An inverter generator is portable power generating equipment with low noise and clean power.
Its high tech working mechanism has gained much popularity. This inverter generator eliminates so many disadvantages of a conventional portable generator, and this is possible because of its working mechanism.
Besides having many advantages it also has a few disadvantages which we are going to discuss now.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Inverter Generator
Ability To Supply Cleaner Power :
The need for clean power is increasing day by day due to the fact that modern living has become so much dependent on electronics like cellphones, TVs, laptops, etc.
These all electronics entertainment and communication devices feature small ICs inside them, and they are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations. So, if you supply them with unclean power that may have spikes in them, then there is a high possibility that they will be damaged.
In order to keep them safe and to ensure their proper working, they should be supplied with clean power. A typical portable inverter generator supplies the power with a THD rating of less than 3 %, which is the cleanest power output you can get from any generator.
Thanks to the specially designed working mechanism of the inverter generator, it can supply the cleanest power possible without harmful spikes or harmonics in it.
The generated AC is converted to DC and then back again to the AC. The last conversion is done by smart control of the inverter, which increases the cleanliness of the power.
High Fuel Efficiency :
The Inverter generators are highly fuel-efficient, and Their fuel consumption is 40% less compared to conventional generators.
This high efficiency is the result of its optimized working operation.
A conventional generator with 2 poles will need to run at 3,600 RPM to properly maintain the voltage and frequency constant at the value of 120 V and 60 Hz. Otherwise, the equipment in the household won’t work properly. This means the conventional generator always consumes the same amount of fuel even if you are not using every single watt generated.
So if you use it for light loads, then there will be much more wastage of fuel than actually utilized, and this makes conventional generators really inefficient.
It is not the case for the inverter generators. The microcontroller inside the inverter generator controls the speed of the engine based on the load demand. If the load is high, the speed of the engine will be high and vice versa.
This makes the fuel consumption very less when used at low loads, and the wastage of fuel will be minimum, making the inverter generator much more efficient.
Because of this, you will notice that the inverter generators have smaller fuel tanks.
A Very Quiet Operation :
Between 50 dB and 60 dB, this is the noise range for a typical inverter generator, and any inverter generator produces noise within this range. This noise is similar to a conversation between two persons.
While the conventional generators produce the noise equivalent to a chainsaw. There are mainly two reasons behind the less noise of an inverter generator.
First, The generator doesn’t always run at full speed, and the speed depends on the load, making the generator much quieter.
Second, The noise is further reduced because manufacturers want their product to be superior in terms of quality. They use the best design with the use of sound-absorbing encasing, special mufflers, and let’s not forget their closed-frame design.
The quieter operation is the biggest selling point for an inverter generator.
Offers Better Mobility :
Due to their high fuel efficiency, inverter generators can run for the same amount of time as a conventional generator with less fuel consumed.
That’s why they don’t need a larger fuel tank, which means the smaller fuel tank will increase the portability of the generator.
Besides, the engine used in the inverter generator is also small, therefore making them even more lightweight.
With this, they also come with carrying handles and base wheels. These extra things increase its portability even more as compared to conventional generators.
Plus, as the power output of the generator increases, the size and weight will also increase. So the inverter generator with less power output will be more portable than the generator with high ratings.
Parallel Operation Mode :
Most of the inverter generator comes with the function called parallel connection. It means you can connect one or more inverter generators in parallel and have the power output doubled.
This really comes in handy when you want to run the larger appliance sometimes, but for regular use, you don’t need that much power.
It is also extremely useful in case of an emergency.
Disadvantages of Inverter Generator
They Are Costly :
This inverter generator comes with high tech features and fuel-efficient working; these features and its capabilities drive its price higher.
The conventional generators cost much less compared to the inverter generator. Still, the investment in the inverter generator is worth it because they offer better runtime, high fuel efficiency, and silent operation.
It’s not that all inverter generators are expensive, but the price increases with the features they come with. So, it all comes down to your preference.
Low Output Power :
The only other disadvantage of the Inverter generator is its output power capabilities. You can supply the power to the small to medium appliances to work properly, but to power the appliances of larger ratings, they will be short on power.
The power output of the inverter generators ranges from 1000 to 6000 watts, which isn’t just enough for the proper working of larger appliances.
Besides, there is an option for a parallel connection of two inverter generators to get more power, but you have to invest in another inverter generator.
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