Gasoline generator: inverter or conventional? Inverter generator: refined type of standard generator

Inverter generators are commonly called autonomous power sources that are successfully used to generate high-quality electricity. In most cases, such equipment is used in the form of temporary or permanent ones, if the periods of continuous operation are insignificant. At the same time, inverter generators are recommended for instruments that are highly sensitive. In most cases, the equipment is successfully used in schools, hospitals and other government institutions, where even minor surges in electrical voltage are prohibited.

Operating principles of inverter generators

An inverter generator can only be purchased if the operating principle is completely clear. Otherwise, exploitation can bring significant discontent and even turn out to be too dangerous.

An inverter generator is traditionally created on the basis of a special unit, which must include a microprocessor, a rectifier, and a converter.

So, what is the operating principle of an inverter generator?

It is possible to generate high-frequency alternating current.
The rectifier allows you to convert the resulting current into direct current.
It is assumed that current can be accumulated in capacitive filters, which are produced in the form of batteries.
There is an opportunity to stabilize the oscillations of electrical waves.
Inverter generators allow you to convert the energy that comes from capacitive filters into alternating current. In this case, it is assumed that the required frequency and voltage indicators will be achieved. Subsequently, AC power must be supplied to the end user. As a result of the working process, you can see an ideal sine wave, which guarantees that the quality of the received electricity is maintained at optimal level.

The above principles of operation make it possible to obtain a stable voltage, thereby guaranteeing protection for very sensitive devices. It should be noted that inverter generators can operate automatically.

The cost of refueling equipment can be halved thanks to full and constant control over the level of fuel, oil, as well as the performance of the running engine.

The design features of modern generators make it possible to guarantee a high level of equipment protection. For this purpose, a built-in air cooling system is traditionally used. However, if the load is reduced to a minimum level, an automatic transition to an economical mode is expected, as a result of which rapid wear of the equipment can be avoided and maximum service life can be guaranteed.

What are the important advantages of inverter generators?

Supposed supply only high quality current. Previously, simple household appliances were offered, and electronics were not popular. Nowadays, high-quality current is required everywhere, since only in this case can the successful and long-term service of digital electronics be guaranteed. Almost every type of equipment has delicate and vulnerable electronic components, as a result of which electrical voltage drops are unacceptable. Only inverter generators can guarantee high quality current.
Saving on fuel. It is assumed that the engine speed can be adjusted automatically, as a result of which the inverter automatically determines the amount of energy required for operation. As a result, excessive fuel consumption is completely eliminated.
Inverter generators boast compact dimensions. The microprocessor board does not require special windings or large ventilation equipment. Dimensions are reduced by 2–3 times, but the functionality of the equipment is still maintained at a decent level. Reduced dimensions lead to weight reduction.
Minimum noise level, which is guaranteed thanks to a special protective casing. When operating, the equipment emits no more than 66 dB, which assumes there is no noise.
Resistance to external factors. The mechanism is protected from moisture and dust.

Disadvantages of inverter generators

Despite the numerous advantages, disadvantages also need to be noted.

High price. Modern equipment is more expensive than conventional models. At the same time, the price turns out to be 2–2.5 times higher. Despite this, optimal savings in the future are guaranteed, because the equipment will not melt. Moreover, renovation activities will not be a frequent task.
Limited selection. The range of inverter generators turns out to be insignificant. Despite this, you can still find a suitable model.
Power limitation. Basically, the power of the equipment does not exceed 8 kW, but this is enough for everyday tasks. It should be noted that 1 kW is enough for going out into nature, 2 - 3 kW - for powering the most important electrical appliances, 5 kW - for a small private house, 7 - 8 kW - for a large residential building.

Despite the presence of certain disadvantages, you can understand whether this choice should be made or whether it is best to give preference to another proposal.

Interesting generator review:

If there is no electricity, then there can be no talk of any comfort. All household appliances require constant power supply. To somehow solve this issue, autonomous energy sources are used - generators. They are backup sources of electricity. There are many different versions of similar devices, which are sometimes difficult to understand without confusion. You need to know the difference between a conventional generator and an inverter generator (inverter generators), which one is better for you in this case to choose.

