Inverter or Power Inverter is an electronic device that inverts Direct Current
or D.C into Alternating Current or A.C. In general, current derives its
identification through two units, namely Voltage and Wattage or Volt-Amperage
(VA). The domestic consumption of current is usually 240 volts. Usually,
batteries with 12 volts are used for converting into higher voltage A.C.
Depending upon the design of the inverter,
the input voltage, output voltage and frequency vary. The output waves have
four categories; Square Wave, Modified Sine wave, Pulsed Sine Wave and Sine
Wave. From commercial utilities point of view manufacturers of inverters manufacture inverters that give output
of either Modified Sine Wave or Sine Wave.
Basically, there are two designs for
generating domestic plug-in voltage from a source of DC of lower voltage. In
the first process, a switching Boost Converter is used for producing higher
voltage of DC which is subsequently converted to AC. In the second process,
first DC is converted to AC at the same voltage of the battery and is then the
required output voltage is created by using a line frequency transformer.
Between the two commercial inverters,
Sine Wave Inverter produces sine
wave that has Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) below 3%. Comparatively, it is
more complex and involves higher cost of production. THD is the ratio of the
sum of powers of all harmonic components to the powers of the fundamental
frequency. It is used for characterizing the linearity of audio systems and the
power quality of electric power systems.
The output of an inverter can be
described as ‘Peak or Surge and Continuous. The former describes the output
that could be delivered for several minutes. Continuous ratings are limited by
the heat required to be removed during its continuous running. Current can be
measured either in wattage or Volt-Ampere or VA.
Inverter with charger is a compact electrical device that combines an inverter, a
battery charger and transfer switch. When there is AC Power, the device
recharges the DC source or the batteries. At the same time, any surplus AC
power is passed through and power downstream AC loads like TV set or microwave
oven. With the disconnection of AC power, the device inverts DC battery into AC
power.
According to the specific need for
application, sine wave inverters are
available in the market in various power ranges and sizes for portability and mobility.
While opting for any particular brand of sine wave inverter, it is very
important to look into the safety features provided such as automatic shutdown
for arresting depletion of batteries and quickness of charging.