In today’s world, the utilisation of grid power is becoming increasingly less. Thus, people and businesses are looking for other ways to make sure their appliances and tools are powered up constantly. Instead of relying solely on the national electric grid, many new power sources are emerging on the market. Among these, Inverter generators have gained a lot of popularity and acceptance for use in both home and commercial applications.
We will focus on describing inverter generators in detail, their applications, pros and cons, and how they perform in comparison to conventional generators. Continue reading to learn more about this revolutionary power solution and how it can help improve your energy security.
What is an Inverter Generator?
An inverter generator is a portable power supply that uses fuel to generate electric power with high efficiency. Inverter generators stand out for their capacity to deliver clean and stable power. This is achieved through a three-step process:
- Producing AC power.
- Transforming this AC electricity into direct current (DC).
- Inverting it back to AC electricity.
This multiple-stage conversion process provides a constant and stable electrical current that is safe to use for charging electronics such as laptops, smartphones and other devices. These generators are portable, lightweight, and operate very quietly as compared to normal generators, and are suitable for activities such as camping, tailgating and in residential areas.
How Inverter Generator Works?
Here is a brief overview of how an inverter generator works. The main power source in an inverter generator is a fuel burning internal combustion engine. As for fuel, gasoline is the most widespread, although propane is also widely used.
No matter the type of fuel used, the internal combustion engine uses it to produce heat and then converts the heat into rotational energy by rotating a shaft.
On the other end of the rotary shaft, the generator has the alternator which is used to transform the rotational energy into electrical energy. The output of the alternator is, well, an alternating current. An AC is fed to a rectifier circuit and it is converted into direct current.
After that, the DC Signal goes to the Inverter Circuit that “Inverts” the DC Power back to AC Power. The inverter circuit incorporates an intelligent microprocessor system, it monitors the frequency and voltage of the output AC Power. If it detects any fluctuations or differences, it quickly rectifies them to provide pure and steady AC Power.
This AC Power is available through the outlet ports (receptacles) of the generator on the front panel. You can connect all your gadgets and equipment here and use them.
Pros and Cons Of Inverter Generator
Pros
Clean Energy: Inverter generators provide a high quality and clean power which is safe to use on sophisticated equipment. This is perfect for those who want to have an outdoor trip while still being able to bring along their laptops and their smartphone devices.
Quiet Operation: Compared to most conventional generators, Inverter generators are much quieter and therefore less intrusive in camps or neighbourhoods.
Fuel Efficiency: These generators regulate the engine speed to meet the power requirement, hence improving the fuel economy and duration. Some of them have automatic cut-off switches, which means that there is no fuel consumed where there is no pull or where there is no need for power.
Portability: Inverter generators are generally small and portable, and the fact is that they are quite lightweight. Most of the inverter generators weighing 70-80 pounds have sturdy carrying handles with wheels or built-in carts.
Lower Emissions: Inverter generators are usually small and generate less emissions, which makes them more eco-friendly than their larger counterparts.
Cons
Higher Cost: Inverter generators, in general, cost more than standard generators, but they are worth the investment due to the numerous benefits they offer. An average 3500 watt inverter generator will cost roughly about $800-$900. The price goes up or down depending on the make and model.
Limited Power Output: Inverter generators are usually less powerful than their single phase counterparts and may not be ideal for powering some appliances. This means they are good for camping or any need of self sufficiency with little reliance on electrical items. However, it can’t power large refrigerators and many other electronics at the same time for a long time.
Maintenance: It is important to note that generators generally need regular checkups to ensure that they last long. This will include ensuring that you have clean fuel to feed the system so that it operates efficiently without any hitches. You will need to use a stabiliser if the fuel in the generator is stored for three months or longer. To ensure that you have enough fuel for disaster, make it a point to always replenish your stock once the hurricane season starts, or tornado season is around the corner, or any.
Is Inverter Generator Worth Investing in?
