All about inverter generators

The inverter generator is power plant using a PWM inverter system to generate electricity (pulse width modulation). Due to such a device, a stable output voltage and frequency are provided.

The principle of operation of such an electric generator is as follows... The rectifier converts the alternating current into direct current. Then the ripple is filtered, which is smoothed by capacitive filters. After that, powerful switches in transistors (thyristors), which are connected in a bridge circuit, form an alternating current on the load.

Due to the presence of a huge number of various kinds of electronic components to fine-tune the operation, the inverter generator will always provide a "clean" voltage, if necessary, calibrate the number of revolutions of the engine... Gas generators using inverters can boast of the fact that when they are used, fuel is consumed quite economically.

These power plants are equipped with a special switchable mode of economical operation at low load. Also, these generating sets are equipped with earthed outlets to avoid accidental electric shock or short circuit. This is facilitated by the case with increased protection against moisture and dust.

Inverter generators have the largest possible scope of application. The ability to control engine speed and electronic filling make it possible to use such a generator in industrial organizations that need to maintain the performance of high-precision electronic equipment. These devices require a stable voltage that is not subject to surges and surges.

Inverter stations have a special casing that performs protective and soundproofing functions. This means that if the owner of the apartment starts such a generator, then his neighbors will practically not hear the unit. Accordingly, generator-inverters are ideal for residential premises, as they do not interfere with the owners and do not annoy others. Sockets with a grounding contact and a protective casing will allow you to take such a generator outside or even take it with you to nature. This means that inverter power plants can be used both for camping and for keeping garden appliances up and running. Adequate capacity will enable a large residential building to be supplied with electricity.

Modern inverter generators have a large number of advantages over their usual "brothers".

• Economical fuel consumption... Automatic adjustment of engine speed will allow the inverter to independently select the amount of generated electrical energy. Thus, exactly as much output voltage will be created as needed for the connected devices.This way of working cuts fuel consumption by about 4 times compared to conventional generators.
• Great durability... Adjusting the output characteristics, depending on the required voltage, reduces wear on the engine and other parts.
• High quality output voltage... Earlier, electrical appliances were simpler in design, and electronics were not very popular. However, in the digital age, new devices are becoming more and more sensitive to the quality and stability of the electrical connection. Expensive electronics can at any time receive fatal damage to their "filling" even from a small voltage drop and burn out. It is not always possible to "fix" such a breakdown. Using an inverter device will eliminate such breakdowns and save the owner's money and nerves.
• High level of compactness... A small processor board located in a microcomputer does not need an elaborate ventilation system with many coolers or heavy windings. Conventional generators are 2-3 times larger than compact inverter units. Moreover, the latter do not suffer from a lack of power. This makes it possible to use such a power plant on the street for cleaning the territory with specialized equipment, and to take it to the countryside for camping, and transport it to another building.
• Little noise... The casing mentioned above has excellent soundproofing properties, which allows the inverter generator to be used in an apartment building without the risk of complaints from neighbors. His work also does not interfere with sleeping at night.
• High level of protection against external influences... The casing, in addition to good sound insulation, has an IP23 protection class against external factors. This means that it is not afraid of bad weather conditions and can be used outdoors.

Of course, this unit also has disadvantages. However, they are offset by specific benefits.

• High one-time fee... For a convenient and compact fuel generator with an inverter, you will have to pay 2 times more than for a conventional power plant. However, it must be remembered that the first has less fuel consumption, and it protects expensive sensitive electrical appliances from short circuits.
• Poor assortment... The choice among a fairly small model range of these units is very, very limited. Therefore, you always have to choose among literally a few reputable brands.
• Situationally insufficient power. In fact, this is a rather controversial minus, since such units have an average power of 8 kW. This is enough to light and heat a large private house.

Inverter generators have several grounds for classification.

By type of fuel

• Petrol... They work for a limited amount of time, but are cheaper.
• Diesel... They have large dimensions, high prices, and require less control due to the built-in microcomputer.

Phase

• Single phase... Used to connect household appliances to them.
• Three-phase... Used for industrial devices such as welding machines, pumps, etc.

By power

• Portable (1, 2, 3 kW). Weighs up to 8 kg, looks like a small suitcase. Used in a carrier for going out into nature.
• Medium (5.6 kW)... They weigh up to 100 kg. They are produced in the form of a monoblock on a transportable frame with a chassis. Used to maintain electricity in private houses and apartments.
• Heavy (7-9 kW). Weigh over 100 kg. Used in manufacturing plants.

