Cyclo converters definition,types and applications

                          
                                             CYCLOCONVERTERS

• Cycloconverters are basically AC to AC power converters. They convert constant voltage AC power to adjustable voltage, adjustable frequency AC power without any intermediate DC link.

• The cycloconverter is defined as a frequency changer that converts ac power at one input frequency to output power at a different frequency with a one-stage conversion process.

Types of cycloconverters:

• Step Up cycloconverter :- These types use natural commutation and give an output at higher frequency than that of the input.

• Step Down cycloconverter :- This type uses forced commutation and results in an output with a frequency lower than that of the input.

Cycloconverters are further classified into three categories,

• Single phase to single-phase :- This type of cycloconverter has two full wave converters connected back to back. If one converter is operating the other one is disabled, no current passes through it.

• Three-phase to single-phase :- This cycloconverter operates in four quadrants that is (+V, +I) and (−V, −I) being the rectification modes and (+V, −I) and (−V, +I) being the inversion modes.

• Three-phase to three-phase :-This type of cycloconverter is majorly used in AC machine systems that are operating on three phase induction and synchronous machines.

Applications:

• HVDC transmission systems
• Static Var Generation
• Aircraft or shipboard power supplies
• Speed control of high power AC drives