What Kinds of Electronics Need True Sine Wave Inverters?
True sine wave inverters help eliminate harmonic distortion and promote energy efficiency. Even so, modified sine wave inverters remain attractive because they cost less. Furthermore, they do work well for certain types of equipment, particularly low-end appliances. Although some electronics deliver adequate performance when they receive a modified wave, others perform poorly, or not at [...]
Using a Frequency Converter with Wind Turbines
A wind turbine changes the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. Known as wind power, this process has steadily grown in popularity since the 1940s to become one of the world’s primary means of natural energy production. Windmills use different frequency inverter types to invert the Direct Current (DC) that wind energy produces into [...]
Using Variable Frequency Inverters with AC Induction Motors
Variable frequency inverters (a.k.a. variable frequency controllers) are used to control the electronic speed of Alternating Current (AC) induction motors. Expressed as a linear process, the modulation of the motor’s electronic speed occurs in the following three steps: The operator regulates sine wave power to the controller The controller converts the power Power of adaptable [...]
Using High Frequency Inverters for Solar Panels
Solar panels have existed since the 1950s, but their original design left much to be desired. In addition to costing several hundred dollars per unit, the panels were inefficient, often achieving an efficiency of five percent or less. Over the years, solar panels have become both affordable and efficient. The New York Times reports that [...]
Achieving Energy Savings with a Frequency Converter
As compared to a frequency inverter, which changes Direct Current (DC) to a frequency of Alternating Current (AC), a frequency converter changes AC from one frequency to another. When estimating the value of different frequency inverter types and models of frequency converters, energy efficiency is a primary concern. Regarding the use of frequency converters, research [...]
Using Variable Frequency Inverters for Mechanical-Draft Cooling Towers
A large percentage of a business’s energy bill comes from HVAC usage. From water chilling equipment to air distribution fans, HVAC systems are comprised of various components that use energy in all seasons. For companies needing to cut costs, reducing HVAC expense is a sensible way to shrink the operational budget without compromising products or [...]
Will DC Power Distribution Make a Comeback?
Electricity has been around since the beginning of time, but only in the past few centuries has it been scientifically defined pertaining to current. Direct Current (DC) – originally known as galvanic current – is the unidirectional flow of an electric charge, while Alternating Current (AC) is the flow of an electric charge that periodically [...]
Pure Sine Wave Inverters Versus Modified Sign Wave Inverters
Power inverters – devices that change DC current to AC current – are classified in several ways, such as whether they are a transformerless inverter or one that contains a transformer; whether they are a stand-alone inverter, or are connected the grid; and whether they deliver a modified sine wave or a pure one. In [...]
DC to AC: Why is the Inversion So Important?
You already know the invention of the light bulb was a milestone for modern living, but did you know the invention precipitated the era of DC to AC power inversion? Like many great inventions, the light bulb was ahead of its time. Although Thomas Edison’s invention could light up any row of houses in the [...]