[HCARC] Difference in Types Of Generators

[Dale Gaudier]

Gary:

A conventional generator is basically a small gas or diesel motor connected to an alternator. Generators run at a fixed RPM (generally 3600 RPM) to produce a steady 120 VAC at 60 cycles.

An inverter generator is a conventional generator whose AC output is rectified back to DC, then using an inverter circuit, the DC is converted back to AC.

The major difference between the two is that the output of the inverter generator is fairly well-regulated AC (i.e. the voltage stays steady even with varying loads) and is a "clean" 60 cycle sine wave similar to what the power company delivers.

A conventional generator's output voltage may vary a bit depending on the loads presented; the regulation of the AC waveform is also not as good as that of an inverter generator. Under heavy loads, the generator may struggle to deliver 120 VAC at exactly 60 cycles. Devices that require very accurate 60 cycle AC (electric clocks and some motors) may not run as well on a generator as an inverter.

That being said, a conventional generator is usually adequate for most applications. Sometimes you will see ads touting the need for "pure" AC for today's electronic devices. When you think about it, though, most electronics take the 120VAC, 60 cycle line power and convert and filter it to DC anyway, so the "cleanness" of the AC input isn't really an issue. Better quality power supplies, such as the ones many of us use with our ham rigs (or that are built into our rigs), have regulated DC outputs and good output filtration. They will handle AC input voltages and power cycles that vary from the nominal 120VAC/60 cycle standard and still deliver "clean" well regulated DC.

The extra cost of inverter generators buys you a better regulated AC output and (often) a quieter generator due to consumer demands. I can't vouch for fuel efficiency differences between the two as these would depend on the fuel (diesel vs. gas), size of gas/diesel motor, and load.

73,

Dale - K4DG


-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary J - N5BAA
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 7:48 PM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [HCARC] Difference in Types Of Generators

What is the difference between a regular generator and an Inverter Generator??  Why would a 2000 watt inverter generator cost almost 1000 bucks – on sale???

Gary J
N5BAA
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