Converters vs Inverters

1. What is a converter

A converter is a device that changes the form of electricity. Electricity is mainly categorized into direct current and alternating current, and different appliances may use different types of electricity, at this point, the converter plays a big role. A converter not only converts direct current to alternating current, but also converts alternating current back to direct current.

The function of a converter also includes converting voltage. It can change the size of the input voltage to achieve the effect of boosting or bucking, this function can effectively protect the electrical system, preventing the electrical system from being damaged due to excessive voltage. And it does not change the current size when converting voltage.

2. Types of converters

Rectifier: This is a kind of converter that converts alternating current into direct current, which is mostly used in solar energy systems to convert alternating current from the power grid into direct current for use by certain appliances or charging batteries.

Inverter: This type of converter converts DC power to AC power and performs the same function as an inverter and is therefore considered as an inverter.

Chopper: This is a type of converter that converts DC to DC and realizes voltage regulation.

Voltage regulator: It outputs the input unstable voltage in a stable form.

3. What is an inverter

An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current into alternating current; it is a type of converter. The electricity produced by solar panels and stored in batteries is DC, which cannot be used for most electrical appliances, so an inverter is needed to adjust the frequency and voltage of the electricity, and change the incoming DC power into AC power for some electrical appliances.

4. Types of inverters

Micro inverter: This kind of inverter only connects individual solar panels, not connected to all solar panels as a whole, this kind of inverter connection can improve the overall power generation efficiency of solar panels.

String Inverter: Multiple solar panels are connected in series and then connected to an inverter to convert DC power to AC power. This type of inverter connected to it is the string inverter.

Concentrating Inverter: This is a type of inverter in which multiple solar panels are first connected in series and then connected in parallel, after which the DC power generated is centrally converted into AC power.

Centralized inverter: This kind of inverter not only has the advantage of low cost of centralized inverter, but also has the characteristic of high-power generation of string inverter.

6. Disadvantages of converters and inverters

(1) Disadvantages of converters: The disadvantages of converters are mainly divided into two aspects. On the one hand, the converter’s current overload capacity is poor, on the other hand, the converter’s high-quality automatic regulator is more expensive than the mechanical regulator.

(2) Disadvantages of inverters: charging inverters requires a better power supply and can cause poor waveforms when the batteries are low, which can be harmful to some electronic devices.