There is provided a method of generating a control strategy based on at least three switching states of a matrix converter. The at least three switching states are selected based on at least a predicted output current, associated with each switching state, and a desired output current. In particular, mathematical transformations of a desired output current as well as output currents associated with each of a plurality of switching states are used to identify appropriate switching states.

Aspects of the invention overcome a monolithic approach to conventional low-frequency LPTs by using a high-frequency solid-state alternating current ac/ac modular power-conversion approach. Embodiments of the invention enable the ability to incorporate new technologies without in all cases redoing a LPT design from scratch. Furthermore, given that LPTs are for the long term, aspects of the invention ensure that they are durable, efficient, and fault tolerant with overloading capability.

Aspects of the invention overcome a monolithic approach to conventional low-frequency LPTs by using a high-frequency solid-state alternating current ac/ac modular power-conversion approach. Embodiments of the invention enable the ability to incorporate new technologies without in all cases redoing a LPT design from scratch. Furthermore, given that LPTs are for the long term, aspects of the invention ensure that they are durable, efficient, and fault tolerant with overloading capability.

An apparatus according to an embodiment includes an upper and lower arm connected between a high and a low potential end; a first capacitor connected at one end to the high potential end; a second capacitor connected at one end to the low potential end; a first regenerative rectifier circuit connected to another end of the first capacitor; a second regenerative rectifier circuit connected to another end of the second capacitor; a first conversion circuit to cause energy stored in the first capacitor to be discharged; and a second conversion circuit to cause energy stored in the second capacitor to be discharged.

A switched-mode neutral forming device is provided herein and comprises one or more windings coupled to (i) a plurality of line terminals via a plurality of switches and (ii) a neutral terminal, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is a native four quadrant bi-directional switch and a controller, coupled to the plurality of switches, for driving the switches at a frequency orders or magnitude greater than an AC mains frequency.

A switched-mode neutral forming device is provided herein and comprises one or more windings coupled to (i) a plurality of line terminals via a plurality of switches and (ii) a neutral terminal, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is a native four quadrant bi-directional switch and a controller, coupled to the plurality of switches, for driving the switches at a frequency orders or magnitude greater than an AC mains frequency.

An apparatus includes a DC-to-AC converter comprising a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The apparatus also includes a DC-to-DC converter comprising a third output. The DC-to-AC converter is configured to receive a DC input voltage from a DC power source, and to produce a first alternating output voltage at the first output terminal, and a second alternating output voltage at the second output terminal. The DC-to-DC converter is configured receive a DC input voltage from the DC power source, and to step down the DC input voltage at the third output.

An apparatus includes a DC-to-AC converter comprising a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The apparatus also includes a DC-to-DC converter comprising a third output. The DC-to-AC converter is configured to receive a DC input voltage from a DC power source, and to produce a first alternating output voltage at the first output terminal, and a second alternating output voltage at the second output terminal. The DC-to-DC converter is configured receive a DC input voltage from the DC power source, and to step down the DC input voltage at the third output.

A matrix converter includes one or more current sensors structured to sense current flowing through the matrix converter, a matrix of switches including a number of solid state transistors, and a control circuit structured to detect faults in power flowing through the matrix converter based on the sensed current, to control the matrix of switches to drive an external device, and to control the matrix of switches to switch to prevent power from flowing internal to the matrix converter, or external to the external device in response to detecting a fault in power flowing through the matrix converter.

A matrix converter includes one or more current sensors structured to sense current flowing through the matrix converter, a matrix of switches including a number of solid state transistors, and a control circuit structured to detect faults in power flowing through the matrix converter based on the sensed current, to control the matrix of switches to drive an external device, and to control the matrix of switches to switch to prevent power from flowing internal to the matrix converter, or external to the external device in response to detecting a fault in power flowing through the matrix converter.