![]() ![]() In addition, some inverters provide battery backup charging, and can even feed excess power into the grid. Through all, it must regulate its output quality within narrow constraints, with a minimum of power loss. A modern home inverter must cope with input voltage that varies as much as 35% (with varying battery state and activity), and also with huge variations in output demand (from a single night-light to a big surge required to start a well pump or a power tool). Outwardly, an inverter looks like a box with one or two switches on it, but inside is a small universe of dynamic activity. The inverter is used to reconcile these differences. In Europe and some countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa, it’s 220V or 230V at 50 Hertz. The standard for AC utility service in USA is 120 and 240 volts at 60 Hertz (cycles per second). The standard DC voltages for home- size systems are 12, 24 and 48 volts. AC alternates its direction many times per second. There are many ways to use DC power directly, but if your electrical needs are beyond the simplest “cabin” level, you will need an inverter for many, if not all, of your loads (devices that use power).ĭC flows in a single direction. It can allow a battery-based independent power system to run conventional appliances through conventional home wiring. The inverter converts DC power to AC power, and also changes the voltage. AC is the standard form of electricity for anything that “plugs in” to utility power (it is more practical for long distance transmission). In contrast, the utility grid supplies consumers with alternating current (AC) power. Their common bond is the storage battery, which absorbs and releases power in the form of direct current (DC). They also include mobile, portable, and emergency backup systems. Such systems vary in size from tiny yard lights to remote site homes, villages, national parks, or medical and military facilities. Why You Need an InverterĪn independent electric power system is one that is untethered from the electrical utility grid. This buying guide gives you the basic information so that you can choose the right inverter, and use it wisely. Luckily, you don’t have to understand the inner workings of an inverter, but you should understand some basic functions, capabilities and limitations. The inverter is one of the most important and most complex components of an independent system.
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