An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current into alternating current. They do not produce any power. The power is produced by the DC source and inverters convert that into AC.
Inverters come into use when there is high electrical power present. Power inverters play an important role in preventing most of our electrical home appliances from sudden power breaks. They are generally incorporated in the appliances to achieve longer run-time.
Can you add an inverter to a generator?
Inverters can be added to your generator as a backup in case there is a power cut. When there is an electrical cut in the main power supply, the inverter can play an important role in the safety of your generator.
The use of inverters in the generators can reduce the load. It helps to maintain the workflow when there is a sudden electricity breakdown, and the generator takes some time to start. Here an inverter will protect the power and make it available for a prolonged time.
How can you run an inverter on a generator?
The use of an inverter on a generator is a useful experience for everyone. It prevents the generator and other electrical appliances from being damaged when the mains power supply fails.
In such electricity shortage conditions, there is a short period until your generator is ready for the load. The short gap when the power supply from the generator is weak as compared to the main supply results in derating the performance of the generator significantly.
To avoid circumstances such as these, inverters are used. The use of an inverter can reduce the load on the generator. It does so by running a centrifugal pump or slowing the fan.
By doing this less diesel will be required if you are using a diesel-powered generator. Moreover, the size of the generator could potentially be reduced as the load is reduced.
How does an inverter generator work?
Invertor generator has slightly more complicated working as compared to traditional portable generators. The working, structure, and components vary a little bit from other generators.
The working mechanism is different from conventional portable generators because there are more parts involved in delivering the final electrical output. The inverter generators also possess a battery, alternator, and inverter, which makes them unique and different. There are two main steps involved:
- The power from the engine is a high-frequency AC which is then converted into DC by the alternator.
- That DC is then converted back into AC by the inverter.
The inverter generators are said to produce ‘clean electricity’ mainly because the frequency of the inverter generators is high that giving more electrical energy.
The level of electricity produced by inverter generators is comparable to the quality of electricity that you receive from the mains electrical supplier. Also, the better control over the electrical output makes the inverter generators quite energy efficient.
What are the major differences between an Inverter Generator and a Conventional Generator?
The conventional portable generators are different in working, design, and technical specifications from the inverter generators.
The inverter generators are better to use in terms of safety. Also, they are easy to carry as compared to large-sized portable generators.
Some of the key differences between the inverter generator and conventional portable generators are given below:
- Type of Current produced
The major difference that lies between an inverter generator and a conventional portable generator is the type of current produced.
The production of electricity occurs in three different phases in an inverter generator. This includes high-frequency AC to DC back to a stable AC. However, in conventional generators, only AC is produced.
The inverter generator is considered a safe energy source for devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, etc.
Whereas portable generators have a harmonic distortion, that’s why they are not considered as a safe electricity source. The microprocessors of the generator can be damaged by this type of current.
- Variation in power and fuel efficiency
Both types of generators vary in power and fuel efficiency. In terms of power, conventional generators can produce more power than inverter generators.
The amount of electricity production has to do with various factors mainly including the size of the fuel tank. The engine of inverter generators adjusts the load automatically making it more energy-efficient, while conventional generators lack this ability.
- Amount of noise produced
This is among the most important feature to consider while buying a generator. Conventional portable generators are well-known for the noise that they make.
The mechanics of conventional generators make them noisy. Although noise-minimizing efforts have been done, this issue is still not resolved.
In comparison, the technology used by inverter generators is better that makes them run quieter. Many inverter generators produce around 54 – 58 decibels of noise. This is far quieter than most conventional generators which tend to produce 64 decibels or more.
Related questions
Is an inverter necessary for a generator?
Conventional portable generators have many beneficial features, but the energy-efficient feature of an inverter generator makes it necessary. The invertor saves the generator from being damaged by sudden electrical shortage.
Can you run sensitive electronics on a generator?
It is safe to use generators for sensitive electronics because it ensures that the power does not surge through the circuits. These sensitive electronics include your computer, cell phone, television, and microwave, etc.
Conclusion
Till now, you are aware of the importance of adding an inverter to a generator. An inverter makes the generator more energy-efficient and secure towards sudden breakdown.