In field conditions, the best option for generating electricity is to use an autonomous device. Its design is quite simple. The autonomous device consists of an engine and a generator connected to it. The engine can be used of any type and power.

It rotates the rotor of the current generator, creating voltage at the output. The properties and power parameters are determined by the characteristics of the generator and motor. The quality of electricity is affected by the functioning of the engine. As the engine speed increases, the voltage at the generator output increases. There is also a dependence of the opposite type. As the consumer load increases, the starting current increases, this affects the properties of energy and the operation of the engine.

This method is used to operate a conventional generator. The quality of the energy created is quite suitable for powering many devices. Simple incandescent light bulbs will provide light even when the voltage is floating; electronic devices will also operate from such a generator if they use pulsed power. But the properties of a 220-volt power supply network with a frequency of 50 hertz must meet certain requirements. A fairly large number of devices are designed to meet such requirements. Changed network properties lead to malfunctions or failure of power quality-sensitive devices.

Creating an electric power reserve remains popular today. For this purpose, manufacturers produce electricity generators of different types and performance. Among the various designs of such devices, a large place is given to elite models that operate on the principle of creating high-quality energy.

To improve the quality of electric current, inverter converters of electricity properties are being introduced into devices. They are called inverter generators. The most popular models for the population have a power of 0.8-3 kilowatts. The drive engine can run on gas, gasoline or diesel fuel.

Design features of the inverter generator

Inverter generators consist of:

Engine.
Generator.
Inverter.
Terminals for current output.
Control regulators.

To turn on household devices, the usual output is used along the three contacts of a 220 V socket.

In addition to alternating current, the device produces direct current, used for various purposes, charging car batteries. Inverter generators are equipped with terminals to enable DC charging.

When connecting a load exceeding the permissible value, the protection is triggered and turns off the power circuit. The protection also monitors the technical condition of the engine, for example, when the oil level has reached the lower limit. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor its level and top up on time. Typically, inverter generators are paired with a 4-stroke overhead valve engine.

Operating principle

The engine drives a simple generator that produces sine wave electricity. The energy flow is supplied to the rectifier from power diodes with powerful radiators for cooling. As a result, an alternating voltage is generated at the output of the rectifier.

After the rectifier, the voltage passes through a filter on capacitors, which smooths out the ripple to the properties of a constant voltage. By design, the capacitors are selected for stable operation for voltages greater than 400 V. The voltage for the capacitors is selected with a margin to eliminate the effect of 220 volt pulses. The size of the capacitor capacity is determined by the power of the consumers. Typically it is 470 µF for 1 capacitor.

The inverter now receives a stable rectified current, from which a high-quality industrial frequency voltage is obtained. Special technical processes have been created for the operation of the inverter. The optimal signal shape was a bridge circuit with a transformer.

The main element that forms a high-quality sine wave is the switch on IGBT transistors. To create a sinusoidal current, the method of generating periodicity of pulse-width modulations is used. Each half-cycle of sinus oscillations is formed by operating a pair of transistors in the form of high-frequency pulses of a certain amplitude, which varies according to a sinusoidal law. The final alignment of the sine graph and smoothing of the pulses is carried out by a high-pass filter.

The inverter unit converts the electricity created by the generator into a stable constant value with quality properties. The inverter unit is controlled by the control system through feedback, taking into account the load size and engine operation. A current comes from the generator coils, which is far from matching its nominal value in its properties. This feature distinguishes inverter generators from other designs.

Application

The use of inverter generators makes it possible to outperform conventional generators in the following factors:

They have a high degree of economy due to automatic adjustment of the number of motor revolutions during operation and ensuring optimal mode according to the size of the load. The higher the engine load, the higher its rotation speed. In this case, fuel consumption is controlled by the control system. For conventional generators, consumption does not depend on the consumer load.
Generators create an ideal sine wave shape under load. High quality voltage is important for the functioning of sensitive devices.

The overall dimensions of high-quality generator models have a compact body and low weight compared to conventional generators at the same power.
Devices with inverters are very reliable in operation; manufacturers provide a double guarantee, unlike simple samples.

