Model predictive control of a capacitor-less VAR compensator based on a matrix converter

This paper presents a reactive power compensation technique using model predictive control (MPC) of a matrix converter. This technique compensates lagging power factor loads using inductive energy storage elements instead of electrolytic capacitors (e-caps). Although ubiquitous in power electronic converters, e-caps have well-known failure modes and wear-out mechanisms. Therefore, the capacitors used to store energy in a voltage-sourced inverter (VSI) reactive power compensator require continuous monitoring and periodic replacement, both of which significantly increase the cost of the traditional load compensation technique. MPC of the matrix converter provides reactive power compensation by controlling the input reactive power and the output current to the inductive storage elements. Thus, compared to VSI techniques, the proposed reactive power compensation technique is more reliable and has a longer expected service life that is not limited by failure and wear-out modes of capacitors.