This paper presents the Direct Power Control of

Three-Phase Matrix Converters (DPC-MC) operating as Unified

Power Flow Controllers (UPFC). Since matrix converters allow

direct AC/AC power conversion without intermediate energy

storage link, the resulting UPFC has reduced volume and cost,

together with higher reliability. Theoretical principles of DPCMC

method are established based on an UPFC model, together

with a new direct power control approach based on sliding mode

control techniques. As a result, active and reactive power can be

directly controlled by selection of an appropriate switching state

of matrix converter. This new direct power control approach

associated to matrix converters technology guarantees

decoupled active and reactive power control, zero error

tracking, fast response times and timely control actions.

Simulation results show good performance of the proposed

system.