Modes of application of generators with converters:

Long operation at rated load, not higher than the rated output power.
Short-term overload, no more than 30 minutes.
Starting the engine and achieving the generator's operating cycle while overcoming significant load forces.

The converter can resist a significant load size, but the time period in this mode is a few fractions of a second.

Engine starting

For such an operation you need to perform several steps. Let's look at the procedure for starting the engine using the ER 2000 model as an example:

Check the presence and level of oil in the crankcase. If it is absent, the protection will work and malfunctions may occur.

Fill with fuel, without which the engine cannot operate, by first unscrewing the tank cap.
Open the valve on the tank lid.

Set the throttle to “start”.

Set the fuel valve handle to the “open” position.

Start the engine manually using the cord.

When the motor is started for the first time, the overload lamp will light up briefly, followed by the voltage indicator of the nominal mode for a long time. This indicates normal conditions.

After starting the engine, the generator idles at optimal parameters. Next, we turn on the consumer load to the generator by connecting any household appliance. The power of the connected device does not change the frequency and output voltage. The screen shows the consumer power value.

We try to connect any digital device to the output of the inverter generator and make sure that normal operation occurs. On conventional generators, digital devices malfunction due to inadequate quality of output power.

Inverter generators belong to a group of devices that use microprocessors and complex electronic parts. To guarantee long-term reliable operation of the generator, it is necessary to comply with operating conditions, carefully transport and ensure all conditions of temperature and humidity, as well as storage, according to the instructions.

If the device is stored in an unheated room during the winter, condensation may form on the internal parts, which will cause malfunctions of the electronic parts of the generator.

Choice

Inverter generators cost much more than a regular generator. Also, its operation is limited by power, which is no more than 7 kW.

The choice of generator should be approached carefully. It is necessary to determine what requirements are needed for voltage quality. For ordinary lighting lamps and power tools, it is enough to have a simple gasoline generator.

To connect a refrigerator, a circulation pump for heating, and control controllers for a gas-fired boiler, you will need a high-quality inverter generator.

In most cases, simple generators are used, especially since they are cheap to operate and purchase. For critical devices, inverter models are used. They are more expensive, but produce high-quality electricity.

The modern market of electrical equipment currently offers two types of generators, with the help of which, by burning carbon fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel or gas), you can obtain electrical energy. This problem is urgent because the work of domestic energy supply organizations leaves much to be desired. And the periodic shutdown of the electric current supply is proof of this. So, in this article we will be interested in one question: an inverter generator or a conventional one - which is better?

To understand this issue, it is necessary to consider the operating principle of two types of generating equipment, the positive and negative aspects of design and operation, and pay attention to some positions regarding the economic side of the matter.

Classic generator

The operating principle of a conventional generator is quite simple. Carbon fuel, using a standard engine designed for a specific type of fuel, drives a shaft that is directly connected to the alternator. The latter is an alternating current electric generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy due to the rotor winding and magnets installed in its design.

That is, there are no intermediaries, so it is very important that the rotation of the shaft, and therefore the rotor, occurs at the same speed. Reducing or increasing the rotation speed leads to a decrease in the quality of electric current generation. This is the main disadvantage of a classic generator¸ because over time, rotating components and parts wear out, which mainly leads to a decrease in rotation speed.

But that's not all. Classic generators have one, so to speak, negative economic aspect. If the unit is not fully loaded (below the nominal value), then the fuel consumption will be high compared to the load indicator. And even more so if the generator will operate in this mode for a long time. In order for you to understand what we are talking about, we will give a simple example.

You purchased a 5 kW generator, and the power consumption of all household appliances and lighting in the house is approximately 3 kW. That is, almost half of the generating set will run idle. But at the same time, it will “eat up” exactly 5 kW of fuel. Therefore, before buying this equipment, you need to accurately calculate the power consumption in the house. And then buy the device itself.

If a classic type generator is not operating at full load, soot begins to accumulate inside the internal combustion engine. And this will lead to a decrease in operating efficiency, that is, it will again directly affect fuel consumption. Plus, you will have to carry out repairs more often, which is also not a cheap pleasure.

