How is an inverter generator different from a conventional power plant?

An inverter generator (inverter power plant) is a mini generator set that produces the highest quality electricity, optimally converting it into voltage without drops. Such power plants are also called "digital power generators" due to the equipment with electronic control circuits.

An inverter power generator is used to connect electronics or sensitive equipment in the absence of a central power supply. An inverter power station can be safely recommended as a backup generator for summer cottages, as well as for travel, minor repairs.

Who Uses an Inverter Generator?

Fishermen, hunters, tourists, travelers, summer residents - because they are compact and quiet.

In the garage or on the road, it is useful for powering lamps and powerful lanterns, electric stoves, and radios. You will be able to charge your smartphones and laptops without starting the car. The inverter generator powers household household appliances and power tools, is used on country trips - a generator for outdoor activities.

Why is it advantageous to use inverter generators?

The main advantages of inverter power generators are their compactness, due to their small size and weight; mobility (portable stations), as well as a high quality current supply thanks to the inverter technology of the power plant, which is necessary for connecting electronic devices that require an ideal power supply without interruption.

It is these qualities that are most in demand in field conditions, fishing, hunting, in the country, in workshops, for various rescue services, etc. An inverter generator is especially indispensable for connecting electronic gadgets, medical equipment and other life support equipment in field, camping and various extreme conditions where there is no way to be powered from the central power grid. In everyday life, such stations also find an indispensable application. An inverter generator for a summer residence will help supply backup electricity in moments of power outage. When traveling, such a power station can be a good helper (charge a computer, phone, connect lighting, electric stoves and other appliances without using a stabilizer). Due to its compact size and weight (the station is almost 2 times lighter than a traditional portable generator), the inverter generator fits comfortably in the trunk of a car.

An important aspect of the inverter station is the quiet operation of the generator, due to reinforced silencers, as well as noise-absorbing casings, the designs of which are specially designed for super quiet operation of the generator set.

The main criteria when choosing an inverter generator are: power and manufacturer.

The modern power equipment market offers a huge range of generator equipment of various price ranges. Our advice is not to strive to buy the cheapest generator. Many manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of their products, use the lowest quality components, which, in turn, are also made of the lowest grade materials that have a very small resource and a short period of use. Such stations can let you down at the most inopportune moment!

To determine the required power of the inverter generator, you need to consider which devices will be connected at the same time.

For example, on a trip you need to connect a computer (500 W) + 2 light bulbs (60 W x2) + 50% power reserve = 832 W. Don't forget to bring an extension cord and a tee. Important! When connecting equipment through an extension cord, you need to take into account another 10% power reserve for an extension cord up to 3 m.

Total: 915 watts. You will need

Without electricity, there can be no comfort. The TV, refrigerator, and all other household appliances do not work. To avoid such inconveniences, autonomous generators are most often used, which are backup sources of electricity. But even with this, not everything is so simple, there are many different models and types of such devices, which sometimes causes additional confusion. In such a situation, it would be quite reasonable to ask the question, what, for example, is the difference between an inverter generator and a conventional one and which one is better to use?

About autonomous generators

Getting electricity in the field or in the event of an accident on a power line is most simply carried out using an autonomous device. Structurally, it looks quite simple - it is an internal combustion engine connected to a generator. The engine can be any - gasoline, diesel, gas, 2- or 4-stroke, and designed for different power.

It sets the rotor of the electric generator in rotation, and an alternating voltage appears at the output of the latter, the magnitude and parameters of which (voltage and frequency) are determined by the characteristics of the engine and generator. The number of turns in the windings and their number on the generator does not change during operation. Thus, it turns out that the operation of the internal combustion engine affects the quality of the electricity received.

This is expressed in the fact that a change in the number of revolutions of the crankshaft of the motor leads to a change in the output voltage of the generator. There is also an inverse relationship - an increase in load. For example, the starting current that occurs when a new consumer is connected affects the operation of the internal combustion engine and, accordingly, the characteristics of the generated energy.

The usual generator works in the described way. The quality of the electricity received is usually suitable for powering many appliances. The incandescent lamp will shine even with such a floating voltage, it will also have little effect on electronic devices that use a switching power supply. However, certain requirements are imposed on the parameters of the electrical network 220 V 50 Hz. And many devices are designed for them. A violation of the characteristics of electricity leads to failure or premature failure of expensive products.

Another approach to power supply.

However, this does not suit most consumers at all. For example, a refrigerator, as well as circulation pumps in a heating system, gas boiler control controllers, require standard power quality for their operation. Here it is provided by the so-called inverter generators.

