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Inverter current is an electric current generated or used by an inverter in an electrical system. The inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) in a renewable energy system. The current generated by the inverter can be used to power various electrical devices that require an AC source.
This article discusses the types of inverter current, factors that affect inverter current, and how to measure current in an inverter.
Types of Current in Inverters
The inverter current is divided into several types that depend on the current that the inverter receives (input) and the current that the inverter releases (output). The following are the types of current contained in the inverter.
- Input Current: This is a current received by the inverter and generated from a DC source, such as a battery or solar panel.
- Output Current: This is the current released by the inverter after the conversion process, this current is in the form of AC current which will be supplied to various loads connected to the inverter.
- Standby Current: This is a small current consumed by the inverter when no active load is connected to the inverter, usually used for basic operations.
Factors Affecting Inverter Current
The amount of current generated by the inverter is usually influenced by several factors. Here are some factors that affect the inverter current.
Inverter Capacity
The amount of inverter capacity can determine the amount of current coming out of the inverter and the load that can be borne by the inverter.
Input and Output Voltage
Input and output voltage can also affect the amount of current produced. The higher the input voltage obtained, the more current will flow and be distributed to the load.
Connected Load
The load connected to the inverter can determine the amount of current that will be generated by the output side. Where the larger the connected load, the more and the larger the current that will be generated and released.
Inverter Efficiency Level
Because during the conversion process, not all DC sources obtained will be converted, there is a power reduction in the conversion process in the inverter. Therefore, the higher the efficiency level of an inverter, it will affect the less current is wasted in the conversion process.
Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions can affect the amount of current that will be generated. Where in conditions with high temperatures, it can reduce the efficiency level of the inverter, so that the input current will increase to produce the same power. In addition, if there are fluctuations in the DC source, it will affect the stability of the input current obtained.
How to Measure Inverter Current
In measuring an inverter current, several tools are needed to help measure the current strength, which are a Clamp meter (AC / DC), multimeter, or current shunt resistor. Next, take measurements of each input current and output current received and generated.
Measuring Input current (DC)
Measuring the input current is determined by the load power and efficiency level of the inverter. Here is the formula for measuring the input current supplied to the inverter.
Where:
Pload: Load power (watt)
Vin: Input voltage (volt)
η: inverter efficiency (decimal)
Measuring Output Current (AC)
To measure the output current itself, it is determined by the power supplied to the load. The following formula measures the output current of the inverter.
Where:
Vout: Output voltage AC (volt)
Conclusion
Inverter current is basically an important aspect of the process of electrical power conversion. Where the size of the input and output inverter currents can be influenced by several factors, including inverter capacity, input and output voltage, inverter efficiency level, connected loads, and environmental conditions. In addition, accurately measuring the inverter current is necessary to ensure that the inverter remains in optimal condition and safe from potential damage due to overcurrent.
Who Are We
JOEYOUNG is a leading solar inverter manufacturer based in China and specializes in producing a variety of high-performance solar products. JOEYOUNG has contributed to the solar inverter industry for more than 17 years, and its products can be used for various applications such as residential, commercial, and portable energy storage.
JOEYOUNG also provides solar inverter customization services to suit the preferences of each customer.
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