Inverter Generators – What Are They and Why Do You Need One?
All generators run on fossil fuels that burn to run a motor that converts mechanical energy to electricity. Traditional portable generators must run at a consistent speed of about 3,600 rpm, irrespective of the electrical power needed from it, or rather, its load. This aspect makes such generators inefficient and expensive to run. Inverter generators also run on combustible fuel but are more efficient and less costly to run than their counterparts. These generators have advanced features that help generate clean energy at lower costs. You can learn more here about these machines.
Mechanism of Inverter Generators
Unlike traditional portable generators that utilize a mechanical alternator to generate AC (Alternating Current), invertor generators first produce AC electrical power which cannot be used directly. The AC energy is converted to DC (Direct Current) power, then inverted back to AC energy using a digital electronic alternator. The power produced is measured in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). For it to be safely used in sensitive electrical equipment, it should be less than 6%.
Advantages of Inverter Generators
You get a lot more with inverter generators than you do with traditional devices. Thanks to these generators advanced mechanism, here are some of the benefits you will enjoy.
1 Steady Flow of Power
Inverter generators run on variable speeds. This means that the engine speed depends on its load, or the electrical demand the generator gets from the equipment it is powering. The less the electrical demand, the slower it runs hence conserving energy and running for a longer period as compared to traditional generators. The process of inverting DC to AC power prevents power fluctuations.
2 Safe for Sensitive Devices
Standard portable generators run more than 9% of THD, making them unsafe for sensitive electrical equipment. Inverter generators have an electrical inverter module that inverts DC power to AC. The generators using this digital inverter can achieve the less than 6% THD threshold required to run sensitive equipment such as laptops and stereo apparatus.
3 Can be Paired
Unlike the traditional generators, it is possible to parallel pair inverter generators to produce more power. Being able to pair two identical devices gives the luxury of getting more power while utilizing less space and fuel.
4 Fuel Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, inverter generators run on variable speeds. This means that it will only consume the fuel required for a particular load. Traditional generators run at a constant speed irrespective of your load. So, if you are just powering a few bulbs, you lose a lot of fuel, and a lot of energy goes unutilized. The inverter generators can be 20% more fuel-efficient than their traditional counterparts.
5 Clean and Quiet
Traditional generators are excessively noisy and inconvenient, especially if you live in a quiet neighborhood or when using at night. Inverter generators, on the other hand, are quiet and smooth again thanks to their variable speed and the digital electrical inverter. You never notice it even if you place it in your living room.
6 Portable and Light
Most inverter generators are small and light. You can fit them almost anywhere, and can easily carry them around. A typical inverter generator is about just 30 pounds, making them ideal for traveling and quick fixes in emergencies.
7 Maintenance
It is relatively easier to maintain inverter generators than it is to maintain traditional generators. The latter requires periodic check-ups to ensure that they run efficiently. You might be required to replace fuel and oil used after every 200 hours, and ensure that the generator runs at least once every month. This is inefficient, considering that you might not need to use it during some months. With an inverter generator, you do not need to check any oil; you just need to inspect your batteries at least once or twice in a year.
Now that we know what an inverter generator is let’s see where we can put it to use.
If you love the outdoors, but still want to have the comfort of your home, then this generator would do you good. You can carry it during your camping expeditions and use it to charge your phone and maybe your music system.
You can use them at home for lighting and charging your electrical devices. The high-quality electrical output from these devices is usually safe for your computers and other sensitive devices. Never allow power outage to inconvenience you when working at home. Most offices in public spaces have their generators. They are also good, considering that they produce limited noise. So, you don’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors. These generators are quieter than your conventional vacuum cleaner.
Final Words
Even though the initial cost of getting an inverter generator is much higher than the traditional ones, you get to save a lot more with the former in terms of the costs incurred to run them in the long run.