The decision to invest in an inverter generator depends on several factors. An inverter generator is worth purchasing if you need clean and stable power for appliances, want a machine that runs as quietly as possible, and require portability. The primary drawback is the relatively high cost of production in the initial stages, but this is compensated for by the ability to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and the fact that it protects sensitive equipment. An inverter generator is a perfect choice for users who are fanatics of outdoor activities and of course in emergency situations.
Inverter Generator Vs Solar Generator - How to Choose?
In this case, when comparing an inverter generator and a solar generator, it is important to take into account individual power requirements and geographical location. Portable or inverter generators offer high efficiency as well as steady power which is suitable for appliances that demand a constant power supply or varied loads. These use either gasoline or propane, providing constant power but being noisy and emitting gas.
Solar generators on the other hand are environmentally friendly because they operate on solar energy hence can be considered as sources of ‘green energy’. They are more silent, have no fume emission and in the long run; they are cheaper to run than other machines. However, their efficiency is somewhat limited by the availability of sunlight, and they also come with higher initial investments. However, In particular, for those who are looking for a viable solution to energy independence, following BLUETTI solar generators can be a great choice:
BLUETTI AC240
With BLUETTI AC240 you have the reins of power. As for the power supply, you can harness solar power to the fullest. Apart from that wall socket, car charger, lead-acid battery, or shore power are the other options. This is because the AC240 is designed to make sure that you are always connected wherever you find yourself.
This unit delivers an AC output of 2,400W and a powerlifting mode of 3,600W. Due to the modularity of the design, it can be expanded up to 10,136Wh by connecting 4 B210 batteries. As mentioned earlier, expanding your power choice is much more convenient if you add B210 expansion batteries. Specifically, each B210 battery is IP65 water resistant and can standalone power solutions with USB C and USB A ports.
The AC240 is designed to be used outdoor given its design and its IP65 water and dust resistance which enables it to be used in rain, mud, dust, and salt corrosion. It also has an efficient ventilation system, which preserves internal parts, and makes the AC240 a worthy power companion when pursuing any endeavor.
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200D
Here is the ultimate power solution. BLUETTI AC200P boasts 4,800W surge capacity. Plus, it comes with a 2,000Wh LiFePO4 battery, and can make over 3,500 cycles to 80%. It has 17 outlets for power charging of many devices and has 7 charging modes which include AC, Solar, Car, Generator, Lead Battery, Dual AC, and AC+S. Featuring a 700W max solar input and a 1200W max fast dual charging, you will never run out of power again.
Experience green, non-gas, noiseless, and cheap energy. This powerful and convenient portable power station is suitable for daily use as well as for emergency cases when you have no power supply.
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2*B230 + 3*PV200
Presenting the BLUETTI AC200MAX, the first portable power station that can be expanded with additional batteries. It is the perfect off-grid power solution with 2,048Wh LFP battery and 2,200W pure sine wave inverter. Specifically, the AC200MAX can increase its capacity to 8,192Wh when connected with two BLUETTI B230 (each 2,048Wh) or B300 (each 3,072Wh) battery modules.
It has a maximum of 900W of solar input and 500W via an adapter, a total charging rate of 1,400W, capable of being charged in less than two hours. As each additional module increases the input capacity by 500W. Equipped with 16 outlets, 30A NEMA TT-30, and a 12V 30A DC outlet, it can easily power all your gadgets, which makes it suitable for RV travelers and other off the grid activities.
Final Thoughts
Inverter generators are also a convenient and effective source of power in different applications, which are compact and incorporate modern technologies. They offer clean power and constant power that is safe for use in delicate appliances due to its stability for recreational as well as emergency purposes. Nevertheless, the advantages of these types of generators are that they are more expensive initially and have a lower power density compared to conventional generators. Still, fuel efficiency, low noise production and portability of inverter generators make them a popular choice among the users. Therefore, your decision should be based on your power needs and your pocket so that you can get the best solution for your power needs.
