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Modular multilevel matrix converter is a type of converter used in medium-voltage ac-ac power conversion. Controlling the energy content of the converter arms is a prerequisite for a proper converter operation, and at the same time a challenging control task. So far, there are several approaches presented in the literature that successfully deal with the challenge. However, almost all of them fail when it comes to the simplicity of implementation, and ease of understanding by control engineers and researchers entering the field. This paper extends the direct arm energy control concept, already introduced for the class of modular multilevel converters, to the modular multilevel matrix converter. Presented control approach is characterized by an intuitive and simple implementation, ability to control the arm energies to arbitrary values, and stable operation under all operating conditions, including grid imbalances. Validity of the control concept was demonstrated using an in-house-developed hardware-in-the-loop simulator of the modular multilevel matrix converter, with control algorithms being deployed to the industrial-grade controller.INDEX TERMS Modular multilevel converter, modular multilevel matrix converter, energy control, hardware-in-the-loop, ac-ac power conversion.

Hardware-in-the-loop systems are an essential tool to verify controllers and deployed control algorithms in a risk-free environment. The inaccessibility of the converters used in applications such as pumped hydro storage power plants due to their high ratings, require the development of a hardware-in-the-loop platform to perform the validation of the deployed control structures and algorithms. This paper presents the modeling and splitting of the model of the matrix modular multilevel converter to allow the usage of small-scale simulators, such as the RT Boxes, to deal with the complex system exceeding capabilities of a single unit. To achieve an acceptable simulation step-size, this paper demonstrates the splitting of the model into multiple independent instances using the concept of virtual capacitance implementation. The verification of the proposed concept is done on a hardware-in-the-loop system compromising ten RT Boxes, where the physical model of the matrix modular multilevel converter is deployed, and control algorithms are implemented on the ABB PEC800 industrial controllers.