Inverter Generator vs. Generator – What’s the Difference?
In the generator market, there are two types of generators that are very popular, one type is a regular generator, also called a traditional generator, and another one is an inverter generator. Today we’re going to discuss these two types of generators and show the details.
Understanding The Generator
What is a traditional generator?
This kind of generator is very common in the market, many people or families start with traditional generators when they first use generators. It’s designed to convert mechanical energy into electrical power, this technology has been developed for decades, and the industry is very mature. The traditional generator has these features: Firstly, the price is relatively affordable, and it is durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to maintain and repair, with low maintenance costs.
What is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator is a type of portable generator, that works more similarly to a regular generator and can use gasoline, diesel, and gas as the fuel. Some inverter generators are closed-frame generators with the feature of silence, some are open-frame generators with the feature of easy maintenance and cheap, but noisy. An inverter-type generator can provide stable electricity power and is more efficient than a traditional type generator. According to the research, inverter generators can reduce fuel consumption and are 40% more energy efficient than conventional generators, and usually, inverter-type generators are smaller than traditional-type generators.
Comparison of working principle
Regular generators: The traditional excitation method is used to control the output voltage by adjusting the excitation current. Its speed is proportional to the output frequency, i.e. the higher the speed, the higher the frequency.
Inverter generators: Adopting advanced electronic frequency conversion technology, it first rectifies the alternating current generated by the generator into direct current, and then converts the direct current into alternating current of the required frequency and voltage through an inverter. Its rotational speed is independent of the output frequency, which can realize constant frequency and constant voltage output.
Performance Features
| Features | Regular Generator | Inverter Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage Stability | Low | Perfect |
| Output Frequency Stability | Low | Perfect |
| Noise Level | High | Low |
| Fuel Efficiency | Low | High |
| Volumes | Big | Small |
| Price | Low | High |
Key Difference Of Inverter Vs Generator
Noise Level
Because of the special designing, the inverter type generators are much quiet than regular generators, their noise level are about 50-60 dB. On the other hand, traditional generators can produce more noise, which can reach from 70 dB to 90 dB or higher, the larger generator size, the louder the noise.
Size
Compared with traditional generators, inverter type generators are designed more compact and light weight, which makes inveter generators more portable and easy to be transported. The traditional generators are generally designed open-framed structure, so they are commonly bigger than inverter types.
Fuel Efficiency
Unlike traditional generators, inverter generators are designed more efficient, it can have different engine speed based on different load requirements,when the load is light, the engine speed will slow down , on the other hand, it will increase the engine speed when your load demand is higher. Because of this, inverter generators have the better efficiency than traditional generators.
Different Portability
Inverter genreators are famous for it small size and quiet, and they are designed with built-in handrail and wheels, so they are very portable for many usage scenarios, such as outdoor activities, camping, outside trips and so on. However, tradtional generators are open-frame structure, the size are often very big so that not convenient to carry.
Stable Output Power
Inverter generator can produce stable and clean power, it has advanced electronics to adjust the output voltage and frequency, which can ensure the quality of output power, it’s suitable for those places where have high demands for stable power.
How to choose the right generator?
Know real demads
When we decide to buy a generator, we should confirm our real demand, such as electricity needs, what’s the frequency and voltage, the power size we need, then where we need the generator to use. Only if you plan it before you buy it, you won’t get the wrong generator.
Budget
Traditional generators are much cheaper than inverter generators, if you have a limited budget, and can bear the big noise, these generators are your best choice. If you have enough budget for generators and have a high demand for noise and output stability, you can consider buying an inverter generator.
Brand Considerations
Before we choose generators, we can search on the internet for some famous brand, choose these famous brand and pay attention to after-sales service guarantee.
Conclusion
Talking about inverter generators and traditional generators, both of them have their advantages and disadvantages,and which one to choose depends on your specific needs and budget, we can’t simply say that a certain generator is good or bad. Please remember, what’s suitable for you is best.
