What is an inverter?
An inverter is an electric apparatus that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). It is not the same thing as an alternator, which converts mechanical energy (e.g. movement) into alternating current.
Direct current is created by devices such as batteries and solar panels. When connected, an inverter allows these devices to provide electric power for small household devices. The inverter does this through a complex process of electrical adjustment. From this process, AC electric power is produced. This form of electricity can be used to power an electric light, a microwave oven, or some other electric machine.
An inverter usually also increases the voltage. In order to increase the voltage, the current must be decreased, so an inverter will use a lot of current on the DC side when only a small amount is being used on the AC side.
Inverters are made in many different sizes. They can be as small as 150 watts, or as large as 1 megawatt (1 million watts).
TYPES OF INVERTERS [few]
1] An inverter compressor is a compressor that is operated with an inverter.
In the hermetic type, it can either be a scroll or reciprocating compressor. This type of compressor uses a drive to control the compressor motor speed to modulate cooling capacity. Capacity modulation is a way to match cooling capacity to cooling demand to application requirements.
2] A power inverter, or inverter, is an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).[1]
The input voltage, output voltage and frequency, and overall power handling depend on the design of the specific device or circuitry. The inverter does not produce any power; the power is provided by the DC source.
A power inverter can be entirely electronic or may be a combination of mechanical effects (such as a rotary apparatus) and electronic circuitry. Static inverters do not use moving parts in the conversion process.
3] A CCFL inverter is an electrical inverter that supplies alternating current power to a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). CCFLs are often used as inexpensive light units in electrical devices that are powered by direct current sources such as batteries. CCFL inverters are small, have switchover efficiency over 80%, and offer adjustable output of light. They are widely used for backlights for LCDs, or for rear lighting in advertising signs.
4] A solar inverter, or PV inverter, or Solar converter, converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV)solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical BOS–component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. Solar inverters have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.
1] ADVANTAGES OF AN INVERTER
1] It provides quality power output
2] It is lighter and smaller in size, and hence can be easily transported
3] It gives better fuel efficiency by adapting the engine speed to produce the needed power
4] Its noise-free in functioning when compared to traditional generators
5] Requires less maintenance
WHAT IS A GENERATOR?
a generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in an external circuit. The source of mechanical energy may vary widely from a hand crank to an internal. Generators provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically driven to generate electricity and frequently make acceptable generators.
TYPES OF GENERATORS
There are many types of Generators available on the market. Generators are divided usually by the types of the fuel they use. There are petrol generators, diesel generators, gasoline generators, natural gas generators and some others. Petrol generators, as is obvious from the name, use petrol as fuel to generate energy while diesel generators and gasoline generators use diesel and gasoline respectively. You have to be careful about the fuel or type of generator when you purchase them and you should keep in mind whether or not the fuel is easily available and accessible to you.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A GENERATOR
Advantages and disadvantages of generators are also dependent on the fuel they use and how they function or operate. A Petrol generator is the most efficient generator that provides you the best quality performance. But it is costly when it comes to operating costs.
They produce less noise and emit lesser smoke and dangerous gases. Diesel generators are good but you will have to compromise if you want them in your home. It is because they usually make the most noise and they also produce too much smoke. That is why they are not good for human health, especially if used indoors. They are more often used in industrial buildings as home owners would prefer petrol generators. Again Petrol generators use more fuel but they also provide you best performance. However saying that Diesel generators are the most efficient generators as they use less fuel and produce more energy.
What else you should know is the storage life of the fuel used by your generators. Diesel and gasoline are the safest fuels as they are not flammable. Keeping a stock of petrol may be very dangerous as it is highly flammable. You need to be very careful if you want to store it for some time. The storage life of petrol is less than diesel. Knowing these facts will help you make the right choice regarding generators.