Using STEVAL-IPM15B as both inverter and rectifier

[AbuKhlood]

We are students that are trying to make a multi frequency power system interconnection model with a dc link similar to real life back to back hvdc, and we need a converter that supports bidirectional power transfer, is it possible for STEVAL-IPM15B to act as an inverter, then switch to rectifier in case of need for reverse power flow? Making it bidirectional AC<->DC, transferring from AC to DC and vice versa

[Peter BENSCH]

Welcome @AbuKhlood, to the community!

Well, theoretically, one could consider implementing such a scenario. However, the question arises as to whether it is worth the effort. It is probably easier to design such a bidirectional converter from scratch, because you don't have to worry about incompatible functional parts and can tailor it exactly to your requirements.

Regards
/Peter

[AbuKhlood]

Thanks Peter for the reply! But can you clarify what is meant by "incompatible functional parts"? and how exactly would they be incompatible? As for our project requirements, we mainly want to demonstrate stable and synchronized bidirectional power transfer between the two systems while being fairly flexible with our inputs and outputs to be as compatible as possible with pre-built power modules that also have safety features and lots of reference material, thus simplifying building and testing the project, since we almost have zero experience in designing and building converters from scratch, aside from simple half-bridge inverters. That's the main reason we chose this STEVAL converter.

[Peter BENSCH]

First of all, the STEVAL-IPM15B is a motor driver that controls three-phase motors with high-side and low-side IGBTs. If you want to not only drive a motor but also recover energy in reverse operation, this might be possible with additional rectifiers, but this is not the intention of this motor driver.

If you look at examples of bidirectional inverters, e.g. STDES-PFCBIDIR or STDES-DABBIDIR, you will notice the difference (even if these examples are aimed at a significantly higher power class).

Regards
/Peter