Inverters

Alex Stanton
Henry Schober III
Benjamin Garber
Rance
 What is an Inverter?
An inverter is an electrical circuit capable of turning
DC power into AC power, while at the same time
regulating the voltage, current, and frequency of
the signal
 Why do I need an inverter?
Most solar panels provide 12V DC power
Household devices use 120V AC power
Necessary for a grid tie in system
What kind of inverter do I want?
Inverters come in all different shapes and
sizes, for all different purposes
Inverters vary in output from 50 – 5,000 W
Several different methods of changing DC
power to AC power
Some inverters put out electricity of higher
‘quality’ than others. What does that
mean?
 Electrical wave forms
Graphs of voltage as a function of time

Power that comes from a PV panel or battery is generally 12V DC Power

Different types of
inverters give
outputs with
different wave
12V DC Power forms

Square Wave Modified Sine Wave True Sine Wave

Different types of inverter output
Square wave inverters are basically
obsolete
Modified sine wave output will power almost
everything in your house. However, things
like power drills, or battery chargers may not
work
True sine wave output is exactly the same
as the power provided by a utility company,
and is necessary for a grid inter-tie system
 Methods of inversion
Rotary inverters use a DC
motor to turn an AC Power
generator, the provide a true
sine wave output, but are
inefficient, and have a low
surge capacity rating
Electrical inverters use a
combination of ‘chopping’
circuits and transformers to
change DC power into AC.
They are much more widely
used and are far more
efficient and practical. Less
expensive electrical
inverters produce a modified
sine wave, while more
expensive models give a
true sine wave.
 How do they work?
There are 2 types of electrical inverters, the first takes low
voltage high current power from a PV panel or battery and
sends it through a ‘chopping’ circuit which changes it to
low voltage high current AC power at 60Hz. The power
then goes through a series of large transformers which
output 120V AC power at 60Hz
 How do they work?
The second type of electrical inverter is more complex. Two chopping
circuits are employed to make it possible for a much smaller and
lighter transformer to be used. The DC power is converted to very
high frequency AC power which is easier to transform into high
voltage low current power. The power is then rectified back into DC
power and sent through a second chopping circuit to turn it into 60Hz
120V AC.
 How are Inverters rated?
Continuous output rating: The maximum
wattage that the inverter can support long term,
includes all everyday appliances, lights and
anything else that consumes power.
Surge capacity rating: The maximum wattage
that cam be supported at any given time.
Important when starting devices like refrigerators
or water pumps which require more wattage to
start then to run.
 Applications of Inverters
Inverters are used for many practical
purposes
Small inverters can plug into your car
cigarette lighter
Large inverters can be used in a solar or
wind powered home