7 Applications of Inverter | Importance & Uses of Power Inverter

In an earlier article, we learned the advantages and disadvantages of an inverter with multiple features.

Now, we are going to study-

• what is an inverter? and
• what are the applications of the inverter? and its importance.

Let’s study,

What is an Inverter?

An inverter is a power electronic device that converts direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. It changes the DC electricity from the sources (i.e. cells or batteries) to AC electricity.

Thus, it helps to operate AC equipment that is designed for the main operation. Also, it works oppositely to the rectifier in the power circuit.

The inverter is an essential piece of power equipment that is widely used in modern electrical systems (for example- smart appliances, industrial automation, electric motors, and many more power devices). And also it is widely used to power electronic devices (such as lights, televisions, computers, etc.) that regulate the flow of electric power.

For renewable energy sources (like solar systems, and wind turbine systems), inverters have a prominent role that is converting renewable energy into AC power and feeding AC power to the grid.

Applications of Inverter |  Industrial Applications 

What are the applications and uses of Inverters?

1. An inverter is mostly used in uninterrupted power supplies (UPS). The function of the power inverter circuit in UPS is to convert DC power to AC power at the required voltage level.
2. In industrial and commercial applications (for example- AC adjustable speed drive i.e. ASD, induction heating, etc.), the inverter is used for controlling the AC motor drive’s input voltage.
3. In domestic appliances (like as refrigerators, air conditioning, etc), the inverter is very essential for controlling the speed of the compressor and regulating the required power.
4. The inverter is primarily used in solar energy systems and wind turbine systems.
5. In electric aircraft and electric vehicles (EV), the power inverter is the most important device for power conversion and regulation.
6. Also, it is used in high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission.
7. This power device is used in the electroshock weapons (like stun guns, tasers, etc).

Importance of Inverter | in Power Electronics

What is the importance of an inverter?

The above applications cover the importance and uses of inverters in different domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. Thus, it performs several roles with multiple functions.

Also, in advanced technologies such as smart grid systems, Vehicle to Home (V2H), and Vehicle to Grid (V2G), the inverter is very essential equipment.

In renewable energy systems, the inverter converts the DC input power from solar panels or wind turbine into AC power which are compatible with other appliances. And it supplies AC power to the grid. Such inverters are known as ‘Grid-connected inverters’.

The Vehicle to Home (V2H) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) are basic concepts that enable batteries (present in electric vehicles) to supply home loads and grids through inverters. These inverters convert DC power from batteries to AC power and feed it to home loads and grids.

Inverters are one of the key components in battery-based backup power systems. A backup power system is needed when your grid goes down or when an outage at your house prevents you from using your main generator.

The importance of inverters, especially for the electric vehicle (EV) industries, is hard to overstate. Inverters are the essential parts of electric vehicles, which means that take in electricity from the batteries and convert it into usable power for the electric vehicle.

Thanks for Reading!

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