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  • Essay / What is an inverter? - 754

    An inverter, or inverter, is an electronic device or circuit that transforms direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).[1]The function of an inverter is to change the input DC to alternating current. symmetrical alternating voltage of the desired amplitude and frequency. The output voltage can be fixed or variable at a fixed or variable frequency. A variable output can be achieved by varying the DC input voltage and keeping the inverter gain constant. [2] Voltage and current waveforms produced by inverters are never perfect sinusoids (even for sine wave inverters); therefore, some harmonic currents are expected during normal system operation. Total harmonic distortion (THD) is a measure of the harmonic content in the current and voltage waveform. The type of inverter used will depend on the load it will serve. Resistive loads could tolerate square wave inverters which are cheaper and easier to develop. Motors and sensitive electronics will need inverters capable of producing near-perfect sinusoidal voltage and current waveforms to function properly. These tend to be more expensive and difficult to design. The designer should choose inverters based on load types and power requirements. In the photovoltaic industry, inverters can be classified into two broad categories: 1) Stand-alone inverters. These inverters are intended to operate isolated from the electrical distribution network (off-grid) and require batteries for proper operation. Batteries provide a constant voltage source to the DC input of the inverter.2) Grid Tied InvertersThese inverters operate coupled to the electrical distribution network and therefore must be capable of producing near perfect sinusoidal voltages and currents. In our project, the PV system...... middle of paper ...... which potentially leads to low manufacturing costs and low retail prices. This technology is also very suitable for residential applications with low energy requirements and where partial shading is a critical issue. This type of inverter is also designed with a “plug and play” function so that it can be installed without extensive electrical knowledge. However, if implemented by a large number of industrial applications, due to distributed installation, maintenance requirements may increase costs and discourage large-scale use. Keeping inverter enclosures waterproof and using components subject to high ambient temperatures is a major concern. It will be necessary to develop a system capable of detecting the failure of any microinverter and isolating it immediately. This type of inverter has recently become an emerging product and promises a remarkable market share in the future..