The impact of semiconductor devices on electrical power engineering

The differences in approach between power engineering and electronic engineering are briefly outlined and the role of semiconductor devices in place of those based on the mercury-arc is discussed. Applications of the diode and thyristor to d.c. and a.c. machines are described together with the use of thyristors in high voltage d.c. power transmission. The importance of careful integration of semiconductor devices with the associated machines in any proposed scheme is emphasised.