Humans, whenever they confront inconvenience, invent innovative solutions to overcome those challenges. That’s how every machine from a small lighter to the huge machinery came into existence. Scientists and innovators test the machines numerous times to make sure that they create a safe working environment.

When there was a dire need for transmitting electrical energy to every nook and corner so that no person suffers from darkness, the great minds made the amazing invention of transformers. Then, they found out that Alternating Current has more benefits than Direct Current in using for electrical appliances and equipment. And so, inverters were invented to save the maintenance costs and tiring efforts in protecting the household appliances. 

In this blog, we will see how inverter transformers are constructed and have made living better for mankind.

What is An Inverter Transformer?

Inverter transformers are used for a wide variety of industrial applications. As the name suggests, the inverter transformers combine the functionalities of both inverters and transformers. When we think of the word ‘inverter,’ all of us are reminded of the small machine that is used at our homes when there is a power outage.

What do these home inverters do? The batteries store the power in the form of DC, and whenever there is no power, these inverters convert the DC from the batteries into Alternating Current to supply to our power needs.

The inverters produce AC by switching the polarity of the DC power source, and almost all industries and residential areas need Alternating Current for usage. Inverters are of two types, single-phase inverter and three-phase inverter. The single-phase inverter further divides into half-bridge inverter and full-bridge inverter.

And, a transformer either steps up or steps down the voltage. When these two functions combine, the industrial power requirements are met. The inverter transformers are also known as electronic transformers.

The inverter transformers have evolved over the years with new inventions. Earlier, mechanical switches were used in the inverter circuits. Then, vacuum tubes were opted for, and now, semiconductor-based switches such as diodes are preferred for switching.

The Construction of an Inverter Transformer

An inverter transformer consists of an inverter circuit and an electronic transformer. The inverter circuit consists of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor or MOSFET, diodes, circuit breakers and operational amplifiers. The inverters can do small power conversion which, when combined with a transformer that has a magnetic core, primary windings and secondary windings, can give out the desired voltage.

The switch in the inverter circuit converts DC into AC. The inverter circuits are incapable of producing their own current. They convert the current that they receive from DC power sources such as batteries, solar panels or other sources and convert it into AC. MOSFETs act as the switch in the inverter circuits. The diodes allow the current to pass in one direction, and they restrict the backward flow of Direct Current or DC.

An operational amplifier produces an output that is out of phase with respect to its input by 180 degrees. The circuit breakers make the circuit incomplete and interrupt the flow of current whenever there is an overload.

How Does an Inverter Transformer Work?

The inverter converts the DC from batteries and solar panels into AC by switching the polarity for the output from positive to negative, thus creating a square wave. However, the square wave has an increased voltage with a reduced current, and the power output is similar to that of the input one.

The AC square waves are highly distorted and deviated, which would eventually cause great damage to the appliances or industrial equipment. The rectification devices in the inverter circuits modify the square wave, which results in Modified Sine Wave or MSW. This wave is much better than the original square wave, but this is not pure enough to power highly sensitive equipment because it can still cause damage to them.

Later developments in the industry have given way to the production of pure sine waves. The pure sine waves are then transmitted to the transformer circuits. Then, the produced AC reaches the primary windings of the transformer, where it is either stepped up or stepped down without any change in the frequency. After the conversion, the electrical current is transmitted to the secondary windings and then to the end appliances. The stepping up or stepping down is done based on the end requirements.

Mostly, the transformers step up the voltage as the current converted by the inverter circuits always carries a low voltage, which is not suitable for residential and industrial purposes.

Applications of an Inverter transformer

• In the windmill power transmission centers, the inverter transformers convert the stored DC energy into AC and export it to the electricity grid or the distant residential areas or industrial purposes.
• The photovoltaic grids consist of several solar panels, one or a few inverters, a power conditioning unit and grid connection equipment. An inverter transformer when the transmission has to be done in the power generation and distribution stations after converting the Direct Current into Alternating Current.
• Elevator Operating systems in high-rise buildings and an industrial park use inverter transformers for a safe and comfortable ride.
• Easy conversion of DC into AC wherever it is required, and the resulting Alternating current is stepped up or stepped down and is carried to the destined locations without much hassle.
• Solar Panels store energy in the form of Direct Current, and in order to use that energy for business and residential purposes, inverter transformers are used.
• Power Plants that generate electricity from primary energy use inverter transformers for various transmissions.
• Machinery control panels that comprise various electronic devices that send signals to ensure the right working of machines and equipment have a greater need for inverter transformers.
• The uninterrupted Power Supply system manufacturing sector uses inverter transformers for conversion and transmission.
• Non-linear load applications where harmonics current is frequent use inverter transformers to get pure sine waves that need to be transmitted over a long distance.
• Elevator backup systems too use inverter transformers to reduce discomfort and fear in riding the elevators.

What to Look for While Choosing an Inverter Transformer?

• High Durability
• International safety standards
• Construction
• Quality of components

In a Nutshell

The inverter transformers help in increasing the efficiency of the electrical appliances and heavy machinery and also protect them from damage due to Direct current or harmonics. These transformers deliver the maximum pure AC output power and carry them over long distances to make lives easier for people. The inverter transformers can be used from UPS to electric motor’s speed controllers.

Finding a robust inverter transformer is the key to uninterrupted operations in industries and spaces where there is a need for those transformers.

Are you looking to purchase an inverter transformer?

EVR Power is one of the leading inverter transformer manufacturers in Chennai and also in India. They supply all over India and also export their super-safe and efficient products. In addition to inverter transformers, they also build different types of transformers for various industrial requirements.

The Converter/Inverter Transformers from EVR Power are designed to withstand the DC voltage strains and growing Eddy current losses generated by harmonic currents in HVDC systems. Our transformers effectively reduce short circuit currents and the pace at which value current rises during commutation. They operate as strong galvanic barriers between AC and DC systems, preventing DC potential from flowing into AC systems.

The expert at EVR Power will further assist you. Feel free to comment your thoughts about inverter transformers.

FAQS

1. What is an inverter-duty transformer? 

Inverter duty transformer: They are used to transfer electrical energy without changing the frequency. It converts DC energy into AC at a low voltage after which it increases the value to suit the devices that are being used. They are used for small power conversion.

 2. How does a home inverter work?

The inverter switches itself from the main mode to the backup mode which enables it to use the charge stored in the batteries to operate various types of appliances. It supplies power only to those which have been connected to the inverter supply.

 3. What is the purpose of the output transformer in the inverter?

The purpose of the output transformer is to convert the high voltage/ low current signal to a low voltage high current signal at a low impedance.