Active AC-link power converter

A method of converting DC power to AC power using a power converter that includes an output converter having a 3-phase or higher output, an inductor coupled to the output converter, and a switch device coupled to the inductor, and an active clamping circuit coupled in parallel with the inductor, the method comprising;

• controlling the switch device so as to charge the inductor via a DC input during a first stage of a switching cycle of the switch device;
• discharging the inductor to a load coupled to the 3-phase or higher output via the output converter during a second stage of the switching cycle, the output converter comprising a phase leg for each phase of the 3-phase or higher output, each phase leg comprising a first thyristor device connected in series with a second thyristor device, each phase of the 3-phase or higher output originating between the first thyristor device and the second thyristor device of the corresponding phase leg;
• ensuring the inductor is fully discharged to the load before beginning another switching cycle;
• and
• freewheeling current in the inductor after the first stage of the switching cycle ends and before any of the thyristor devices begin conducting during the second stage of the switching cycle.