Selection and use of inverter

Different inverters are available according to your application and purpose. How should we determine their power? Let's discuss it together.

The purpose of the inverter is to convert DC power into AC power.  Generally speaking, an inverter is a device (converter) that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It is composed of an inverter bridge, control logic, and filter circuit. It uses widely in air conditioners, TVs, computers, washing machines, refrigerators, etc. Since the battery is direct current, an inverter is required to allow you to run AC equipment. They equip with AC power sockets for plugging into your computer, refrigerator, and other equipment.

In general, it is important to ensure that the voltage of the inverter matches the voltage of the battery pack. The maximum output power of the inverter should be greater than the load power. Capacitive loads (such as TVs, computers, etc.), inductive loads (air conditioners, refrigerators, electric drills, etc.) generally need to configure inverters according to 3-7 times the load power.

 ✈ First, let's learn  some basic concepts

1. Rated power

The rated power of the inverter is the continuous output power. It refers to the power maintained by the inverter during long-term operation.

2. Peak power

The peak power of the inverter is the starting power, which is generally twice the rated power, which mainly meets the instantaneous peak value when individual electrical appliances start. For example, an inverter with a rated power of 2000 watts has a peak power of 4000 watts. Therefore, there must be an inverter capable of meeting the peak power of the electrical appliance to ensure normal operation.

3. The efficiency of the inverter

When choosing an inverter, it is generally necessary to purchase a higher starting power than the electrical appliances to be used. The inverter itself consumes part of the power when it is working, and its input power is greater than its output power. The efficiency of the inverter is the ratio of the output power of the inverter to the input power. For example, if an inverter inputs 100 watts of direct current and outputs 90 watts of alternating current, then its efficiency is 90%.

For example:

The starting power of the motor is 1500 watts, and the peak power of the inverter is exactly 1500 watts. There will be efficiency loss during the conversion process, and the required power cannot actually be achieved. Therefore, when purchasing the inverter, leave enough margin.

✈ About the specific choice of inverter power

When determining the size of the inverter, you need to consider 3 factors: wattage, DC voltage, and AC voltage.

✔Wattage: For example, suppose you have a 600-watt refrigerator and a 900-watt air conditioner. These two projects will be 1500 watts and require inverters with a wattage higher than 1500W.

✔ DC voltage: The DC voltage rating on the inverter will tell you what battery pack it is compatible with. For example, a 24V battery pack will require an inverter compatible with 24V.

✔ AC voltage: The AC voltage rating on the inverter will tell you which AC appliance it will run.

The size of the inverter depends entirely on the equipment that will run on the inverter. If you are running multiple devices, the wattage consumption of these devices must add together. For example, if you want to run a light bulb (100 watts), a TV (800 watts), and a fan (300 watts) at the same time, we recommend adding these values together (100W+800W+300W=1200W), which tells you that you need to be able to handle them at the same time 1200W inverter, so we recommend using 1500W inverter.

✈ Inverter type

The inverter has modified and pure sine wave types. Pure sine wave inverters generally adopt PWM inversion. It has a complex structure and good output waveform, which are suitable for inductive and capacitive loads. Modified sine wave inverters generally use square wave inversion. It has a simple structure, but poor output waveform, which is not suitable for inductive and capacitive loads. Therefore, we recommend using a pure sine wave inverter.

✈ How to connect: the wiring must be operated correctly as required

The DC voltage connected to the inverter marks with positive and negative poles. Normally, the red one is the positive (+), and the black one is the negative (-).

The battery also has positive and negative poles. When connecting, it must connect to positive (red to red) and negative to negative (black to black).

Choose a connecting wire with wire diameter and reduce the length of the wire as much as possible when connecting, which is conducive to improving the overall conversion efficiency.

For setup instructions, please refer to the user manual of the device. If you need help, please send an email or call our technical support team.

✈ The following is a brief description of the battery inverter configuration of common electrical appliances. You can draw inferences about the power of your electrical appliances.

* For home Internet, TV, computer, and lighting, please use an inverter of 500W or more plus a 100AH battery. The usage time is 4 hours.  

* Freezers, please be equipped with inverters above 1500W and 150AH batteries. Use time: 8 hours.      

* Fan, lighting, equipped with 300W inverter and 36AH battery, the use time is 2 hours.      

* Car refrigerators, please be equipped with inverters above 1000W.