ABSTRACT
Static frequency changers find applications in alternating current (AC) motor drives and, thus, in the automotive industry, which is moving towards more electric vehicles. AC-to-AC conversion can be indirect or direct depending on whether or not the process includes an intermediate direct current (DC) stage. This chapter explains AC/AC converter refers to a static frequency changer mainly made up of semiconductor switches, which is used to convert the AC power at a given frequency to the AC power at a desired frequency. It provides the reader with the established AC/AC converter topologies and their potentials in the automotive industry, especially with regard to hybrid electric vehicles. The chapter introduces different established AC/AC converter topologies together with their advantages, disadvantages, and restrictions. AC/AC converter topologies fall under two major categories, indirect and direct. Indirect or DC-link AC/AC converters are composed of two back-to-back voltage- or current-source converters, connected via a DC-link capacitor or reactor.
