Enhanced open-circuit fault tolerance in single-phase matrix converter-based boost rectifiers through automated switch selection

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Article ID: 523
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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18686/cest523

Keywords:

single-phase matrix converter; boost rectifier; open-circuit fault; fault diagnosis; automated switch control; fault-tolerant power electronics

Abstract

This study presents an automated switch-selection strategy that enhances the open-circuit fault (OCF) resilience of boost rectifiers based on the Single-Phase Matrix Converter (SPMC) topology. Although OCFs are frequently addressed in the literature, the combined challenge of rapid fault localization, uninterrupted rectification, and accurate current-path reconfiguration in SPMC-based boost stages remains insufficiently resolved. To address this gap, a refined diagnostic framework is developed that integrates output-voltage deviation, inductor-current behaviour, and input-cycle polarity to generate a unique six-bit binary signature for precise identification of faulty semiconductor devices. Following diagnosis, the controller autonomously activates one of four optimized Current Option Routes (CORs) that re-establish a healthy conduction path using only the remaining functional switches. The proposed approach is validated through detailed MATLAB/Simulink modelling. Results show that faults are detected within approximately 10 ms and stable output regulation is restored within nearly 30 ms. Under multiple OCF scenarios, the rectifier maintains continuous power delivery with an output deviation below 5%, while improving voltage-regulation robustness by approximately 8 to 12% compared with the non-tolerant baseline. Quantitative comparisons of inductor-current symmetry, Direct Current (DC)-link voltage ripple, and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) recovery dynamics further confirm that the proposed mechanism significantly enhances converter reliability. Although this study focuses on simulation-based validation, the architecture is designed for straightforward hardware implementation, enabling future extension toward Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based real-time controllers, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted fault prediction, and integration into renewable-energy and electric-vehicle front-end rectifiers. Overall, the findings demonstrate a meaningful improvement to the operational continuity of clean-energy power converters by providing a fast, accurate, and automated OCF-tolerant mechanism.

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Published

2026-04-15

How to Cite

Ahmad, F. R., Muhammad, K. S., & Baharom, R. (2026). Enhanced open-circuit fault tolerance in single-phase matrix converter-based boost rectifiers through automated switch selection. Clean Energy Science and Technology, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.18686/cest523

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Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

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Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Fatimah Rusbiahty Ahmad, Khairul Safuan Muhammad, Rahimi Baharom

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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