An inverter, or power inverter, is a circuit or a device containing this circuit that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter circuits are used to change DC from solar power generation or batteries to AC power and to control motors driven by AC. Inverters in solar power generation are also called solar inverters, hybrid inverters, or DC-to-AC inverters. Inverters for motors are also called inverter-drive or inverter-control with variable voltage and frequency.
Generally, AC power from the utility grid is supplied at a fixed voltage and frequency, standardized by each country. In order to change the voltage and frequency of the AC to any desired value, it is necessary to convert the AC (alternating current) electricity to DC (direct current) and then back to AC (alternating current). An inverter is also a core component inside programmable AC power sources, which perform this AC-to-DC-to-AC conversion to generate a variable AC output.
The semiconductor devices used in inverters are called power devices. While traditional silicon (Si)-based IGBTs and MOSFETs are widely used, next-generation power devices such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices are increasingly adopted for their superior performance. These advanced devices are characterized by high breakdown voltage and high-current capability.
Inverter drive is a method of controlling machinery by changing the voltage and frequency using an inverter. Applications for inverter drives include controlling the motors in air conditioners and washing machines, and the propulsion motors for railroad cars (trains), electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles (HVs), and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs). In particular, railroad cars and hybrid vehicles can utilize regenerative energy from regenerative braking, which is attracting attention as a highly energy-efficient drive system.
Inverters used for photovoltaic cells are called solar inverters. (In Japan, they are called power conditioners.) Solar inverters are devices that convert DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity. For more information on photovoltaic cell (PV) systems, see Photovoltaics (PV).
Matsusada Precision offers a wide range of power supply equipment for use in inverter research and development and various tests.
- Related Terms:
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- Photovoltaics (PV)
- Regenerative
- Electric vehicles
- EV
- HV (Hybrid vehicles)
- PHV (Plug-in hybrid vehicles) Energy saving
- Regenerative braking
- IGBT
- MOSFET
- SiC-JFET
- GaN
- GaO
- power devices
- High voltage
- switching elements
- Railway
- vehicles
- Trains
- Motors
- Air conditioners
- Washing machines
- DC
- AC
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Matsusada Precision offers a wide range of power supply equipment for use in inverter research and development and various tests.
