ABSTRACT
An alternative to indirect power converters is the direct power converter such as a cycloconverter or a forced-commutated cycloconverter (FCC). Since both of these converters perform true direct ac/ac power conversion, they need no intermediate power converting process. Cycloconverters, using thyristors, are typically utilized for power applications in the megawatt-range. However, the inability of the thyristors to control turn off limits the output frequency to half the input frequency.