They allow you to avoid the troubles noted above. And this happens thanks to the inverter - a special device that converts the current of one frequency and voltage into a current with different characteristics. This is implemented as follows: the alternating voltage from a conventional generator is converted into a constant one, and then an alternating voltage of 220 V 50 Hz of high quality is obtained from it again. The described principle is shown in the figure:

A little clarification needs to be made here. For conventional generators, a voltage of 220 V 50 Hz is generated at the output at 3600 rpm of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. In inverters, 300 V is generated. This allows you to get a standard sinusoid from it, which does not depend on the operation of the internal combustion engine.

A change in the number of revolutions of the crankshaft, loads in the network can lead to a decrease in the DC voltage at the generator output, say from 300 V to 250 V. But in any case, this is enough to get 220 V. And from the DC voltage, you can form a variable of any frequency. Confirmation of the above will be the given graphs, which allow you to compare the sinusoids at the output of generators of different types under different conditions.

An additional advantage of the inverter generator is its efficiency. Ensuring the desired characteristics of the output voltage is possible at lower engine speeds, respectively, the consumption of gasoline and oil is reduced by up to 20%, as well as the level of generated noise.

Additional information about generators

But it just so happens that any advantages are accompanied by disadvantages. And the difference between an inverter and a conventional generator is not only in the quality of the generated electricity, but also in price. In addition, there are power limitations; inverter generators do not exceed 7 kVA in this indicator.

Therefore, the choice of a backup power supply system must be approached very carefully. Most importantly, it is necessary to determine the requirements for its quality. The best voltage is not needed to power incandescent lamps and hand-held power tools; conventional gas generators can be used for these purposes.

But the power supply of the refrigerator, the circulation pump of the heating system or the gas boiler control controllers requires a high-quality source of electricity. In this case, an inverter generator is the best choice. More information about it can be found here:

The issues of providing autonomous power supply are not as simple as it seems at first glance. First of all, this concerns the resulting voltage, which is largely determined by the type of gas generator. In most cases, conventional devices can be dispensed with, but for particularly critical nodes, inverter generators must be used. Let them be more expensive, but the reliability of some products directly depends on the quality of electricity.

The difficulties of suburban life and construction are often associated with ensuring uninterrupted power supply. These problems, as a rule, have to be solved by purchasing an autonomous power source - a generator. The purchase of sophisticated equipment is justified not only in cases of problems with a stable supply of electricity. A backup power supply may be needed out of the blue. And then even in the event of a sudden power outage, the main systems of the house continue to function.

At the moment, there is such a variety of models and options for generators on the market that it is really difficult to figure out which one is suitable for solving a particular problem.First you need to decide how much power the house consumes. It is clear that each homeowner will have his own figure. On average, for a country house to maintain security systems, at least 10-15 kW is needed. A small country house or change house consumes 2.5-5 kW.

It is much more difficult to determine, without experience of use, which type of generator to choose: inverter, conventional gasoline or diesel.
Consider the pros and cons of each option.

conventional generators.
In fact, this is a small power plant in your garage - the fuel burns out, the engine rotates the generator, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Pros:

1. Large selection of generators of different capacities. From "crumbs" at 1 kW to serious machines at 8-10 kW or giants at 20-40-100 kW, already designed for industrial use.
2. Ease of use and relative reliability under operating conditions.
3. Low price compared to inverter counterparts. On average, the cost of a 4.5 kW generator will range from 25-45 thousand rubles.

Minuses:

1. The generator must operate at a constant load. The use of a generator with a load of less than 25% leads to its premature failure.
2. High fuel consumption at partial load.
3. Noise during engine operation. A working generator should be located as far as possible from living quarters or in a soundproof box.

In such generators, the quality of the generated electricity directly depends on how optimal the load is chosen for the engine - it must rotate at a constant speed. That is, the main problem of such machines is not in frequent breakdowns, as users sometimes complain, but in illiterate use.When the generator is running at rated powerand regular maintenance, it will serve for many years without complaints. Another problem that may arise when using such a generator is the change in output voltage when the engine speed is increased or decreased. For home lighting and some appliances, small voltage changes are not critical, but for some expensive systems - refrigerators, circulation pumps, smart home systems or gas boiler controllers - any change in power quality can lead to equipment failure or premature failure.

When choosing a generator, you need to pay attention to the additional features of modern models:

• low oil level protection system, which automatically stops the engine if the oil level is below the minimum.
• overload protection system that will turn off the generator in time
• voltmeter to control the output voltage
• wheels for transportation

inverter generators.

The principle of operation of an inverter generator differs from the classical scheme in that electricity does not enter the network directly. First, when the fuel is burned, high-frequency alternating current is produced, then it is converted to direct current, and accumulated in the battery.

