Power conversion

Power conversion is the process of converting power from one form into another. This could include electromechanical or electrochemical processes.

In electrical engineering, power conversion has a more specific meaning, namely converting electric power from one form to another. This could be as simple as a transformer to change the voltage of AC power, but also includes far more complex systems. Power conversion systems often incorporate redundancy and voltage regulation.

Typical types of conversion include:

• DC to DC
• AC to DC (power supply)
  • Rectifier
  • Switched-mode power supply
• DC to AC (inverter)
• AC to AC
  • Transformer/autotransformer
  • Voltage regulator
• Voltage to current (current source)

Certain specialized circuits, such as the flyback transformer for a CRT, can also be considered power converters.

See also: Power conversion, Alternating current, Autotransformer, Cathode ray tube, Current (electricity), Current source, DC to DC converter, Electric power, Electrical engineering, Electrochemistry