While shopping at an AllHome Appliances store near you, you may have seen the term “Inverter Technology” inscribed on the appliances, notably most air conditioners and refrigerator units. You ask the sales agent what that means, and all you hear is that it is energy efficient and may reduce power use. Here you are searching for more details about it. If you want to learn more about how Inverter Technology works in an appliance, read on.
Inverter technology in appliances has received a lot of attention on social media since it is supposed to lower our monthly electricity bills. This is true and is not only for the sole purpose of saving us money on our monthly expenses, but it is also one of the more environmentally responsible ways for us to live. According to a recent International Energy Agency (IEA) estimate, by 2050, the power need for residential appliances might reach up to 45 percent. Inverter technology has aided in lowering energy usage without sacrificing appliance performance, as well as in creating a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Do you know how to ride a bike? Have you ever pedaled constantly and then abruptly stopped pedaling, you’ll notice that you’re continuing going forward until you make a conscious effort to pull the brakes? This is one of the basic examples to help you understand how inverter technology in appliances works. To grasp this notion, we must first learn how the conventional appliance works in the first place.
How do Appliances work?
Electricity is required as a source of power for a basic appliances in the home. As a matter of fact, electricity is made up of a positive and a negative terminal, with the negatively charged electron being driven to leave the negative terminal in order to reach the positive one. The wires help to transfer electrons from outlets that deliver power generated by hydro, solar, or wind energy to our appliances.
Following that, it is critical to comprehend the distinction between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The electric current in AC changes direction on a regular basis, whereas the current in DC runs in just one direction. For example, AC is what powers our electric sockets, whereas DC is what powers our compact batteries. Furthermore, electrical sockets here in the Philippines is usually 220V with a frequency of 60Hz.
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In addition, we can subdivide into three types of appliances that we use in our homes: heating appliances that convert electrical energy into heat (for example, toasters, ovens, and microwaves); motor appliances that convert electrical energy into work or movement (for example, blenders, electric fans, and vacuum cleaners); and combination appliances that use electricity to produce both heat and movement (Hairdryer, electric bread maker).
Non-inverter appliances have a fixed cycle of power consumption that is not controlled, and thus get full power even when they do not require it, resulting in energy waste. Whereas inverter technology or an automated switching device transfers the incoming DC back and forth in the primary, creating the AC in the secondary. Furthermore, an inverter does not generate electricity on its own; it is powered by a DC source. Technically speaking inverter technology can control the speed of the device’s motor revolution which leads to reduced energy consumption.
Brief History of Inverter Technology
During World War II, during the siege, a motor-generator was invented, which was the sole means to convert DC electricity to AC power. The purpose of the inverter is to be able to convert AC to DC and vice versa. As a result, other early inverter technologies focused on supplying energy to devices mostly used in automobiles as they are powered by a DC electricity that requires more power to work as an AC, such as automotive lamps, and warning flashers for ambulances, battery chargers, and thermostats, arose.
As a result, despite the fact that inverter technology was expensive and too huge to construct at the time, Toshiba was able to launch the world’s first inverter air conditioner. Engineers were able to design an inverter technology via trial and error, reducing the size to at least 1/3 of the original size and the cost to 40% of the original value. The innovation was finished in 1981 and was recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as an “IEEE Milestone.”
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What’s more, Statpower Technologies Corporation in British Columbia, Canada, was able to present the so-called “technological milestone” in 1995 by successfully producing a high output charger with a power factor approaching one.
How does Inverter Technology Work?
To demonstrate how an inverter device works, pretend your automobile is operated by an on and off function, you need to step on the gas pedal to make it drive. Once you do, it will accelerate to 100 km/hr in a moment rather than going from 1-99 km/hr. This is not only dangerous to people, but it is also a waste of energy and might cause significant damage to other electrical components.
Nowadays, inverters are built into appliances and are referred to as “variable frequency drives” (VFD). Another component within the VFD is called a “rectifier,” and it is responsible for converting the AC power supplied by sockets to DC electricity. It does this by regulating the exact amount of electricity required by the appliance’s motor to function. In contrast, a non-inverter maximizes the entire power of the appliance even when it is not required. The overall result is that it minimizes energy translation, which improves energy efficiency.
The majority of inverter technology is found in products that include a motor or compressor. Some of these are air conditioners, which help to maintain the set temperature in a room and the required power for that temperature; refrigerators, which use the same principle of cooling the inside of a fridge with a fixed thermostat; washing machines, which use a motor to rotate its drums to move clothes, creating a rotational force that is set at the same speed regardless of the weight of the loaded clothes; and dryers, which use the same principle of cooling the inside of a dryer with a fixed thermostat.
Overall, the use of inverter technology is more efficient since it allows you to manage the exact amount of electricity required by an appliance. It is also supposed to have a longer life term since non-inverters rely on a start and stop control, whereas other components are susceptible to wear-outs. Furthermore, inverter warranties have longer durations than non-inverter warranties. To add, the initial cost of the appliance may be costly, but over time you will save much on annual repairs and maintenance, as well as costs and bills. Finally, it is reassuring to know that you are contributing to a more sustainable way of life for the future.
Tight on budget and have second thoughts on whether you should buy a non-inverter or one with an inverter device? this can help you decide on Why Choose Inverter Appliances for Your Home.
Now that you’ve learned more about how inverter technology works in appliances, it’s time to return to your local AllHome Appliances store and become a part of the smart way of living towards a sustainable future. Bria Homes is one of the companies promoting sustainable living and provides you a good community for you and your family.
Written by Hanna Bacani
