I don't think that's actually true. To do AC to AC conversion at grid frequencies normally requires large inefficient transformers. A PC power supply is an example of a switch mode power supply. Basically what happens is: AC mains -> DC (at mains voltage) -> AC (high frequency, mains voltage) -> transformer -> AC (low voltage, still high frequency) -> DC (low voltage). Why do all this? Because doing the voltage conversion at grid frequency would need a much bigger transformer. They could just do the voltage conversion at grid frequency and only have to rectify once with no conversion back to ac, but it's actually less efficient and requires more expensive hardware. So actually DC to DC conversion is more efficient, even if it means using high frequency AC in the middle. Not all switch mode supplies use this AC trick, though they do all involve switching current. buck and boost converters are used in smartphones, laptops, motherboards don't have any transformer and are incredibly compact and efficient.The fact that many many things also need DC would be a bonus. Recitifying single phase AC at low frequency is not the most efficient thing in the world. Three phase is better, but having straight DC and only needing to change voltage would probably be best.