Everything You Need To Know About Inverter Generators

Everything You Need To Know About Inverter Generators

Getting the power you need to run your campsite or worksite, power your food truck, or simply supply electricity during a power outage is essential. Sure, you can rely on a portable battery in some situations. Even portable solar and wind power can work. But you often need more energy than these sources can provide. When it comes to efficiency and reliability, inverter generators can be an ideal solution that keeps you up and running. Read on to learn more.

What is a Generator?

A generator is a machine that transforms mechanical power into electrical energy. It gives you electrical power in situations when you’re away from the general electrical grid in your area and can’t access a building with an electrical outlet. Generators can run on a variety of fuels but they often rely on petrol. The attraction of inverter generators is that they’re easily portable and tend to be quieter and more fuel-efficient than standard or traditional generators.

How Do Inverter Generators Work?

To tackle this subject, let’s first look at how a generator works. There are two main parts to any generator:

  • the engine
  • the alternator

Within the alternator there are two other important components:

  • a rotor
  • a stator

Basically, the engine uses fuel to run and turn its shaft. A magnet on the shaft then turns, creating an alternating current (AC). This current then makes the rotor in the alternator turn as well. The rotor finally gives rise to power in the stator, which is a coil of wire that doesn’t move, via a magnetic field, and this current is sent to the generator’s control panel. When this happens, you can then plug in your power tools and run your appliances via your generator, letting you get to work, or watch TV!

The thing is, with traditional generators, the current produced has a high total harmonic distortion (THD). It’s not like the power you get from the outlet in your home, and it isn’t as “clean”. Because they offer a lot of power, traditional generators can be useful in some situations but dangerous in others because the current supplied can damage sensitive appliances and devices like TVs, computers, and smartphones.

In contrast, inverter generators work a bit differently. The AC power produced by the alternator is sent to something called a rectifier, which converts the AC power to direct current (DC). (Yes, this is why they call the band AC/DC!) The DC power is then inverted back to AC power by a computer inside the whole machine before it’s sent over to the control panel for you to use. This process allows inverter generators to supply you with a “cleaner”, safer, surge-free electrical current. The current produced by inverter generators can be safely used to power up your normal household appliances, gadgets, and devices.

The Benefits of Inverter Generators

While inverter generators can be more expensive than traditional generators and don’t provide the same amount of power, they come with some definite advantages. Inverter generators are:

  • Clean Power Output: They produce high-quality electricity, making them safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and medical devices. This clean power output prevents potential damage that can occur with conventional generators.
  • Stable Power Output: Inverter generators deliver stable and consistent power output, even under varying load conditions. This feature is essential for powering sensitive electronics and equipment that require steady voltage and frequency levels.
  • Quieter: Inverter generators are designed with advanced sound-dampening technology, resulting in quieter operation compared to traditional generators. This is particularly beneficial for camping, outdoor events, and residential use, where you want to keep noise pollution down.
  • Lightweight and Portable: Inverter generators are typically more compact and lightweight than conventional generators, making them easier to transport and store. Their portability is advantageous for camping trips, RVing, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.
  • More fuel-efficient: These generators adjust the engine speed based on the electrical demand, which results in improved fuel efficiency. This feature reduces fuel consumption, saving money over time, especially during extended use.

 

  • More eco-friendly: With their fuel-efficient operation and clean power output, inverter generators produce lower emissions compared to conventional generators. This eco-friendly aspect makes them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious users.

Compared with standard generators, inverter generators are a more attractive option if you’re going camping, heading out in the bush for the day, or seeking a safe backup energy source during power outages. While they do still rely on petrol, these quiet petrol-powered generators also produce fewer carbon emissions than their standard counterparts. For these reasons, when it comes to generators for everyday use, this is one of your best around.

How To Safely Run Inverter Generators

Operating an inverter generator safely is crucial. Not only will safe operation increase the generator’s longevity but it also increases the safety of those around it. Before starting, you need to thoroughly read and understand the manufacturer’s manual, as it contains essential safety instructions and operational guidelines specific to the model.

When setting up the generator, be sure to choose a level outdoor area with plenty of ventilation, keeping it away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent exhaust gases from going indoors. Additionally, always use the recommended fuel and avoid refuelling while the generator is running or is hot to minimize the risk of fire.

Managing the generator’s load within its capacity is vital to prevent overloading and damage. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, is important for optimal performance and safety. Perhaps most importantly, be vigilant about carbon monoxide safety by never operating the generator indoors and positioning it away from living spaces. This means at least 6 meters from your home or building with the engine exhaust directed away from all windows and doors, in order to keep carbon monoxide emissions at bay. Following these protocols diligently safeguards against accidents and ensures the safe operation of an inverter generator.

Trust The Experts at MaxWatt

At MaxWatt, we supply you with the best in Brisbane inverter generators to keep your worksite or vacation space running as it should. Contact us now or browse our selection online to stay powered up.

Tags: , , , ,