An inverter or power inverter is a circuit or device contains this circuit that changes 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, the AC current supplied from a power source has a constant voltage and frequency, which is standardized by the country. In order to change the voltage and frequency of the AC current 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). This "inverter" is also used inside the AC power source.
The semiconductor devices used in inverters are called power devices. Among the power devices, IGBTs using SiC and MOS-FETs using GaN and GaO are the most common switching devices. These are characterized by high withstand voltage and are suitable for use under high currents.
Inverter drive is a method of controlling machinery by changing the voltage and frequency using an inverter. Inverter drives include the motors of air conditioners and washing machines, the drive motors of 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 words:
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- Photovoltaics (PV)
- Regenerative
- Electric vehicles
- EV
- HV (Hybrid vehicles)
- PHV (Plug-in hybrid vehicles) Energy saving
- Regenerative braking
- IGBT
- MOS-FET
- SiC
- GaN
- GaO
- power devices
- High voltage
- switching elements
- Railway
- vehicles
- Trains
- Motors
- Air conditioners
- Washing machines
- DC
- AC
Recommended products
Matsusada Precision offers a wide range of power supply equipment for use in inverter research and development and various tests.
