Single Phase Utility Frequency AC-High Frequency AC Matrix Converter Using One-Chip Reverse Blocking IGBTs based Bidirectional Switches

This paper presents a novel type soft switching PWM power frequency AC-AC converter using bidirectional active switches or single phase utility frequency AC-high frequency AC matrix converter. This converter can directly convert utility frequency AC (UFAC, 50Hz/60Hz) power to high frequency AC (HFAC) power ranging more than 20kHz up to 100kHz. A novel soft switching PWM prototype of high frequency multi-resonant PWM controlled UFAC-HFAC matrix converter using antiparallel one-chip reverse blocking IGBTs manufactured by IXYS corp. is based on the soft switching resonance with asymmetrical duty cycle PWM strategy. This single phase UFAC-HFAC matrix converter has some remarkable features as electrolytic capacitor DC busline linkless topology, unity power factor correction and sine-wave line current shaping, simple configuration with minimum circuit components, high efficiency and downsizing. This series load resonant UFAC-HFAC matrix converter, incorporating bidirectional active power switches is developed and implemented for high efficiency consumer induction heated food cooking appliances in home uses and business-uses. Its operating performances as soft switching operating ranges and high frequency effective power regulation characteristics are illustrated and discussed on the basis of simulation and experimental results.