Pros:

1. Stable characteristics of the generated electricity.
2. Reduced fuel consumption, as there is no need to constantly run the engine at a certain speed. When the load is reduced, the fuel consumption is proportionally reduced.
3. Inverter generators are always more compact than conventional generators of the same power. This allows you to use them not only permanently in country houses, but also take it with you on a picnic or fishing.
4. Inverter generators are virtually silent.

Minuses:

1. The high cost of the generator. On average, a 3.5 kW generator will cost more than 50 thousand rubles, while a conventional gasoline generator of the same power will cost about 20-30 thousand rubles.
2. The design complexity of the inverter unit and the impossibility of its element-by-element repair, only replacement as an assembly.
3. Power restrictions. Inverter generators with a power of more than 6 kW are not found.

An inverter generator will be an ideal solution for providing uninterrupted power to sensitive devices that are afraid of power surges: heating boilers, laptop chargers, computers, complex electronic equipment.

That is, it turns out that if there is a need for a constant supply of electricity to premises, buildings, construction sites, to solve the problem of emergency lighting, then it makes sense to consider a conventional diesel or gasoline generator. Working at full load, it will last a long time and will not require repairs or additional investments for a long time. Timely oil changes and the use of high-quality fuel increase the life of the generator.

In case of emergency power supply to a residential building, literally crammed with electrical appliances, it is better to use inverter-type generators. Replacing and repairing numerous equipment that burned out during a sudden power surge will cost more than the most expensive generator.

If you need to solve both problems at the same time, then you can choose a combined option, using both inverter and conventional generators at the same time. Plot, garage lighting, houses and baths to provide energy using a conventional generator, for example, suitable this model is 6.5 kW.

But the heating boiler, complex kitchen appliances, it is better to connect the pump in the well to an inverter type generator, which can be selected from several 3.5 kW models, such as this

or 2.5 kW, which can be viewed on link .

In the event of a power outage in the main network or the impossibility of connecting premises to it, special generators with an autonomous drive are used. The most widespread are conventional installations with a gasoline or gas engine and inverter generators. Devices of the latter type are the most modern, due to their characteristics, they are used to power electrical networks in residential premises and private houses.

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What is an inverter generator

An inverter generator is a machine for generating electricity driven by an internal combustion engine. The resulting electric current with stable frequency and voltage parameters is supplied to end consumers.

Design features

The main design features of the inverter gas generator include a direct connection of the crankshaft of the engine and the rotor, as well as the use of a sine wave converter of the generated current.

The design of the inverter generator includes:

• the base on which the nodes are installed;
• four-stroke piston internal combustion engine;
• a multi-pole electric generator capable of generating electric current with frequencies up to 100 kHz;
• rectifier and filtering module assembled on the basis of diodes and capacitors;
• inverter block;
• fuel tank;
• switchboard with connecting terminals and control knobs;
• a protective cover that covers the main components.

Design diagram of a portable inverter generator

The generator switchboard can have 220V AC and 12V DC terminals. There is a safety element in the power circuit, designed for the rated power of the load. If it is exceeded, the fuse automatically opens the circuit and prevents the unit from operating with overload.

Inverter generators have an oil level indicator that automatically turns off the ignition when it falls below critical.

Inverter installations with a power of up to 1.0 kW are made in a case with a carrying handle. An example of an installation is Fubag TI100, which, with a weight of 14 kg, develops power up to 900 W (at a nominal voltage of 220 Volts). Starting generators of this kind is carried out by a manual starter.

More powerful models are equipped with wheels for movement and do not have a solid plastic casing. An example of this class of plant is the Fubag TI 7000, which weighs 86 kg and has an output power of 6.5 kW. To start, an electric starter powered by a separate battery is used. In the event of a failure of the electric start system, the engine is started by a backup manual starter.

Schematic diagram of the inverter generator

Kinds

Inverter generators are divided into several types according to the type of fuel for the engine:

1. The air-cooled gasoline engine is used for domestic purposes or for temporary power supply to construction sites. Motors are not designed for long-term operation. The maximum allowed non-stop operating time is 4 to 8 hours.
2. The diesel engine is used in installations designed for long-term operation (several days or weeks). Inverter installations with a diesel engine are rare and have large dimensions and weight. An example is the Pramac S9000t, which generates current up to 380 volts and allows a load of 8.2 kW. In this case, the weight of the generator reaches 160 kg.
3. A gas engine that does not have major design differences from a gasoline engine. The difference between the engines is only in the degree of compression and the possibility of supplying gaseous fuel from cylinders or through a pipeline from the main. It is considered the most economical and environmentally friendly. Due to the low thermal load, it is able to work in long-term modes. A gas engine has a longer resource than gasoline counterparts, since the combustion of gas does not form deposits on the surfaces of the cylinder and combustion chamber. If necessary, by simple modifications, the gas engine adapts to work on gasoline.