Many consumers, when purchasing a generator set, rarely look at the instructions or data sheet. Namely, in these documents, manufacturers warn that operating the generator below 25 percent load is strictly prohibited. Usually the period during which such a load is allowed is also indicated, because there are many emergency situations in life. This period is indicated in hours per year. That is, exceeding this indicator removes all responsibility of the manufacturer.

Attention! The most surprising thing is that a large number of complaints from consumers come precisely for this reason. Therefore, we recommend that you first study the accompanying documents and then purchase or operate the generator.

Despite the fact that generators with classical technologies for generating electricity have so many disadvantages, they also have one rather significant advantage - this is an acceptable price of the equipment in comparison with other varieties. Let's add here the good reliability of the unit and a wide power range. As for reliability and long service life, all this will be possible in reality if the generator is fully loaded and a periodic technical inspection is carried out.

An inverter generator has a completely different way of generating electrical energy, although it is still the same alternating current device. It does not supply electricity directly, as happens in the classic model. Its design contains several intermediate components, the main one of which is the battery.

How is electrical alternating current generated?

At first, everything happens the same as in a classic device. That is, the internal combustion engine rotates a shaft that is connected to the alternator rotor. The latter produces alternating current.
The current passes through the power electronics and becomes DC. They charge the battery.
Now, in order to get alternating current again, an inverter is installed after the battery, which produces a current of the required voltage, or rather, 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Why is such a complex scheme necessary, what is its advantage? Everything again comes down to hydrocarbon fuel consumption. For such a unit there is no need to maintain a constant rotor speed; it can be quite small, and this will be enough to charge the battery. True, with reduced rotation the charging time will increase. But in this case it is not so important. It turns out that the lower the rotation speed, the less fuel is consumed.

In addition, we can say that it is this parameter that affects the size of the generator. It becomes compact and lightweight. Plus - it's silent operation.

Flaws

In principle, there are two main disadvantages:

Cost of equipment. It is almost twice as high as the classic ones.
Design feature - the battery is an integral and non-separable part of the generator. That is, if the battery life has expired, you will have to replace the entire device.

As for the battery, there is another negative point. Its capacity may not support the required amount of electricity consumption. That is, you initially expected a certain load in the electrical network at home, but after a few months it increased. In this case, the battery will quickly discharge, and charging will be slow; it will not be enough for the power consumption. You will have to turn off the generator, wait for the battery to charge, after which you can use the electrical network. Let's face it, it's inconvenient.

How to choose

First, let's start with the fact that in the “inverter generator” category there are no models with a power of more than 6 kW. Therefore, before purchasing this device, you need to accurately calculate the power consumption of lighting and household appliances in the house.
Secondly, if a generator is purchased for regular use, then it is better to give preference to classic models. But, as mentioned above, the load on the electrical network and the power of the equipment will have to be brought to equal levels.
Thirdly, if you need a small mobile generating unit that will supply electricity not to the entire house, but to some part of it or a certain number of current-consuming appliances, then the inverter type is the best option for this.

Conclusion on the topic

So, in this article an analysis was carried out on the topic: an inverter generator or a regular classic one - which is better? As you can see, it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously, so we recommend that you first determine the operating conditions of the equipment in the house, and then, based on the analysis, make the right choice.

The modern industry in the field of electrical engineering today offers a lot of different generating equipment, which differs not only in price, but also in the principle by which electricity is generated. Therefore, when it comes to buying or renting mobile generator equipment, many may have a question about this, as well as a desire to compare the advantages of different types of equipment, in this case, inverter and conventional generators built according to the classical scheme.

Features and advantages of the “classic” generator

A conventional generator with a classic electricity generation scheme is a device that uses hydrocarbon fuel as the main source of energy, which is mechanically converted into electricity.

Fuel (gas, gasoline, diesel) is used to drive the engine, which is directly connected to the alternator (alternating current generator). The alternator converts the mechanical energy of the engine into electrical energy through a system of permanent magnets and rotor windings.

