If you are in the market for a new generator, you might be wondering what is the best generator type to buy: an inverter generator or a traditional generator. After all, both types of generators have their own pros and cons.
Key Takeaways
- To the tune of 40% in fuel savings, an inverter generator is the smart choice.
- Adjusting power demand, built in mufflers & sound dampening features make inverter generators quiet compared to normal ones.
- Inverter generators use a system of complex electronic circuits to transform the DC power generated by the generator into the AC to provide a clean and stable power supply for electronics that are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in voltage.
- With the ability to adjust engine speed, inverter generators reliably supply a constant voltage and current.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two different types of generators so that you can make an informed decision about which option is better for your home or business needs.
Inverter generators are becoming more popular than traditional generators because they are more environmentally friendly.
Many people believe that inverter generators produce no carbon emissions compared with traditional generators because they run continuously as opposed to running intermittently. However, this is not always the case.
Inverter VS Normal Generator – Head to head comparison
Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two options so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
1. Portability
Portable generators are a great way to ensure you have power when you need it, whether you’re camping or dealing with a power outage.
But which type of generator is best for your needs?
Inverter generators are more portable than traditional generators, making them a great choice for those who need a generator that can go where they do.
Inverter generators are smaller and lighter than traditional generators, making them easy to transport. In addition, inverter generators can be used with sensitive electronic equipment such as laptops and cell phones without damaging the equipment.
If you’re looking for a portable generator that can go where you do, an inverter generator is the way to go.
2. Fuel Efficient
The average generator converts only about 40% of the fuel’s energy into electricity. The rest of the energy is wasted as heat.
Traditional generators often have a lot of moving parts, which can create friction and heat that lowers the overall efficiency. It typically run at a higher speed than necessary, wasting fuel in the process.
The electricity generated by traditional generators must be converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) before it can be used by most appliances and devices. This conversion process is also inefficient, wasting up to 10% of the generator’s output.
Traditional generators must be constantly running at full capacity in order to meet peak demand periods
Inverter generators are more fuel efficient than traditional generators for a few reasons.
Inverter generators have a variable speed engine that adjusts to the power load, which means it isn’t working harder than necessary and using more fuel.
They also have a better cooling system so the engine doesn’t overheat and uses less fuel as a result. Many inverter generators come with auto-idle features and low-fuel shutoffs, which further improve fuel efficiency.
Beside this, inverter generator tend to be lighter weight overall which makes them more fuel efficient since they don’t require as much power to run.
3. Parallel Connection
There are many factors to consider when connecting a generator in parallel.
The traditional method is to connect the generators through the bus bars. This can be done by either using jumper cables or bus ducts. If using jumper cables, it is important to use the correct size and type of cable.
The cable must be able to carry the current and not overheat. When connecting through bus ducts, it is important to use properly rated and sized breakers. The breakers should be able to handle the full load of the generators and not trip during normal operation.
Another factor to consider is the phase difference between the generators. If the phase difference is too great, it can cause problems with the synchronization of the generators.
What makes inverter generator is best for parallel connection?
There are several reasons that inverter generators are the best type to use for parallel connection. First, inverter generators produce electricity that is cleaner and more consistent than other types of generators.
This clean power is essential for sensitive electronics that can be damaged by power surges or fluctuations.
Inverter generators also run more quietly than other types of generators, making them ideal for use in camping or RVing situations where quiet operation is important. Additionally, inverter generators are typically more fuel-efficient than other types of generators, which is important when running multiple units in parallel since it can help save on fuel costs.
Related: Can you parallel non-inverter generators
4. Price
Inverter generators are more expensive than traditional generators.
Inverters convert DC electricity into AC electricity, which means that they require more powerful motors and greater amounts of current. They also tend to have higher operating costs due to their specialized circuitry and unique design. These features makes inverter generator more expensive than other types of generators.
However, they offer a number of advantages that make them worth the extra cost. Inverter generators are more fuel efficient and produce less noise.
They also offer a number of features that traditional generators do not, such as the ability to run sensitive electronics without damage and the ability to vary the speed of the engine to match the load.
5. Noise Level
Inverter generators are a type of power generator that uses an automatic mode to change the frequency and voltage of electricity being delivered to customers’ homes or businesses. This makes inverter generators less noisy than other types of generators, such as gas-powered generators or diesel engines.
One reason inverter generators are quieter is because they use rotating components instead of stationary ones. Rotating components create less noise than stationary ones because they make more fewer “noise events.”
Noise events occur when the fan blades on a generator cause them to break the sound barrier, which creates high-pitched sounds. Inverters also use Direct Current (DC) rather than Alternating Current (AC), which reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Because inverter generators operate using AC instead of DC, they are generally less noisy than traditional dc Generators.
One reason for this is the frequency of the AC signal. Traditional dc generators operate at 50 or 60 Hz, which makes them very Loud and annoying. In contrast, inverter generators usually run at frequencies between 400 and 600 Hz.
Another reasons that inverter generators are so quiet is because they don’t have any moving parts. The only thing that moves is the engine, and even that is usually located inside the generator itself. Inverter generators also have a special muffler that helps to reduce the noise even further.
Related: Can you run an inverter generator without a battery?
Is an inverter generator better than a regular generator?
Yes, an inverter generator is better than a regular generator.
An inverter generator is powered by advanced technology, allowing it to produce clean electricity without making much noise. This makes it ideal for use in quieter environments such as campsites or parks where sound may be an issue.
Additionally, these generators are built with fuel-efficient engines that can run longer on less fuel, giving you cost savings over time. They also have safety features such as overload protection and automatic shutoff to protect both the user and the machine itself.
Regular generators, on the other hand, are typically less efficient, louder, and not as portable. Additionally, the power produced by a regular generator is not always suitable for powering sensitive electronics.