The objective of this thesis is to investigate the use of the Auxiliary Resonant Commutated Pole Converter (ARCP) as a DC-to-AC power converter. The advantages and disadvantages of resonant converters over non- resonant, or hard-switched converters, are investigated. Basic ARCP circuit operation is modeled, with emphasis placed on examining the commutation between high and low voltage states. Detailed ARCP converter operation is modeled in software and compared to a software model of a hard-switched converter. Comparisons are made using total harmonic distortion calculations, to establish the reliability of using the hard-switched model to perform control synthesis for the ARCP. Several control algorithms are tested through simulation and the results analyzed. The advantages of performing control in the synchronous vice stationary reference frame are shown. Testing on a reduced-scale circuit model using a digital signal processing system (dSPACE) to implement control algorithms is used to validate the control algorithm simulations. A new method of waveform modulation, Space Vector Control, is introduced and compared with conventional methods. Finally the operation of a prototype ARCP unit is discussed, and recommendations for improvements in future designs are presented.
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