Single Phase Utility Frequency AC-High Frequency AC Matrix Converter with Bidirectional Switches for Home-Use Induction Heating Applications

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 onechip 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 sinewave 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.