​How Inverters converts DC to AC

How Inverters converts DC to AC

Inverters are widely used in the domestic, as well as industrial environments to serve as a second line of source in case of power cuts from the electricity utility grid. In the event of a power shutdown, an inverter is extremely useful as an emergency backup power unit, and if optimally charged, you will still be able to use all household appliances and other major electrical fixtures and equipment.

As inverters become more advanced and continuously reach enhanced levels of performance, these devices are being created in smaller, more practical models as usage is becoming more common-place.

What Is an Inverter

An inverter is a device that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The input voltage, output voltage and frequency. Inverters power the electric appliances in the event of power failure. As the name implies, it first converts AC to DC for charging the battery and then inverts DC to AC for powering the electric gadget.

Inverters have taken a prominent role in the modern technological world due to the sudden rise of renewable energy technologies. Inverters convert DC power to AC power. They are also used in uninterruptible power supplies, control of electrical machines and active power filtering.

The inverter itself does not produce any power – instead the power is provided by the DC source. Power inverters are either 100% electronic or they could be a combination of mechanical components such as rotary equipment and electronic circuitry.

Direct Current and Its Significance

Firstly, current can be said to be the rate at which electrons flow past a point in a complete electrical circuit. At its most basic, current = flow.

Therefore, Direct Current (DC) is electrical current which flows consistently in one direction. The current that flows in a flashlight or another appliance running on batteries is direct current.

You can equally say that it is a current that flows continuously in one direction at a constant rate and commonly used to power small electronics.

Alternating Current and its Significance

Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electrical current, in which the direction of the flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or cycles. Current flowing in power lines and normal household electricity that comes from a wall outlet is alternating current.

AC is standardized and used by all commercial appliances in the home and in industries. It is also relatively cheap to change the voltage of the current.

Where inverter can be used

Like we mentioned above, an inverter is a piece of equipment that is able to offer precise variable control of the speed of a motor by changing direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). They are commonly used in a wide range of industrial equipment such as printing presses, fans, pumps, conveyor belts, food processing equipment and construction machinery, although they are used in numerous others, too.

Inverters play a key role in any solar energy system; so much so that they are often referred to as the “brains” of a solar system. Whether your solar system is smaller and used for household purposes, or whether it is a massive one for power plant configuration, inverters play an integral role in all solar systems which is to convert direct current (DC) output into AC – alternating current.

How inverters converts DC to AC

Having known what DC and AC is and their respective purposes, it is also important that we understand how it is converted.

If you use an AC inverter to power a device, the power supply in the device is converting the 120-volt alternating current into a much lower voltage direct current. The sensitive electronic circuits in these devices need low, regulated voltages to work, so you're actually converting DC to AC so it can be changed back into DC again. You cannot use straight direct current without the AC to DC inverter because the device's power supply needs the AC power in order to properly step down and regulate the voltage.

There are a plethora of inverter technologies. Do well to contact us for help, products and services.