FACTS devices, application of power electronic in power systems, distributed generation, restructured power systems control and analysis. He has published over 100 papers in these fields including three books.

Sayed Masoud Barakati

Sayed Masoud Barakati (S’03–M’08–SM’14) received the B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Mashhad University, Mashhad, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran, and University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 1993, 1996, and 2008, respectively. He is presently an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. He had Associate Research position in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (2008–2009) and extended visiting Professor positions at the Universities of Ryerson in Toronto and EcolePolytechnique de Montréal, Canada. His current research interests include power electronic circuits, control systems, renewable energy, FACTS devices, matrix and multilevel converters, and mechatronic systems.

Mahmood Oukati Sadegh

Mahmood Oukati Sadegh was born in 1966 in Zabol, Iran. He received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical power system engineering from Tehran University, Tehran, Iran, in 1989 and 1992, respectively, the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, UK in 2003. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. His research interests are power system control and operation, Electrical distribution system and Smart grid.