How does an inverter power generator work?

An introduction to the world of inverter power generators

Nowadays, virtually nothing works without electricity. We have all become far too accustomed to this luxury and we only realize how dependent we have become when there is no fixed mains socket nearby. Mobile power generators can be used in practically endless ways. During a prolonged blackout as an emergency power supply, when traveling with a motorhome, in the garden at home, on construction sites, during a festival visit, on boats, when camping or as a valuable power supplier at open-air events: mobile power generators show their full strength on all these occasions - and countless others. So it's no wonder that these handy power stations are becoming more and more popular.

When looking for a suitable device, you will often come across the term inverter technology. The innovative inverter power generators have established themselves on the mobile power generation market due to their properties and advantages over conventional power generators (converters). Nevertheless, not everyone is familiar with this technology, especially if they are new to the subject. Our customer service team also regularly receives calls and emails on this subject. That's why we're devoting this guide entirely to the question of what the features and advantages of this technology are and how an inverter generator works.

Features and advantages of an inverter generator

What does the term inverter actually mean? The simplest way to describe an inverter is to say that it reliably turns direct current into alternating current. The great advantage of this technology is that a perfect and pure sine wave voltage is supplied at the end of this process. In other words, electricity with the consistently high quality of a domestic power socket.

This brings many advantages for the electrical consumer. For example, inverter generators always ensure a clean power supply everywhere, as dangerous voltage fluctuations are prevented. This means that even highly sensitive electronic consumers (e.g. cell phones, laptops, TVs and hi-fi systems) can be operated without any problems. Conventional power generators without inverter technology, on the other hand, can damage or even destroy them.

Inverter generators are also able to adjust their speed downwards in partial load operation. In the highly effective eco mode, the engine speed is optimally adapted to the amount of electrical energy required, i.e. the mobile power generator runs much more quietly at the touch of a button and consumes less fuel. And that's good news for your wallet and the environment.

How an inverter power generator works

An important feature of inverter generators is that the combustion engine and the generator operate independently of each other. In other words, they can run at different frequencies. The electronic inverter system ensures that the electricity generated by the generator is supplied at a harmonized and stable sine wave voltage.

Now that you have gained some theoretical background knowledge about an inverter generator, it's time for one of our little blue fellows to literally drop his pants for you.

We are pleased to present you a 3D sectional drawing at this point. Thanks to it, you can see very clearly what the inside is like and how an inverter generator works.

©Tillman Straszburger selbermachen.de

1. Display:

The easy-to-read LED display provides information on all important performance data at one glance. This includes, for example, the voltage output, the current wattage or the total operating hours. You can also easily check the oil level here. Thanks to the backlight, the power generator is also suitable for use in the dark - perfect for a trendy party under the starry sky, for example.

2. 230 V sockets:

Consumers with 230 V alternating current are connected to the earthed sockets. Inverter generators with sufficient power potential often even have two sockets so that several consumers can be operated at the same time. This means there are no more quarrels about who gets to use the handy mini power station first. When buying a mobile power generator, make sure that the sockets have at least IP54 protection class (protection against splashing water). High-quality generators also have a connection for 12 volt direct current. This is particularly practical if, for example, you need to recharge a flat motorhome battery while on the road.

3. Starter battery (accumulator):

The starter battery stores electrical energy and releases it again when required. If your new inverter generator is equipped with this feature, the starting process is more convenient than ever before: simply press the ignition button and turn the key and you have your own personal power to go. And all without breaking a sweat from starting with a pull starter.

4. Inverter electronics:

The main board contains the inverter that gives the system its name. Practically nothing works without this important component, as it converts the direct current coming from the generator into clean alternating current with a pure sine wave. This is the only way to safely operate sensitive electronic devices (e.g. laptop, hi-fi system or television). In contrast to a conventional power generator, an inverter power generator reliably protects these consumers from serious damage.

5. Cooling fins:

The combustion process in the engine generates heat, which must be dissipated as quickly as possible. This heat is released into the air via aluminum cooling fins. This is based on the physical principle of enlarging body surfaces in order to transfer the heat to the environment and thus improve overall cooling. The heated air is directed outwards via the fan wheel and the casing of the generator. This prevents the engine from overheating so that the generator can remain in use for as long as you wish.

6. Engine:

Here you can see a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine of the latest generation with automatic easy start. An important quality feature is the camshaft mounted on top. The engine is the heart of the function of an inverter generator. Thanks to automatic speed control, it adapts optimally to the "thirst for power" of the respective consumer. You will benefit in two ways: significantly less fuel is consumed and the inverter generator is also as quiet as a whisper.

7. Capsuled casing:

Conventional generators with an open frame design are loud and bulky. It is therefore better to opt for the more advanced inverter generators, as they are much quieter and run more smoothly thanks to their encapsulated design. The high-quality insulating materials also contribute to optimum sound insulation. Incidentally, the inverter generators feature a consistent lightweight design and ergonomically shaped components, making them easy to transport.

8. Carburetor-air filter unit:

This is where the fuel is first finely atomized. It is then combined with the pre-filtered air. The fuel-air mixture now has the perfect composition for the subsequent explosion. This takes place in the combustion chamber - and the inverter generator begins its work.

9. Fuel tank:

The fuel required to operate the engine is stored in this tank. Petrol-powered inverter generators are quieter and run more smoothly than their diesel-based counterparts and are also cheaper to buy. The size of the tank is of course a decisive factor in how long an inverter generator will work without having to refuel. Depending on the consumers connected, top devices can run for up to 14 hours on a single fill.

©Tillman Straszburger selbermachen.de

10. Recoil starter:

This mechanical pull rope starting device is also known as a recoil starter. Combustion engines with rather small displacement can be started quite easily using a pull rope. Simply pull the rope firmly 1-2 times and the inverter generator will start. Of course, the recoil starter also offers a certain safety aspect: If the starter battery fails, for example because it is discharged, the power generator can still be reliably put into operation.

11. Manual fuel pump:

The manual fuel pump makes starting much easier - especially after long periods of inactivity. Each time the pump is activated, a small amount of fuel flows into the carburetor due to the vacuum. Press it a few times and the inverter generator will purr like a kitten.

Summary

How does an inverter generator work? After reading this guide, you will certainly be able to answer this question easily. You now also know the main reasons why inverter generators are considered to be the most innovative devices on the market: they generate electricity on the move with the same quality as from a domestic socket, so that even voltage-sensitive consumers can be connected without worrying about damage - and with lower noise and emissions than conventional generators.

We hope that you have enjoyed this short technical excursion and that you feel well informed. However, if you have missed one or two points, please contact our customer service team! They will certainly be able to answer all your questions competently.