Patent ID: 7084524
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: H02M

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a matrix converter and at least one generator having windings, the method comprising: operating the matrix converter in a normal mode to convert m phases of a generator into alternating voltage with n phases of a load connected to a network, wherein n<m, the matrix converter alternatingly connecting the n phases of the load using a plurality of controllable bi-directional switches arranged in an (m×n) matrix, wherein n phases of the generator are always connected with the load and (m−n) phases of the generator are not connected with the load; switching the matrix converter to a cycloconverter mode using a plurality of further switches disposed on the windings; and operating the matrix converter in the cycloconverter mode using power available from the network, m phases of the generator being grouped in corresponding subgroups in the cycloconverter mode using the plurality of further switches, wherein the further switches allow a floating ground of the windings to be connected during operation of the matrix converter in the normal mode and allow the floating ground to be disconnected into disconnected subgroups.