What Is an Inverter Generator
An inverter generator is a generator that can power your smart devices and some powerful sensitive electronics gadgets. Like laptops, Televisions, and medical products. You don’t have to show any concern because no harm will come to them.
This generator produces AC power at a high frequency. It converts the high voltage power source into DC voltage. Then converts the DC voltage back to a steady and clean flow of AC power. This is a perfect definition of what is an inverter generator.
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Simply saying, an inverter generator is a generator that can power your smart devices and some powerful sensitive electronics gadgets.
They can produce stable and clean energy when compared to conventional generators. They are smaller than conventional generators, and they can be easily carried about with efficiency. Some inverters also run on fossil fuel, but be rest assured of maximum fuel efficiency. For the delivery of the final electrical output power, more mechanical parts are involved. They make use of fossil fuel in addition to a battery inverter and an alternator for their power. The inverter generator consists of some mechanical parts that are slightly more complex than the conventional type. The output of the inverter generator is still 120 Volts. And a frequency of 60 Hertz but is more clean and stable.
Working principle of an Inverter generator
An inverter makes use of a lightweight digital electronic alternator which is known as an alternator.
This generator produces AC power at a high frequency. It converts the high voltage power source into DC voltage. Then converts the DC voltage back to a steady and clean flow of AC power. This AC power is known as a pure, clean, and stable sine wave delivery. It gets this by using the state of art circuitry. The inverter generator mechanics control the AC frequency with much efficiency, thereby producing a very stable sine wave. The AC power you get from the inverter generator is very pure just like the one from the main power. Therefore, it is reliable. Even it is quieter than the conventional generators, and they are more portable.
The greater control that the mechanics of an inverter generator over the power output accounts for its energy efficiency. It can adjust its speed to meet up with the applied load and still maintain its efficiency.
What makes an Inverter Generator the Best Choice?
High clean and stable power
One of the special abilities of an inverter is its ability to produce a pure and stable AC power supply. It gives clean power and is free from high voltages that might cause damage to sensitive devices. And you can put your trust in them to give you the needed power to power your equipment. Even on the road. The power produced is clean and stable because of its less harmonic distortion. And the quality of electricity you get is comparable to the one you get from the main electricity supply.
Design
This is another advantage that the inverter generator has over the conventional generator. It is being designed to fit any type of outdoor activity, such as camping, 4WD touring, and so on. It is very light in weight and compact. And they are not big at all, almost half the size of a normal generator.
Fuel Efficiency
With an inverter generator, you get a longer and more continuous running time. And you won’t have to be refueling often saving you the cost of buying fuel.
When compared to conventional generators, inverter generators have a greater fuel efficiency. They achieve the effect by adjusting to the proportion of the load. The speed of the generator engine swiftly and automatically is directly proportional to the applied load. This means that the generator can produce a 240V supply and still maximize fuel efficiency.
Clear Differences between Inverter Generator and Conventional Generator
Current
The current produced in the conventional generator is only AC electricity. While the inverter generator on the other hand is of 3 phases, it produces a high-frequency AC. It then converts the AC to a DC and back to an AC which is more stable and clean. And this pure and stable current is compared to a supply from the main electrical power source. The sine wave produces is very stable, this is because the distortion to the harmonic is very minimal. These characteristics make the inverter generator unique and are considered a clean source. And it is safer to power your appliances with it.
The conventional generator on the other hand has a more distorted harmonic, therefore, its sine wave is not stable. So it can damage some appliances with more sensitivity, appliances having a microprocessor when powered by it. But it is still suitable for powering some appliances with less sensitivity.
Power and fuel efficiency
Some factors like the size of the fuel tank and the mechanical difference in electrical production. They make the conventional generator produce more power than the inverter generator. But the inverter Generators are more energy-efficient than the conventional generator. This is due to how the final AC power is produced. The speed of the engine if the inverter generator will balance with the applied load. The conventional generator cannot do this. This makes the inverter generator to be more fuel-efficient and runs smoothly for a convenient time. So it does not need a bigger tank. The conventional generator on the other hand needs a big fuel tank as they are not fuel-efficient. But this makes them produce more power output.
Noise
It is known generally that the conventional generator makes noise. This noise is a result of its mechanical parts. So with all efforts to minimize its noise, it remains noisy.
Contrarily, an inverter generator is designed technically in a way that makes them run quieter. The speed of the inverter is 3600 rpm and is steady. This helps to get rid of the excess noise. The most conventional generator produces around 64 decibels. While that of many inverter generators is around 54 to 58 decibels of noise.
Parallel connections
You can connect two separate inverter generators of the same model in parallel. This is to make up for the lower output when compared to the conventional generator. When you connect the inverter generators in parallel, they provide output power that is doubled.
Emissions
Most conventional generators produce emissions that add to the greenhouse effect. But each state has its regulations concerning greenhouse gas emissions. So in some states with strict regulations, using some conventional generators especially outdoor might not be possible. So inverter generator is the best choice in this kind is the situation. Inverted generators produce less greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional generators. So you will find it easier to get an Inverter generator that will fit any regulations whatsoever.
Things to Know Before Getting an Inverter Generator
It is important to get to know some things before you get an Inverter generator such as;
Price
You need to check your budget before going for an Inverter generator. This is because they are costly when compared to the convention generator. So get to know its cost first. But it is the right generator and with the additional features. It is worth the price.
Maximum Power
The power capacity of most inverter generators is around 1000 to 4000 watts. So when getting an inverter generator, know that its power is not as much as the conventional type. But thanks to its parallel connection, you can connect two separate inverter generators if the same power. By doing this, you have doubled the power output.
Conclusion
Finally, an Inverter generator is the best choice when it comes to outdoor activities and you need electricity. It does not provide much power. But it will provide you with the suitable power you need to keep your appliances working. It is quieter, and you don’t need to worry about noise disturbance. Also, it is lightweight, more fuel-efficient, are safe for sensitive electrical devices. And you don’t have to worry about any environmental regulations because the inverter generators are generally more environmentally friendly. I hope this article has given you some insight into what is an inverter generator. And it has pointed out some major advantages and disadvantages of an inverter generator.
