Application of the matrix converter to power flow control

Advanced power electronic converters can provide the means to control power flow and ensure proper and secure operation of the future power grid. The small electrical energy sources dispersed in electrical power systems referred to as distributed generation are one of the most significant parts of future grids - Smart Grids. The threephase, direct matrix converter is an alternative solution to the conventional AC-DC-AC converter for interfacing two AC systems in distributed power generation with different voltage and/or frequency parameters. This paper presents a control analysis of a threephase matrix converter employed as a power interface of future electrical grids. The proposed system has been successfully tested for bidirectional power flow operation with different grid operating conditions, such as, frequency and voltage variation.