[2024] All About Inverter Explained in Detail

    An inverter is a device or circuit that converts direct current into alternating current i.e. opposite function of a rectifier. These are used to power electrical appliances in the case of power cut. The basic inverter circuit include an oscillator, control circuit, drive circuit, switching device and a transformer.

Basic Operation or Working of Inverter

    The conversion of dc power to ac power is achieved by continuously switching and then stepping-up using a transformer.

    The dc input voltage is switched on or off using MOSFET or power transistor and pulses are fed to the primary winding of the transformer (usually step-up transformer). The varying voltage on the primary winding induces an alternating voltage on the secondary winding of the transformer usually output voltage is increased in case of step-up transformer.

Output Waveform of Inverter

    An inverter generally generates three types of output waveform which are listed below.

1. Square Wave - Square wave inverter are simplest to design but least used.
2. Sine Wave - Sine wave inverters are most efficient inverter but they are complex and costly to design. 
3. Modified Sine or Quasi-Sine Wave - Many inexpensive consumer power inverters generates modified sine or quasi-sine wave. 

Application of Inverter

    The main application of inverter has been listed below.

1. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)
2. Supply Residential Appliances
3. Electric Motor Speed  Control
4. Refrigerator Compressor
5. Induction Heating
6. HVDC Power Transmission Line
7. Solar Power Plants
8. Electroshock Weapons
9. Frequency Conversion
10. Automobiles

Conclusion

    Hope, you have clearly understand about the inverter, its basic operation or working, output waveform and applications. Make sure to leave your opinion and suggestion about this post in the comment section below.