The quality of the generated electricity directly depends on the stability of the engine, so it must rotate at a constant speed. This is the main drawback of the design of such a generator. A conventional generator can be very inefficient, depending on the mode of operation.

The main problem is high fuel consumption at partial load, especially during long-term operation in this mode. This fact must be taken into account, because renting or purchasing a diesel generator can ultimately turn out to be a very expensive pleasure during operation. For this reason, it is necessary to select a generator strictly according to the load power.

In other words, when you use a rented 7 kW generator at the cottage or on a picnic to watch TV or listen to the stereo, you are using a large amount of fuel with incredibly low efficiency.

However, the problems are not limited to inefficient fuel consumption. Conventional generators have another problem. Which consists in the formation of soot in the engine when operating equipment at partial load, which leads to premature irreversible engine failure.

Many manufacturers clearly indicate in the operating instructions that loading the generator below 25% is strictly prohibited, and the time during which the generator can be operated in this mode is also indicated (usually hours per year are indicated). I must say that this is the main reason for a large number of complaints from customers, which boil down to the fact that a household generator works for a year and a half, and then you have to buy a new one (few people really study the instructions thoroughly).

Despite the described disadvantages, generators of the classical electricity generation scheme have one undeniable advantage, which leaves them far behind their more technologically advanced counterparts. This advantage lies in the virtually unlimited power spectrum, as well as incredibly high reliability and durability when used at full power and regularly maintained. Moreover, the cost of a conventional generator is significantly less than an inverter generator of the same power.

Features and Benefits of Inverter Generator

An inverter generator is also an alternating current generator (diesel or gasoline), but its principle of generating electricity is significantly different from the classical circuit. An inverter generator does not supply electricity directly, but stores it in a battery that is built into the design of the device.

The operating principle of an inverter generator is as follows: first, the alternator produces high-frequency alternating current and converts it into direct current using power electronics and charges the battery with it. At the next stage, the electricity from the battery is converted using an inverter into AC electricity of the required voltage and frequency (220V / 50Hz).

Thanks to this scheme for generating electricity, inverter generators are extremely efficient in terms of fuel consumption. The whole point is that this generator does not need to maintain a precisely specified engine speed. Therefore, at low loads, much less fuel is consumed. This also allows the design of the device to be lighter and more compact, since a smaller and smaller motor can be used. Another important advantage is the virtually silent operation of the device compared to conventional generators.

The disadvantages of inverter generators include the price, which is significantly higher than the cost of conventional “classic” generators, as well as a design feature that uses a rechargeable battery that is installed without the possibility of replacement and has a limited capacity.

The presence of a battery means that short-term connection of powerful consumers (for example, a microwave oven), or long-term connection of low-power devices (for example, lighting lamps or a TV) can only be made to a generator with a battery of the required capacity: otherwise the battery will not have time to charge. Comfortable use of an “inappropriate” generator is not possible, since it will be necessary to disconnect the load and wait until the battery is charged again.

Which generator should you choose?

If there is a need for constant power supply to high-power devices, then the best solution would be to purchase or rent a conventional diesel generator.

It should also be noted that in the range of inverter models there are no devices with a power higher than 6 kW. Therefore, if the total power of the connected load is close to or significantly greater than this value (for example, an average cottage requires a 30 kW diesel generator), then it is better to choose a conventional generator. In this case, uninterrupted power supply will be guaranteed.

If there is an urgent need for power supply to low-power devices and the mobility of the generator is required, as well as low noise characteristics during operation of the device, then an inverter generator is an ideal option.

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Some models of household appliances are sensitive to voltage surges. Even a small surge in power can lead to rapid failure. Such equipment includes:

volatile gas boilers
computers
TVs
circulation pumps, etc.

When purchasing an autonomous station for generating electricity, you must take this aspect into account. For a safe power supply, it is best to choose an inverter-type generator that runs on gasoline. Inverter gasoline electric generators produce stable “high-quality” voltage at the output and are the optimal solution.

What is a gasoline inverter generator

Inverter gasoline power generators have a design similar to conventional generators, with one exception - the use of a double converter. What does a double converter mean in practice?