Comparison of conventional and inverter generators

The inverter generator differs from the conventional one in the principle of converting electric current and the ability to control the engine speed depending on the load. According to the reviews of the owners, it is possible to single out the negative and positive aspects of various types of generators.

pros

The advantages of inverter models include:

1. Low fuel consumption, as the microprocessor control system regulates the engine speed depending on the load.
2. Small size and weight. On average, an inverter generator is 50% lighter than a conventional one.
3. Reduced noise level due to speed control and noise screen.
4. The mechanism of the device is protected from moisture and dust by a sealed case.
5. Getting electricity with stable parameters (with an almost perfect sine wave). Because of this, generators are used to power voltage-sensitive equipment.
6. When using a gas generator, the price of 1 kW / hour of electricity is lower than that generated at installations using liquid fuel.

The positive side of classical generators is the possibility of creating a high power plant (up to hundreds or thousands of kW). When using the device at full capacity and regular maintenance, the installation life is not inferior to inverter models.

An overview of the ELP LH1000i inverter installation is provided by the CFMOTO ATVs channel.

Minuses

The experience of using inverter installations made it possible to highlight the negative points:

1. High price.
2. Limited range.
3. The power of the inverter installation does not exceed 7-8 kW, which is one of the main differences between conventional and inverter generators, as well as the main disadvantage.
4. Overload not allowed.
5. The starter battery on many models is part of the inverter module. When worn, it has to be changed along with the device.

Conventional generators are also not without drawbacks:

1. High fuel consumption at light load or idling. For example, when connecting 3 kW consumers to a conventional 6 kW generator, the engine will operate in a mode close to generating maximum power.
2. When the generator is lightly loaded, the engine runs at high speeds without load. Because of this, soot forms on the parts of the cylinder-piston group and the combustion chamber, which gets into the oil and wears out the main and connecting rod bearings.
3. During operation, a gradual decrease in the rated voltage begins, which is associated with wear of parts and a decrease in the speed of the crankshaft and generator rotor. This forces users to increase the speed, which increases fuel consumption.

What is the best generator to use?

If it is necessary to connect computer equipment, a TV or a refrigerator to the network, the use of an inverter device is required. If the generator is used as an emergency installation or solely for lighting circuits, then the normal type is suitable for this task.

If it is necessary to provide electricity to a country house and outbuildings, it is possible to create combined power lines using two generators.

Choosing an inverter generator

There are models of several dozen companies on the Russian market, for example:

• champion;
• Fubag;
• Hyundai;
• Huter;
• Hitachi;
• Caliber and others.

Before choosing a generator, you need to pay attention to several parameters:

1. Fuel type. The most popular devices are equipped with gasoline engines, demanding on fuel and maintenance. The gas engine will have the minimum cost of maintenance and refueling.
2. Terminal power. As the power of the generator increases, the requirements for the drive motor increase. More powerful units have an increased cylinder displacement and consume more fuel. For domestic use, a power of 1.5-2 kW is sufficient, and for construction or welding work, you will need an installation with a power of at least 5 kW.
3. Engine start type. Manual engine start is simpler in design, but requires certain skills in use. The preferred option is automatic start in case of power failure in the main network.

According to customer reviews, the best models of inverter generators:

• PATRIOT MaxPower SRGE 1000iT (900W power);
• Caliber BEG-6100AI (power 6500 W);
• DAEWOO GDA 4800i(power 3600W);
• Fubag TI 2000 (power 1600 W).

Operating rules

When operating generators, the following rules must be observed:

• it is forbidden to use a generator driven by an internal combustion engine in enclosed spaces;
• after stopping work, it is necessary to cool the installation, since the engine and parts of the exhaust system are heated to high temperatures;
• fill the tank with fuel in the open air and when the unit is cold;
• when refueling, there should be no open sources of fire nearby;
• electrical networks and connection to the generator must comply with the rules of the PUE;
• do not leave a running generator in the rain and do not touch a functioning unit with wet hands;
• before stopping the engine, let it run without load for several minutes;
• carry out regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Subject to the rules of operation, the inverter generator will not cause problems to the owner and save you from expensive repairs.

Inverter generators are self-contained power sources that produce high-quality electricity. Basically, such devices are used as temporary or permanent (with short periods of continuous operation) power supplies for especially sensitive instruments.

