Whether you are working from home, attending online classes or binge-watching your favourite TV show, frequent power cuts can be really annoying and inefficient. Thanks to modern technology and powerful inverters, you can avoid these inconveniences. From LED bulbs to running your computer system, inverters can help provide a backup supply to all the equipment in your home.
If you ever wondered what is an inverter and how inverter works, then you are in the right spot. In this guide, we’ll discuss different types of inverters and their multifold applications.
What is an Inverter?
An inverter is an electronic device that is used to convert DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current) for safe and secure home or office use. Many small energy sources, such as batteries, solar power systems, and fuel cells, generate direct current that is not suitable for a stable home application. An inverter helps change that current into a reliable and safe power supply for appliances such as TVs, lights, computers, chargers, etc.
How Does an Inverter Work
If you keep scratching your head thinking what do inverters do to generate electricity for your appliances during power cuts, we have the answer for you. As we know, an inverter converts the DC voltage coming from a battery or any other energy source into AC voltage for easy applications. This conversion requires components such as transistors, capacitors, and transformers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understand what does an inverter do to supply you with the power backup:
Step 1: The Power Input
The inverter is connected to a power source such as a battery, solar panel or fuel cell, which supplies DC voltage to it. This power only flows in one direction.
Step 2: Oscillation
Once the power comes in, the electronic switches or transistors rapidly turn on and off the DC power to create a pulsing or fluctuating current.
Step 3: Transformation
The transformer helps to regulate this pulsing current to a safe and appropriate voltage for home use. For instance, it converts 12V of DC power to 120V AC.
Step 4: Sine Wave
For the final step, and making the AC voltage supply to your appliances such as computers, fans, etc, the output is shaped into a sine wave. There are different types of sine waves, such as pure, square and modified.
What is the Use of an Inverter: Applications of a Power Inverter
This electronic process of conversion from DC to AC is a revolution in the power industry. From small shops to large-scale manufacturing industries, all use power inverters to increase efficiency and enjoy a stable power supply:
Everyday Household Appliances
One of the key and most popular uses of an inverter is to run household appliances such as TVs, PCs, Wi-fi, fans, etc. Especially in rural areas or areas with high power cuts, this can help keep your operations going without any interruptions.
Solar Energy Systems
If you are thinking about installing a solar power system in your home, an inverter is one of the key components of the process. It converts DC solar energy into a safe and stable voltage for use.
Electronic Vehicles and Automobiles
The automobile industry uses the inverter to generate electricity for your vehicle’s accessories, such as headlights and AC. Inverters also help run the eco-friendly electric vehicles by using LFP batteries.
IT Industry
Data backup and the servers are running all day long. They require a stable and consistent source of power to avoid loss of important data, causing millions of dollars in financial loss. A DC to AC power inverter offers stable and reliable energy to the servers.
Pick The Best: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Power Inverter
Now that we have gone through what is an inverter and what is the use of inverter in home, here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect inverter for home:
Power Capacity
Understanding what is an inverter is as important as knowing your power requirements. You can list all your appliances and calculate total power requirements. You can choose inverters from as low as 600 VA to as high as 2000 VA, depending on your application.
Safety
Check for features such as overload protection, battery overcharge, auto shut-off, and reverse polarity protection to ensure a safe and secure working environment.
Modern Features
Features like an LED screen help review voltage, power capacity, load status and repair alerts with ease. Built-in noiseless operation ensures that there is no annoying buzzing sound all day long in your home.
Battery Charging
Opt for a fast-charging inverter to ensure power backup every time there is a power cut. Especially, in regions with frequent cut-offs, having a fast-charging inverter is a blessing.
Budget
While high-power and advanced features inverters are great, they can come at a higher cost. Opt for a value-for-money inverter that fits your needs appropriately. Set a budget and explore options within it.
Warranty
When buying an inverter online or offline, check for longer warranty periods and service center reviews of the brand to ensure a great post-sale experience.
Wrapping Up
Since the invention of inverters in the early 1900s, they have been a lifesaver for many office, manufacturing and household users. From offering a stable power supply all day long to ensuring a safe working environment, they are a necessary component of our day-to-day life. Understanding what is an inverter, along with its benefits, applications, and how it works, can help you choose the right inverter for your home.