Have you already tried the regular inverters and still can not find the device that can fulfil your needs? If your power requirements are more than those of regular households or commercial areas, then it’s not the regular inverter that is at fault.
It’s the lack of right suggestions!
The high-capacity inverters are the ones that you need. They can deliver high power output and offer you an unhindered electric supply in scenarios of power outages. If you are new to the term or exploring its relevancy for you, we have the answers. Let us help you understand.
What is a High-Capacity Inverter?
An inverter is a device that converts DC electricity (generated by a solar panel or stored in a battery) into a usable form of energy, which is AC. While the regular inverter can offer output enough to power general electricity requirements, the high-capacity inverters are designed to provide larger output.
It can handle heavy electrical loads and is used in applications with high power consumption. Commonly used appliances that high-capacity inverters can power include:
Residential areas: Washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators
Commercial areas: Solar systems, wind turbines, and heavy-duty machinery
These inverters work in combination with larger battery banks to provide longer backup during power outages.
Comparing Regular Inverter and High-Capacity Inverter
Let us clarify the difference with a comparison table:
| Factors | Regular Inverter | High-Capacity Inverter |
| Load capacity | Low to moderate power needs | High power needs |
| Supported appliances | Lights, fans and TV | AC, refrigerator and pumps |
| Backup duration | Short to moderate | Longer duration |
| Power output stability | Enough for normal residential uses | Stable for sensitive or heavy-duty equipments |
| Space requirement | Compact | Requires a large space |
| Maintenance | Comparatively easier with low cost requirements | Requires professional expertise |
How to Calculate Inverter Capacity?
The inverter capacity calculation requires finding the backup time of the battery. It involves using the following formula:
Backup time (in hours) = Battery capacity (Ampere hours) * Battery voltage/ Total load (in watts)
Let us understand this with an example.
Battery capacity = 100 Ah
Operating voltage = 12 V
Total load on battery = 200 Watts
Backup time = 6 hours (approximately)
Besides the factors mentioned in the formula, the inverter efficiency also influences the battery backup time.
Types of Power Inverters
The power inverters can be classified based on output, source, type of load, PWM technique and number of output levels. Here are the insights into different types of power inverters:
Based on the Output Characteristic
Square Wave Inverter: Producing a square waveform, these inverters are simple in operation and the cheapest in cost. They produce noise during operation and are not suitable for sensitive electronic devices. These are better options for running only simple loads like basic lighting or fans.
Sine Wave Inverter: This inverter generates a smooth and clean waveform, which is the same as the waveform received from the utility grid. It is the most advanced and compatible type of inverter option that can power all types of electronics. It includes running sensitive devices such as laptops, medical equipment and others.
Modified Sine Wave Inverter: Also referred to as a stepped sine wave inverter, it produces a waveform that is a combination of sine and square wave. This inverter is more efficient than a square wave and can also run a large variety of devices. However, it is not suitable for sensitive electronic devices.
Based on the Source of the Inverter
Current Source Inverter: In this inverter, the input DC source is connected to an inductor to keep the input current stable. The output voltage here is controlled by adjusting the amount of current that flows to the load. It is used in heavy-duty applications such as adjustable speed drive systems.
Voltage Source Inverter: It uses a direct DC source that stabilises the voltage supply for the inverter. Here, the output is controlled by changing the width of voltage pulses sent to the load. These inverters exhibit high efficiency compared to the Current Source Inverter.
Based on Load Type
Single-Phase Inverter: This inverter produces single-phase AC power output. It is a good option for low-power demand locations such as residential and small commercial locations.
Three-Phase Inverter: This inverter produces three-phase AC power output and hence is a preferred option for commercial, industrial and large-scale utility applications.
Based on the PWM Technique
A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter converts DC power into AC by rapidly turning its switches on and off. It controls the output voltage and frequency by changing the width of these pulses. The result is a smoother and almost sinusoidal AC supply with fewer distortions.
The PWM inverters find applications in UPS systems, motor drives and renewable energy systems. These inverters are of four types: single, multiple, sinusoidal and modified sinusoidal pulse with modulation.
Based on the Number of Output Levels
Regular Two-Level Inverter: This inverter is marked by the presence of only a voltage level at the output, which is positive peak and negative peak voltage. It may also have a zero-voltage level.
Multilevel Inverter: This inverter has multiple voltage levels at the output. It is well-suited for high-power and high-voltage industrial applications.
Benefits of a High-Capacity Inverter
The high-capacity inverters offer the following advantages to the users:
Long backup time: With their capability to provide high powers, these inverters can keep the systems and equipment running for a longer duration.
Strong and durable: These inverters are designed to withstand long-term challenges, and resist multiple environmental conditions.
Support heavy loads: The high-capacity inverters are constructed to meet the high power requirements, making them specifically useful for such power demands.
Expandable: High-capacity inverters can be upscaled as per the increasing energy demands.
Better system stability: These inverters are good at offering stable voltage and frequency even under changing loads.
Final Thoughts
The choice of a high-capacity inverter is well-suited for managing heavy loads. Capable of delivering longer backups and maintaining stable performance, they exhibit quality performance during fluctuations or outages. They are of different types based on a variety of factors. The right one depends on the specific power needs.
To begin, you can start exploring high-capacity inverter options available at Livfast: