Inverter SEBD

Introduction

Inverters convert DC electricity into AC electricity. Many different types of inverters are available as they vary in power, efficiency and function. Inverters are typically used to draw power from one or more 12 V batteries and convert it into 120 V AC at 60 Hz - for use in ordinary household outlets.

Design Considerations

The power produced by inverters is usually one of two types:

Modified Sine Wave - Similar to sine wave, but waveform is rectangular rather than rounded. While the simpler design of these inverters are less expensive many devices will not work properly with power using a modified sine wave, such as televisions and computers.

Pure Sine Wave - Accurately simulates the sine wave power. They are usually employ more complicated circuitry and are more expensive. They can be used with any common AC device.

Care should be taken to throttle the power produced, should it exceed design limits.

Inverter Design

Inverter designs typically employ the following elements:

Oscillator - Provides a reference waveform for comparing the output waveform and creating feedback.

Driver circuit - Outputs signals to "drive" the output amplifier to switch the DC power on and off. The driver circuit must employ feedback from the final output for comparing to the waveform from the oscillator. Feedback can also be used to adjust for excessive power demand. The driver circuit should be split into two parts for driving both positive and negative components of the waveform.

Output Amplifier - These high-power electronic devices switch the DC power into rectangular waveforms which then go to the transformer.

Transformer - Transformers typically employ two sets of windings to transform the input:output voltages according to the number of windings in each coil. In addition, transformers are inductors, which provide some "smoothing" of waveform irregularities.

Concept diagram: