Which devices are used by converter stations to convert AC to DC?

Converter stations utilize specialized devices to transform alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and thyristor semiconductor devices play a crucial role in this process. Thyristors are a type of semiconductor that can control large amounts of power, making them ideal for applications requiring the conversion of AC to DC. They function by allowing current to flow in one direction when triggered by a gate signal, thus enabling precise control over the power conversion process.

In the context of converter stations, thyristors are part of a system known as a converter bridge, which effectively rectifies AC voltage to DC voltage. This ability to handle high voltage and current levels makes them vital components in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, which are increasingly used for long-distance power transmission.

Other devices mentioned in the options have distinct functions. Transistors, while also semiconductor devices, are generally used for switching and amplification in lower power applications. Capacitors store and filter electrical energy but do not perform AC to DC conversion. Inductors are used to store energy in a magnetic field and can influence current flow but are not responsible for the conversion process. Each of these components plays an important role in electrical systems but does not serve the same purpose as thyristors in the