By engine type

• With a two-stroke engine. Such a generator is more economical, lightweight, used outdoors, less powerful, less environmentally friendly, less expensive, more noisy.
• With a four-stroke engine. It is used for frequent use with the connection of a group of devices at once.

By type of structure

• Open body... This option is not quite so numerous and is rarely found in the range of specialized stores. However, these generators are used for heavy duty loads.
• With a closed case... A widespread standard version, it has a sound-absorbing casing with increased protection against moisture and dust.

By cooling method

• Air cooled... They are cheaper, however, they cannot boast of the duration of continuous work.
• Water cooled. They require more control, are more expensive, are complex in design, but they work continuously.

By way of control

• Manually launched. The most common way to launch. It is carried out with the help of a pull rope pulled towards itself.
• Generator with electric starter... A representative of this type is started by turning the key in the ignition lock. A fairly convenient way, especially at low temperatures.
• Remotely launched... Such a generator is started through a command given by a digital remote control. You can start a power plant without leaving your home and without leaving your room.
• Electric starter with automatic start... It is a "custom" version of the generator with an electric starter. To create such a power plant, it is necessary to buy an automatic input unit and build it into an electric starter.

Below is a list of the best inverter generator models and a quick overview.

• PATRIOT GP 2000i. It is characterized by stable start-up in the cold or after downtime and the presence of an autonomous system for regulating engine speed, which will extend the operating time and increase the reliability of moving parts. At the same time, it works quietly and does not irritate the ears.

• Honda EU10i. Japanese quality in a handy carry case. A good option if you need to power electrical appliances on the street. It starts up quickly, a small body allows it to be transported in the trunk of a car, and a powerful economical engine will provide electricity for up to 8 hours.

• Denzel GT-2600i. Light weight and chassis, this unit can be transported at any convenient time, the system is protected from short circuits and voltage surges. Starts quickly and easily, "eats" little fuel.

• DDE DPG1201i. A very economical option to keep electrical appliances running. It is fuel efficient and provides a stable output voltage. The cost is within reason. It is characterized by high reliability and compactness.

• Huter DN1500i. The four-stroke engine of this model will provide electrical appliances with energy for up to 6 hours. Convenient housing with a handle and low weight allow you to carry the generator without much interference, even on your hands.

• PATRIOT GP 1000i. An excellent choice for those who need powering of power tools or other low-power appliances. Continuous operation up to 4 hours is provided by a 2 liter fuel tank. A sound insulating cover ensures quiet operation of the unit.

Before choosing a brand new electric generator for yourself, you should understand where and what it will be used for... If you need an inverter on a hike, for a summer residence or on the road, the choice should fall on a small portable generator. If a power plant is needed to constantly support the operation of a heating boiler, an electric water pump and other devices that require constant electricity, you can sacrifice some compactness for higher power.

If the future generator-inverter will be used in an apartment of an apartment building, it is worth buying a closed power plant with a noise-insulating casing. The operation of such a unit should be quiet, not interfere with both the owners and their neighbors.In order to be able to use the power plant in construction and household work, you need a reliable closed case with a degree of protection IP23.

Also, some people, who are usually very busy (or, conversely, extremely lazy), should take care of the presence of autorun, since it is very problematic to start the generator in some cases. A gasoline engine is needed for those who will work in the cold for a short time. To maintain a constant voltage in a warm room, it is better to purchase a diesel generator.

To maintain good condition of the generator-inverter the following actions should be carried out.

• Strictly observe instruction manual.
• Run inif the generator is being started for the first time. This is necessary to prepare the engine for continuous operation.
• Before each connection, you must clean the engine from accumulated dust and debris that has accidentally got into it. It is best to use air compressors to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Check the integrity of the wiring before connecting the devices.
• Check the level and quality of the filled oil at regular intervals... It is necessary to fill in the oil of the same brand that was used before.
• Change the fuel to a new one if the unit has been idle for a long time... During the weeks of downtime, fuels and lubricants could lose quality.
• Check the spark plug. If there is no spark, it should be replaced and its socket checked for defects.
• Check the condition of fasteners on the parts and tighten them if necessary.
• Periodically change the air filter.
• Install the generator only on a level surface and transport only in an upright position... Failure to follow these guidelines may result in wear and tear on parts and damage.

You can see more information about inverter generators in the following video.