A Triple-cycloconverter-based Soft-start Control Strategy

Objective: The use of multiple-stage cycloconverters is suitable for variable-frequency speed control of high-voltage, large-capacity motors, for which it is sometimes necessary to establish separate controls for variable-frequency operation and the start-up phase. This approach effectively limits the starting current of the large-capacity motor by switching the phase relationship of the triple circuit’s output voltages to control the overall output voltage. Methods: We analyze a triple circuit using voltage vector analysis and simulation analysis with MATLAB modeling. Results: We find that our triple soft-start control strategy can be applied to large-capacity motors, as this strategy results in a pure sine wave output voltage and current, and maintains balance in the three-phase voltage during startup. Conclusion: In order to further decrease these types of effects, we will conduct more research on a cycloconverter that has six stages of the converter circuit, rather than the three stages mentioned before. Furthermore, the sextuple cycloconverter, which can be used to practically drive high capacity pumps or fans, will be developed by combining the “phase hopping” method and the soft-start method mentioned in this paper.