An inverter explained in the simplest
possible terms is nothing more than a device that is designed to
convert stored DC (direct current) power from batteries into AC
(alternating current) power. This is done in order to power devices
and appliances that can only run on AC if you are using a solar panel
power conversion system, or even if you are caravanning and need to
run your laptop of of your car battery. This device is well known to
campers who often utilize it on their trips, but for those that
haven't really had a use for it or a need to know many specifics
about it until now, the one thing that you need to know is that there
are two different types of inverters, namely a pure and a modified
sine wave inverter.
Without a doubt the most popular
inverter, and the kind that's the most commonly used is the 24V pure sine wave inverter. But
why is that the case, and what is the the advantage that the 24V pure
sine wave inverter has over the modified variety that make them the
more popular choice?
Both pure and modified sine wave
inverters take the DC from a battery and turn it into something that
approximates the AC power normally available from the wall outlets in
your home. As the characteristic of AC is that it periodically
changes direction, the inverters take the DC and manually change it
so that it goes above and below zero volts. Whereas the sine wave
curve of the pure sine wave inverters very closely matches the actual
sine wave, in the modified sine wave inverters the polarity switches
from positive to negative much more abruptly and creates a more
blocky curve.
Bear in mind that the modified inverter
has the edge in terms of price since the more sophisticated
technology that the pure inverters use makes them quite a bit more
expensive, however that is where it's advantages end. The pure sine
wave inverter is admittedly more pricey, but it is also compatible
with a lot more devices. While the modified inverter can still be
used for simpler systems that don't have any delicate electronics,
the pure sine wave inverter is really the only way to go if you want
to be sure that your appliances are hooked up to a reliable power
source that won't damage them in any way.
