Conventional Generators vs. Inverter Generators

Main Difference

The main difference between Conventional Generators and Inverter generators is that Conventional Generators can produce energy only in the form of alternating current, whereas Inverter Generators provide electricity in three different phases, i.e., AC then DC and then back to stable AC.

Difference Between Conventional Generators and Inverter Generators

Comparison Chart

Conventional Generators vs. Inverter Generators

The conventional generators are the type of generator that produces electricity in the form of alternating current. On the other side, the inverter generators are the type of generator that produces electricity in a three-phase form, i.e., it produces electricity in the form of AC first, which is then converted in the form of DC and then back to stable AC form.

So, the conventional generators have simple structures with a motor attached to an alternator. The fuel, for example, diesel, gasoline or propane, etc. provides power to the motor that generates electricity through the alternator. On the other hand, the inverter generators have complex structures with an engine, an alternator, a rectifier, and an inverter. Here, the fuel provides energy to the motor of the engine that produces a high-frequency alternating current through the alternator. It is then rectified to change into DC and then back to stable AC through an inverter.

The conventional generators generate more power as compared to the inverter generator. But, they have less efficiency than the inverter generators. So, the conventional generators have large size fuel tank to generate a large amount of energy. On the flip side, the inverter generators have small size tanks due to their higher efficiency as they can produce more energy with a small amount of fuel.

The conventional generators can produce an average power of 10,000 watts. On the other side, the inverter generators can usually generate power of 1200 to 4000 watts. The conventional generators have large sizes due to their bigger fuel tanks, so they require a large area to place it. On the flip side, the inverter generators are small in size and require less area to place them.

Conventional generators are heavy in weight, usually over 100 pounds. On the other hand, the inverter generators have less weight of about 40 to 60 pounds. Conventional generators produce great noise due to their heavy machinery. They produce a noise of 64 decibels. On the flip side, the inverter generators run steadily and produce less noise of about 54 to 58 decibels.

Moreover, conventional generators do not offer a parallel connection. On the other hand, the inverter generators offer a parallel connection in which two inverter generators can be connected to each other to produce more power. Conventional generators emit more harmful gasses in the environment as compared to inverter generators. Conventional generators are cheaper while; inverter generators are expensive due to their work on newer technology.

What are Conventional Generators?

The conventional generators are the type of generator that produces a fixed amount of AC frequency irrespective of the load on it. They can produce current only in AC form. The conventional generators have simple structures with a motor attached to an alternator. They work by burning the fuel, i.e., diesel, gasoline or propane, etc. The fuel provides power to the motor and generates electricity through alternator that is attached to it.

The conventional generators generate more power but have less efficiency. They can produce a power ratio of 10,000 watts. The motor of such generators works at a constant speed of 3600rpm. So, in case of any fluctuation in the rpm of the engine and the frequency of electrical output, the conventional generators can be harmful to sensitive machines. They have less efficiency, so they require a large fuel tank to fulfill the high power demand.

The conventional generators have large sizes due to their bigger fuel tank and require a larger area to place it. They are heavy in weight, usually over 100 pounds. So, They have handles and wheels for pulling it. They cause great noise despite the many noise-minimizing efforts. They produce a noise of about 64 decibels.

As the conventional generators produce more power, so, they do not need a parallel connection. Moreover, they do not meet the environmental requirements; i.e., it causes the emission of harmful gasses in the environment. The conventional generators have a low price and are the best option in case of high power requirements.

What are Inverter Generators?

The inverter generators are the type of generator that produces electricity in three-phase form, i.e., AC to DC, then back to stable AC are known as inverter generators. They have a complex structure with an engine, an alternator, a rectifier, and an inverter. They also work by burning the fuel that provides energy to the motor of the engine and produces a high-frequency alternating current through the alternator. They are then rectified to change into DC and then back to stable AC through an inverter.

The inverter generators generate less power, but they are more efficient. It can produce a power of 1200 to 4000 watts. Their engine adjusts automatically according to the load. So, they are safe to use these types of generators for sensitive appliances. Moreover, due to higher efficiency, conventional generators require less fuel. So, they have small fuel tanks.

The inverter generators are small in size as they have a small fuel tank and do not require large size engine. So, they require less area to place them. Such generators have less weight about 40 to 60 pounds and can be carried by hand through a handle. Inverter generators work with a steady speed of 3600 rpm. These types of generators produce a noise of about 54 to 58 decibels.

As the inverter generators produce less power, so, they also offer a parallel connection. In these types of connections, two inverter generators can be connected to each other to produce more power. Both invertor generators combine to provide a double amount of power. Such generators can easily fulfill the environmental requirements as they have less emission of harmful gasses.

Conclusion

The above discussion summarizes that the conventional generators are large sizes, heavy generators that produce more power but only in AC form and have less efficiency. On the other side, the inverter generators are relatively small sizes, lightweight generators that produce less power but have higher efficiency.