Table of Contents
Introduction to the world of the inverter power generator
Nowadays almost nothing works without electricity. We have all gotten much too used to this luxury and we only notice how dependent we have become when there is no fixed power socket nearby. Mobile power generators have practically infinite possibilities. During a longer blackout as an emergency power supply, when traveling with a motorhome, in the garden at home, on building sites, during a festival visit, on boats, when camping or as a welcome power supplier at open-air events: On all these occasions – and countless others – mobile power generators play out their full strength. No wonder, then, that these handy power plants are becoming increasingly popular.
In the search for a suitable device, the term “inverter technology” is being used more and more often. The innovative inverter power generators will sooner or later dominate the market of mobile power generation due to their characteristics and advantages over conventional power generators (converters). Nevertheless, not everybody can imagine anything under this technology, especially if you are not yet very familiar with this matter. Also our customer service regularly receives calls and mails on this topic. Therefore, in this guidebook, we dedicate ourselves entirely to the question of what the features and advantages of this technology are and how an inverter power generator works.
Features and advantages of an inverter power generator
What does the term “inverter” mean anyway? The easiest way to translate “inverter” is to say “inverter” because it converts direct current reliably into alternating current. The great advantage of this technology is that at the end of this process a perfect and pure sine wave voltage is delivered. Quasi electricity with the constant high quality of a house socket.
This results in many advantages for the consumer. For example, the inverter power generators guarantee a clean power output always and everywhere, as dangerous voltage fluctuations are prevented. Therefore even highly sensitive electronic consumers (e.g. laptop, TV set and music system) can be operated without any problems. Conventional power generators without inverter technology, however, can damage or even destroy them.
In addition, the inverter power generators are able to adjust their speed downwards accordingly in partial load operation. In the practical eco mode, the engine speed is optimally adapted to the amount of electrical energy required, i.e. the mobile power generator runs much more quietly at the push of a button and less fuel is consumed. And this is good news for both your wallet and the environment.
How an inverter power generator works?
An important feature of inverter generators is that the combustion engine and the generator work independently of each other. Or in other words: They can run at different frequencies. The downstream inverter electronics finally ensures that the current produced by the generator is output with a harmonized and stable sine wave voltage.
Now that you have gained some theoretical background knowledge about an inverter power generator, it’s time for one of our blue guys to literally drop his pants for you.
Therefore we present you a 3D sectional drawing at this point. Thanks to it you can see very well how the inner workings are and how an inverter generator works.
Working of inverter power generator
1. Display:
The clearly arranged LCD display informs about all important performance data at a glance. This includes, for example, the voltage delivered, the current power or the total number of operating hours completed. The oil level can also be easily checked here. Thanks to the backlighting, the power generator is also suitable for use in the dark – for example, for a hip party under the stars.
2. Sockets:
Consumers with 230-volt alternating current are connected to the Schuko sockets. Inverter power generators with sufficient power potential often even have two sockets to be able to operate several consumers at the same time. This means that there is no longer any dispute about who may first take possession of the handy mini power station. When buying a mobile power generator, make absolutely sure that the sockets have at least IP54 protection class (protection against splashing water). High-quality generators also have a connection for 12-volt direct current. This is particularly practical if, for example, an empty mobile home battery needs to be charged while on the move.
3. Starter battery (also accumulator):
The starter battery stores electrical energy and releases it when needed. If your new inverter power generator is equipped with this feature, the starting process is more comfortable than ever: Simply press the ignition button and turn the key and you have your personal power to go. And all this without breaking out in a sweat from starting with a pull starter.
4. Electronics:
On this board is the inverter. Practically nothing works without this important component, because it converts the direct current coming from the generator into clean alternating current with a pure sine wave. Only in this way can sensitive electronic devices (e.g. laptop, music system or television) be operated safely. Because unlike a conventional power generator, an inverter power generator reliably protects these consumers from serious damage.
Working of inverter power generator
5. Cooling fins:
The combustion process in the engine generates heat which must be dissipated as quickly as possible. For this purpose, a fan wheel rotates in the operating state, which dissipates the heated air. Its path leads past aluminium cooling fins, which reduces the temperature of the air. This is based on the physical principle of enlarging body surfaces in order to improve heat transfer to the environment and thus cooling overall. This prevents the engine from overheating so that the generator can remain in operation as long as you wish.
6. Motor:
Here you can see a 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine of the latest generation with automatic easy start. An important quality feature is the overhead camshaft. The engine is the heart for the function of an inverter power generator. By means of an automatic speed control, it adapts itself optimally to the “hunger for electricity” of the respective consumer. You benefit from this in two ways: Significantly less fuel is consumed and, in addition, the inverter power generator works as quiet as a whisper.
7. Encapsulated housing:
Conventional generators with open frame construction are loud and clumsy. You should therefore prefer the more advanced inverter power generators, because they are much quieter and run more smoothly due to the encapsulated design. The high-quality insulation materials also contribute to optimal sound absorption. By the way, a consistent lightweight construction runs through the inverter power generators and ergonomically shaped components are used, so that transport is easy.
8. Carburetor air filter unit:
Here first the fuel is finely atomized. Then it is brought together with the already pre-filtered air. The fuel-air mixture now has the perfect composition for the subsequent explosion. This takes place in the combustion chamber – and the inverter power generator already begins its work.
9. Fuel tank:
This tank holds the fuel necessary to run the engine. Petrol-driven inverter generators are quieter and smoother than their diesel-based counterparts and are also cheaper to buy. The size of the tank is of course a decisive factor in how long an inverter generator will run without refuelling. Depending on the connected consumers, top-of-the-range devices can run for up to 14 hours with just one tank filling.
10. Cable starter:
This mechanical cable starter is also called a reversing starter. With a cable pull, combustion engines with a rather small displacement can be started quite easily. Just pull the cable 1-2 times and the inverter power generator starts. Of course, the pull-wire starter also offers a certain safety aspect: If the starter battery fails, for example because it is discharged, the power generator can still be reliably started.
11. Manual fuel pump:
The manual fuel pump makes starting a car much easier, especially after long periods of standing still. Each time the pump is actuated, a little petrol flows into the carburetor due to the negative pressure. Press a few times and the inverter power generator purrs like a kitten.
Summary
How does an inverter power generator work? After reading this guide, you can answer this question easily. You now also know the main reasons why inverters are considered to be the most innovative devices on the market: they generate electricity on the move with the quality of a household socket so that even voltage-sensitive consumers can be connected without worrying about damage – and they are quieter and produce fewer emissions than conventional power generators.
Technology fans also got their money’s worth in the section where the inner workings and functionality of an inverter power generator are explained in detail. We hope that you enjoyed this technology excursion and that you now feel well informed.
If you still missed one or the other point, please contact our customer service! There all your questions will be answered competently.