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9. Two Main Types of Inverters

9. Two Main Types of Inverters

Two Main Types of Inverters

There are two main types of inverters: Modified Sine Wave Inverter(MSW) and Pure Sine Wave Inverter(PSW).

Difference between MSW & PSW

To figure out the difference, we need to know that the modified sine and pure sine referred to waveform at the AC output of the inverter. That is the voltage when plugged in overtime, how smooth that curve is.

The metrics that we use to measure it is THD: Total Harmonic Distortion, THD is used to characterize the purity of the AC voltage and current waveforms.

The THD(Total Harmonic Distortion) of the grid is less than 5%, and for PSW(Pure sine wave inverter) even less than 3%.

However, the THD of MSW(Modified sine wave inverter) can reach 20% to 40%, it is very noisy and produces choppy waveform, most importantly it can negatively affect how your appliance works, we do not recommend using MSW(Modified sine wave inverter) even it's cheaper.

Advantages of PSW Inverter

We recommend Pure Sine Wave Inverter, it can produce a smooth and consistent wave of power that is equivalent to, or even better than the power from the grid. It may cost more money but it is suitable for basically every sensitive electronic device and a long run choice.

The standard energy efficiency of the inverter is around 80-90%. And of course, the more money you spend, the higher efficiency you get.

Conclusion

To utilize solar-generated or battery-stored DC electricity in our AC-dependent homes, an inverter is essential. It transforms DC into AC, matching the required voltage range and wattage needs of household appliances. Pure Sine Wave Inverters are preferable over Modified Sine Wave Inverters due to their ability to produce a smoother waveform, ensuring compatibility and longevity for sensitive electronics despite their higher cost.

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