Inverters
An electrical or electro mechanical
device that converts DC to AC.
Inverters are used to supply AC power from DC sources such as
solar/wind enerators and batteries. It is used in UPS and even in
hybrid cars to recover power from regenerative braking.
The reverse of an inverter is a
rectifier and is used in a wind
generator converting the AC produced to DC.
Pure Sine Wave or
Modified Sine Wave
Like new and reconditioned batteries it
is a question of price. If
both cost the same then give me pure sine wave inverters anytime.
However the reality is that a 3KW modified sine wave inverter cost less
than $1000 and a 3 Kw pure sine wave inverter cost more than $5000 .
The crucial consideration is what are we
really compromising when we
choose a modified sine wave inverter over pure sine wave. Firstly
devices that are reputed to require pure sine wave are
Computers
Laptops
LCD Screens
Plasma Screens
Battery Chargers for cordless tools
Laser Printers
Microwaves
Washing Machines
Fluorescent lights
Power tools with vari speed control
One thing to notice is that many of
these are small power devices
(below 300 watts) or have control electronics built in. As low powered
sine wave inverters are not expensive a dual power system may be the
answer.
Inductive loads - fridges,
pumps, and many power tools
are
best powered by a pure sinewave inverter.
Some pumps will
just heat up and buzz when powered by a modified square wave inverter.
Electrical interference TV's, radios, Hi-Fi
equipment, may produce an unpleasant
humming sound, and anything fitted with a digital clock may show the
incorrect time.
Manufacturers of modified sine wave
inverters would have improved
their product over the years and many of the earlier short commings may
have been rectified. We test various equipment with modified sine wave
inverters here.
