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Differences between low-frequency inverters with transformer and high-frequency inverters without transformer

Martin Debald

Updated: Jan 6

Differences between low-frequency inverters with transformer and high-frequency inverters without transformer.

 

Inverter with transformer

Characteristics:

  • Low-frequency transformers: These inverters use a transformer that operates at the mains frequency (50/60 Hz).

  • Galvanic isolation: The transformer provides physical isolation between the input and output sides, which increases safety.

  • Size and weight: Due to the lower frequency, the transformers in these inverters are relatively large and heavy.

  • Efficiency: Efficiency tends to be slightly lower because energy losses can occur in the transformer.

  • More costly: Due to the size and material of the transformer, these inverters are often more expensive.


Advantages:

  • Safe operation due to galvanic isolation.

  • Compatibility with a wider range of devices and networks.


Disadvantages:

  • Larger and heavier, making it difficult to use in mobile or space-critical applications.

  • Less efficient compared to high-frequency designs.


 

Inverters with high-frequency technology

Characteristics:

  • High-frequency circuits: These inverters use electronic circuits to process the current at very high frequencies.

  • Compact design: The high frequency allows the use of smaller transformers or even the elimination of a transformer.

  • Higher efficiency: By reducing energy losses in the circuits, these inverters are often more efficient.

  • Lighter and smaller: Compact components make them ideal for mobile applications and confined spaces.


Advantages:

  • Compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and install.

  • Efficient operation with less energy loss.

  • More cost-efficient in production and application.


Disadvantages:

  • No galvanic isolation in some designs, which can lead to safety concerns.

  • More sensitive to interference as high-frequency circuits are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

 

Summary

  • Inverters with transformers offer safe, robust solutions, but are larger, heavier and less efficient.

  • High-frequency inverters are more efficient, compact, and lighter, but may be less safe if there is no galvanic isolation.

The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements for safety, efficiency, size and cost.

 

The biggest differences between the two systems are when used with inductive loads such as air conditioning, microwaves or other devices with high inductive power.


Inverter with transformer for inductive loads

Characteristics:


  • High tolerance to inductive loads: Inverters with transformers are usually better suited to handle heavy inductive loads such as electric motors, transformers or large inductive consumers.

  • Robust Power Supply: The transformer in these inverters can better absorb and buffer the voltage spikes and backflows caused by switching inductive loads.

  • Inertia: Due to the physical inertia of the transformer, the circuit is less sensitive to the rapid current changes that can occur with inductive loads.


Advantages:

  • Better compatibility with high inrush currents typical of inductive loads such as motors.

  • Protection against return currents and voltage spikes that can be caused by inductive loads.


Disadvantages:

  • Greater losses during conversion, which reduces efficiency.

  • Size and weight make them less ideal for applications where mobility is important.


Inverters with high-frequency technology for inductive loads

Characteristics:

  • More sensitive electronics: High-frequency inverters do not use heavy transformers, but rather high-frequency electronic circuits that are more sensitive to voltage and current spikes.

  • Difficulty with high inrush currents: The electronic components in high-frequency inverters can struggle to handle the high inrush currents that occur with strong inductive loads.

  • Increased complexity: In order to handle the inductive loads safely, additional protection circuits often have to be installed.


Advantages:

  • Lightweight and compact, ideal for applications that require mobility and space saving.

  • Higher efficiency under resistive or less demanding loads.


Disadvantages:

  • Less suitable for heavy inductive loads, as the rapid response to return currents and voltage spikes can lead to overloads.

  • Additional protective measures are required to protect the inverters from the effects of inductive loads.


Summary

  • Inverters with transformers are more robust and better suited to handle heavy inductive loads because they are better able to absorb voltage spikes and inrush currents.

  • High-frequency inverters are more efficient and compact, but they require additional protections to deal with heavy inductive loads, making them less ideal in such applications.


For applications with heavy inductive loads such as air conditioning, inverters with transformers are often the more reliable choice. High-frequency inverters are better suited for applications with mainly resistive or weaker inductive loads.

To counteract this problem, we mainly use air conditioning with inverter technology, which largely avoids switch-on pulses.

 

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