Power Frequency Inverter vs High-Frequency Inverter- Which One Should I Prefer?

In the energy electronics and conversion industry, inverters are the main driver for power conversion, playing a significant role. Inverters have the potential to transform the direct grant into alternating ground to fulfil the needs of multiple electrical devices and systems. High-frequency inverters and power-frequency inverters are the two common types of inverters. Each has its own different characteristics and applications, so which one is preferable? 

Here, we will provide a detailed comparison and analysis of these two inverters from multiple scenarios and perspectives to better understand power-frequency inverters and high-frequency inventors and to determine which one is better for making a well-informed decision.

Power Frequency Inverters Vs High-Frequency Inverters

Before digging into the comparison, it's essential to know what these inverters are;

What is a Power Frequency Inverter?

A power frequency inverter generally refers to an inverter with an output frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Its operating principle is to transform DC power into AC power with the same frequency and phase as the power grid using an internal power conversion circuit. 

Power frequency inverters commonly deploy conventional materials such as Transformers and inductors to transform voltage and current. Therefore, these inverters are relatively large but have stable output waveforms, making them ideal for events with high power quality demands.

What is a High Frequency Inverter?

High-frequency inverters deploy high-frequency switching systems to chop direct current power at high frequency with high-frequency tubes like MOSFETs. They then shift the high-frequency pulses into stable alternating current with high-frequency filter circuits and transformers.

The output frequency of a high-frequency inverter is much higher than the power frequency, usually between a few kilohertz and ten kilohertz. With the use of high-frequency switching technology, high-frequency inverters have the benefits of compact size, high efficiency, and lightweight but also have the disadvantage of poor output waveform quality. 

Now that you know about the operation of the power frequency inverter and high-frequency inverter, compare them. 

• Efficiency 

High-frequency inverters are typically more efficient at converting power while maintaining a constant load for lighter loads, which is significant when you depend on battery power in remote regions. However, they may fight with surge heavy loads or surge currents.

High-frequency inverters consume less power from the battery at zero load than power-frequency inverters. Power-frequency inverters are best for their robustness and capability to maintain high surge currents, making them best for energising heavy-duty gears and appliances with high onsetting currents, such as compressors and motors. 

The rated power of high-frequency inverse matches the wattage it sends, whereas power frequency inverters don’t. For example, a high-frequency 3000W inverter would equal 3000V, but a power-frequency 3000VA inverter would equal 2400W. 

• Weight 

Power frequency inverters are typically heavier than high-frequency inverters because of their hue abuser and larger transformers. 

On the other hand, high-frequency inverters can provide the same power at high frequency with a much smaller and lighter transformer. As a result, the high-frequency inverter is lighter than the power-frequency inverter.

• Peak Power Capacity 

Power frequency inverters are manufactured to deal with higher power spikes for extended periods. These power spikes can occur for multiple reasons, including devices like pumps, vacuum cleaners, and other devices with electrical motors that need high starting power; when inverters face such spikes, they can bear the instant increased power for a shorter period before shifting down to prevent any damage. 

Low-frequency power inverters have much better peak power capability to manage large loads with power spikes than high-frequency inverters. In fact, low-frequency inverters can work at the peak power level, which is about 200% of their nominal power level, for multiple seconds.

While high-frequency inverters can work at 150% power level for a fraction of a second. 

• Reliability and Maintainability

Because variable-frequency inverters use relatively simple circuit structures or conventional materials, their reliability is usually high, and maintenance costs are low. As high-frequency components use advanced and new components like complex control circuits and high-frequency switching tubes, their reliability may be impacted to a specific extent, and maintenance costs are high. 

However, with the new advancements and continuous improvements of the latest materials, high-frequency inverters' reliability and maintainability are growing to optimise. 

• Applications

Power frequency inverters are perfect for off-grid systems where heavy power loads or intense circumstances are expected, such as industrial applications or remote regions with extreme environments. They are mostly used in applications that need high power quality, like data centres, precision instruments, fixed power stations, medical fields, or a few other sectors. 

On the other hand, high-frequency inverters are best suited for off-grid systems with lighter loads and more stable working conditions, such as home light-load household applications or small-scale off-grid installations. These inverters are mostly found in applications with high volume or weight needs, such as aerospace, mobile power supplies, electric vehicles, or other fields. 

Power Frequency Inverter vs High-Frequency Inverter- Which One Should I Prefer?

To conclude, power-frequency inverters and high-frequency inverters each have pros and cons and are perfect fits for different application scenarios. When choosing an inverter, a detailed consideration should be made depending on certain needs and scenarios.

If you are looking for an inverter for fixed power stations, precision instruments, or other related fields, then go with power-frequency inverters. However, a high-frequency inverter will be the best for high-volume and weight requirements such as aerospace, electric vehicles, and mobile power supplies.

With the continuous advancement of technology and the continuous improvement of new materials, the development trend of future inverters will be more compact, reliable, efficient, and intelligent. So, choose the inverter that fits your needs.

Bottom Line

In short, both power-frequency and high-frequency inverters have advantages and applications. Therefore choose according to your requirements. Further, sourcing an inverter from a reliable manufacturing company is crucial to getting the highest outcomes and a longer lifespan. We recommend Innotinum, which offers cutting-edge and affordable residential energy storage solutions to contribute to more sustainable and clean energy.