A power conversion apparatus includes: matrix converter circuitry configured to perform bidirectional power conversion between a primary side and a secondary side; and control circuitry configured to: select a first control mode in response to determining that a command-primary frequency difference between a command frequency and a primary side frequency of the matrix converter circuitry is above a predetermined threshold, wherein the first control mode includes causing a secondary side frequency of the matrix converter circuitry to follow the command frequency; select a second control mode in response to determining that the command-primary frequency difference is below the threshold, wherein the second control mode includes maintaining a primary-secondary phase difference between a secondary side phase and a primary side phase of the matrix converter circuitry within a predetermined target range; and control the matrix converter circuitry in accordance with a selection of the first control mode or the second control mode.