inwerter

An inwerter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It is commonly used to supply traditional AC equipment from DC sources such as batteries, solar panels, or fuel cells, and to drive AC motors from DC networks. In everyday language it is often called an inverter.

The basic operating principle involves switching power electronics, typically semiconductor devices such as MOSFETs or IGBTs, to generate a synthesized AC output from a DC input. Modern inverters use pulse-width modulation to approximate smooth sine waves or, in some cases, other waveforms. The input source is usually a DC bus, while the output is conditioned to meet voltage, frequency, and waveform requirements of the load or the electrical grid. Efficiency and thermal management are important design considerations, with typical efficiencies ranging from about 85% to over 98% depending on type and conditions.

Types and configurations include voltage-source inverters and current-source inverters, with common topologies such as full-bridge, half-bridge, and multi-level designs. Output waveforms can be square wave, modified sine wave, or pure sine wave; pure sine wave inverters are preferred for sensitive electronics and high-quality power supply needs. Inverters can be standalone (off-grid) devices or grid-tied, where they synchronize with the grid and may include anti-islanding protections and other grid-code features.

Applications span renewable energy systems (solar, wind), energy storage, uninterruptible power supplies, and motor control in vehicles and industrial equipment. Standards and safety requirements address isolation, protection, harmonic distortion, and safe handling of high-voltage DC inputs.