Load-Commutated Inverters (LCIs) are today one of the main converter topologies used for very-high-power drive applications, although new topologies, based on PWM technology and employing IGBT or IGCT as power switches instead of SCR's, have been recently gaining attractiveness also for increasing power ratings. The paper presents an overview of today's LCI technology and its applications, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the most promising lines of development are drawn along which LCI drive technology is being improved to overcome its major drawbacks and maintain competitiveness with Voltage-Source-Inverter (VSI) based counterparts.
