Pure Sine Wave Power Inverters
Pure Sine Wave Power Inverters
Find out more about pure sine wave inverters and their use
storage | generalIn our article
Power Inverters we introduced
inverters and explained how they convert DC voltage from a
battery bank into high voltage AC electricity of the type supplied by the National Grid - 230 VAC in the UK, 110 VAC in USA etc.
In this article we will look at
pure sine wave inverters, and the applications for which they are necessary.
Power Inverters
There are two main types of inverter:
modified sine wave (aka modified square wave), and
pure sine wave. Mains electricity alternates between positive and negative voltage following a
sine wave as shown below:
A
modified sine wave inverter generates a blocky wave which has none of the smoothness of a sine wave. In the illustration below the basic
squarewave is shown in green. The
modified square wave is shown in blue:
A
pure sine wave inverter on the other hand outputs electricity with a
pure sine wave - i.e. very smooth and similar to mains electricity.
Modified Square Wave or Pure Sine Wave Inverter
When choosing whether to purchase a modified square wave or a pure sine-wave inverter there are two main considerations. First off, which appliances do you intend to power? A pure sine-wave inverter can power
any device/appliance which can be powered by mains electricity - a modified square wave inverter cannot. And secondly, cost - a pure sine-wave inverter will typically cost at least double the price of a modified square wave inverter.
All
inductive loads - fridges, pumps, many power tools and so on -
must be powered by a pure sinewave inverter. Many pumps for example will just heat up and buzz when powered by a modified square wave inverter unable to pump since so much time is spent at 0 Volts.
Electrical interference generated by a modified squarewave inverter
may cause TV's, radios, Hi-Fi equipment, and so on to produce an unpleasant humming sound, and anything fitted with a digital clock may show the incorrect time if not powered by a pure sinewave.
Desktop computers can be powered by a modified squarewave inverter, but the monitor may make an audible humming sound.
Buy a Modified Sine Wave Inverter
eBay usually has a good selection of
pure sine wave inverters listed for sale at any one time. Some amazingly good value 1-3kW inverters are often available with shipping from Europe or the Far East. Click here to search eBay now for
Power Inverter Pure.
Article Last Modified: 16:52, 21st Jul 2008Comment on this Article
If you have any comments on this article, please email them to
neil@reuk.co.uk.
Recommended Related Articles
People who read this article also enjoyed the following articles:
Power InvertersFind out about the uses of power inverters in renewable energy generation
Article Last Modified: 16:41, 21st Jul 2008storage | general | electronicsInterconnecting Batteries for Battery BankFind out how best to connect batteries together into a battery bank
Article Last Modified: 13:53, 23rd Feb 2007storageWindsave 1000Find out more about the Windsave 1000 system
Article Last Modified: 09:47, 20th Dec 2006windDIY 2kW Wind TurbineRead about a home built 2kW wind turbine constructed from scrap
Article Last Modified: 08:46, 4th Oct 2007wind | recyclingMicro Wind TurbinesWhat is a Micro Wind Turbine
Article Last Modified: 09:47, 20th Dec 2006windRoof Mounting of Wind TurbinesMounting micro wind turbines on roofs. It is worth it?
Article Last Modified: 08:43, 2nd Jun 2007windMake a Simple Battery Status MonitorMonitor battery status with this easy electric circuit project - no skill required!
Article Last Modified: 12:33, 16th Mar 2007storage | electric circuitConsumers Disappointed With Micro TurbinesRoof-mounted domestic wind turbines disappointing consumers
Article Last Modified: 13:57, 13th Jan 2009wind | newsPermanent Magnet GeneratorBuild a wind or water power system with around a PM Generator
Article Last Modified: 11:44, 21st Jul 2008wind | hydroSwitch from Inverter to Mains AutomaticallyPower a circuit directly from a power inverter, but with automatic mains power back up.
Article Last Modified: 15:16, 19th Aug 2008electric circuit | storage | general
|
|
|
