Differential evolution-based pulse-width modulation technique for multiphase MC

This paper addresses multiphase matrix converter (MPMCs) modulated with Venturini's classical scalar approach. The solution to obtain time-varying modulation functions was limited to 3 × 3 configuration, which was later extended to 3 × n configuration. The equations had four constants that were common to all modulation functions; out of which two were defined arbitrarily and other two were found analytically by reducing the equation to a two-variable optimisation problem. However, in this work, an attempt is made to provide flexibility in finding other solutions by taking all the constants as variables. Thus, Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is adopted in the proposed modulation approach to solve the complex equations thus obtained. Another aim is to find the solution for the MPMC, where inputs are more than three. It is found that the optimal solutions exist only for 3 × n configuration and are in close approximation with the results of analytical approach. Other solutions were found for certain input and output frequencies and voltage transfer ratios whose results are discussed. It is also found that the solution does not exist for configurations with input phases are other than three. The discussion is supported by simulation and experimental results on a 3 × 7 matrix converter at various values of voltage transfer ratios and input/output frequencies.