The main objects where these electrical units are operated are schools, hospitals and other institutions where even the slightest power surges are unacceptable.

The principle of operation of inverters

You should not purchase an inverter generator, the principle of operation of which is unclear to the user. The same applies to other devices.

At the heart of the inverter power plant is the corresponding block. This block consists of a microprocessor, a rectifier and converters.

1. A high-frequency alternating current is generated;
2. The rectifier converts the received current into direct current;
3. There is an accumulation of current in capacitive filters (batteries)
4. Electrowave oscillations are stabilized;
5. With the help of an inverter, the constant energy from the capacitive filters is converted into alternating current of the required frequency and voltage. This alternating current is supplied to the end user. In the process, we see an ideal sine wave, confirming the highest quality of the electricity received.

Such an inverter generator device allows you to get a very stable voltage at the output and connect any sensitive devices. The device operates in automatic mode.

Thanks to the constant control over the level of fuel, oil and engine speed, the cost of refueling a mini power plant is halved.
The built-in air cooling system protects the generators from overheating.

When the load falls below the minimum, the unit automatically switches to economy mode. Thus, the wear of the electric generator is reduced and the service life is increased.

The main differences between inverters and other types of generators.

A classic electric generator is a device that uses hydrocarbon-based fuel as the main source of energy. The resulting energy is converted into electricity and sent to the end consumer.

The quality of electrical energy generated by a conventional electric generator depends on the stable operation of the engine. Its rotation speed must be constant. Therefore, with a change in the operating mode, the efficiency of the generator can noticeably decrease. For example, when a 7kW unit is used exclusively for watching TV or in order to power a 60-watt lamp.

A conventional generator always runs at the same engine speed. The inverter generator can change the speed of rotation of the engine depending on the current needs.

The inverter power generator does not transfer electricity to the consumer directly. He collects it, accumulates it in a special built-in container (battery). First, a high-frequency alternating current is produced, then it is converted to direct current and fills the batteries.

Thus, in generating sets of this type, the outgoing current is created from double conversion. During the conversion, its performance is optimized. This is the main difference between an inverter generator and a conventional one.

Advantages and disadvantages of inverters from other types of generators

The main difference between an inverter generator and a conventional one is the quality of the output voltage and the possibility of varying loads. There is no need for constant engine speed, therefore, at a low load, less fuel consumption is possible. This is especially noticeable with a small load of the unit.

In comparison with analogues, the design of the inverter is very compact. This is due to the possibility of operating the engine of smaller parameters and dimensions. Another significant advantage of such units is the minimum noise level.

Among the advantages, it is worth noting the compact dimensions of inverters, as well as low weight. This is achieved by transferring the rotor to the motor shaft. Such mini power plants are ideal for short-term trips to nature, as well as for urgent work on construction sites.

Some inverters have additional features. For example, in some models there are two sockets, so you can independently power two devices.

The main disadvantage of an inverter generator is the high price. It far exceeds the cost of standard electric generators, whether gasoline or diesel.

Another drawback is the built-in battery. It has a very limited capacity and cannot be replaced by yourself.

This disadvantage is that short-term connection of high-power electrical appliances (such as microwaves) or long-term operation of low-power devices, such as electric lamps or television, is possible only if the generator has a battery of suitable capacity. If the power of appliances exceeds the capacity of the battery, the inverter will shut down continuously to recharge the battery.

The main advantage of standard power generators in comparison with inverters is a wide range of operating capacities.

The maximum power of the inverter unit is limited by the battery capacity and does not exceed 6 kW. The maximum power of a conventional generator is only limited by the power of the engine. For example, the power of some models of diesel mini power plants exceeds 100 kW.

In addition, conventional mini-power plants are distinguished by the highest durability and reliability when used at full capacity. The only condition in this case is a thorough and timely maintenance. In the case of inverters, it is better that the total power of the devices is somewhat less than the maximum power of the generator.

findings

Improving the quality of electricity leads to a decrease in quantity. There are no inverter power generators whose power exceeds 6 kW. If the total power of electrical appliances connected to the network is greater than or equal to this figure, uninterrupted power supply is not guaranteed.

However, if it is necessary to ensure a completely uninterrupted power supply for low-power devices with a low noise level and mobility of the generator, the inverter unit would be the best option. Thanks to its compact dimensions and light weight, the generating set can work even in the most inaccessible places where it is not so easy to install a conventional system.

Highly sensitive devices such as computers or household appliances can be connected to the inverter units. It is able to regulate the consumed resource depending on the current load, which leads to significant fuel savings. The inverter is an ideal solution for a private house and a summer residence.