The converter first transforms the current into direct current, which stabilizes its performance. But such electrical voltage is not suitable for operating household appliances, for this reason the unit proceeds to the second main function.
The converter transforms direct current back into alternating current. In this case, the output produces a voltage with standard values and an ideal waveform.

What can be achieved by using a gasoline inverter - generator to provide electricity to a private home or construction site? What are the benefits of installing an inverter gas generator?

Stable network voltage - the quality of the current is regulated by a special microprocessor, which reduces the likelihood of voltage surges and interference. A gasoline inverter generator with auto-start-electric starter provides the smoothest start-up of the current supply when the main power source is turned off.
Economical fuel consumption - engine speed is regulated by precise automation and is independently set as needed for voltage supply. An inverter-type gas generator thus reduces fuel consumption by 10-15%, which significantly affects the cost of the generated electricity.
Comfortable and easy operation - as already noted, the cost of such a model is slightly higher than conventional equipment, but the price is completely justified. The user receives a device in a casing that reduces noise and vibration, as well as a system that reduces the amount of harmful emissions. Additional ease of use is added by a convenient case, handles for moving the station and wheels located at the bottom for transportation.

An inverter-type gasoline generator-power station can be used to provide electricity to computer and other equipment, and even medical and other sensitive equipment. Inverter models of gas generators are reliable and have a high degree of protection.

Operating principle of an inverter gas generator

Each inverter generator uses a gasoline engine to operate. From the engine, torque is transmitted to the generator rotor, as a result of which an electromagnetic field arises, which is subsequently converted into alternating voltage. Next, a double energy converter is used, this is what distinguishes an inverter gas generator from a conventional generator.

As a result of the transformation of current into direct current, and back into alternating current, a voltage corresponding to high technical characteristics is obtained.

Considering that the engine is under constant load on the piston system, as well as issues of efficiency and reliability, it becomes obvious that a 4-stroke gasoline inverter electric generator with auto-start is one of the most reliable models. The operational characteristics of 4-stroke engines allow the use of generators for connection to welding equipment.

How to choose an inverter gas generator

The choice of the required generator model is primarily related to the main purpose of the equipment and its technical characteristics. When selecting the required model, you should pay attention to the following:

Compact - the best four-stroke portable inverter gasoline mini generators can be carried in your hand. Portable inverter-type gas generators are compact in size and easily fit in the trunk of a car. A mini-generator is enough to provide a stable voltage of 1-2 kW.
Engine quality - all inverters are equipped with two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines. Opinions often differ regarding which engine is better. But practice proves that an inverter gasoline power plant with a 4-stroke engine has a long service life, can work for a long time without shutting down (thanks to liquid cooling) and, as a rule, is more productive.
Industrial and domestic stations:
1. household models are unprofessional; they are recommended to be used exclusively for one-time compensation for the lack of voltage in the network.
2. industrial equipment is intended for intensive use as an alternative power source due to the lack of power lines.

The difference between an inverter gas generator and a simple gas generator is that the inverter can be used for. The use of conventional stations for a welding machine is a violation of operating conditions.

Which gas generator is better, inverter or regular?

It all depends on the purposes for which the equipment will be used. The difference between an inverter and a conventional gas generator lies in the quality of the supplied voltage, as well as the additional advantages of inverter-type generators:

The voltage from inverter generators fully complies with the required technical specifications.
For the operation of household appliances, inverter equipment creates optimal operating conditions. There are no voltage surges at all. Voltage stability allows you to connect almost any, even the most sensitive, equipment to the station.
Inverter stations with automatic transfer switch provide a smooth voltage start in case of an emergency.

The main reason why inverter models are purchased is precisely the high quality of their work. Since additional components and microcircuits are installed in generators using the inverter operating principle, they cost about a third more.

The service life of inverters, if the manufacturer's recommendations are followed, is several times longer than that of conventional generators. To increase productivity, you will need to regularly change the oil for gas generators, as well as carry out additional seasonal maintenance and repairs as necessary.

Inverter models are more reliable and easier to operate, and they can also be used to connect equipment sensitive to voltage surges.