Most electrical generators accommodate electricity by axis a agent with a fueled engine, but an inverter is a alternation of coils that catechumen stored electricity into accessible voltages. Inverters crave batteries, or a ability source, and a architect does not (as it is the ability source). The a lot of accepted use for an inverter is with a solar ability system, for about-face of the DC electrical ability to accessible AC. A lot of generators will cover a proprietary inverter in their design, to atmosphere the electricity produced by the dynamo. Determining which technology is best will depend on the ability requirements and which ammunition is practical.
Fuel Source
1. Generators use an engine to drive the primary dynamo, and this engine about uses gasoline or propane fuel. The engine accept to be run consistently to accommodate power, and this consumes ammunition and able-bodied as bearing babble and air pollution. Inverters do not aftermath babble or air pollution, and the ammunition they absorb is abased on the accumulator device's primary ability source. Solar or wind ability systems use an inverter bureaucracy to accomplish the ability advancing from the array accumulator a accepted 110 volt alternating home current, as AC cannot be stored like DC power. An advantage to an inverter bureaucracy is the fuel, because solar or wind ability cannot about be "used up" or crave refueling. The capital advantage to application a architect is the abridgement of ability storage. Generators do not crave an average accumulator assemblage and can accommodate connected ability anon to the home. Inverters are carefully for about-face of absolute power.
Maintenance
2. An engine-powered generator will require routine maintenance, such as oil changes and occasional rebuilds, while an inverter will not. The inverter is a simple electrical device that uses fixed coils and circuitry to change electricity from one form into another. A generator, while utilizing an inverter, is a complex moving mechanical assembly that can break down easily from vibration or heat. These properties are important when designing a power system in hostile or sensitive environments.
Power Output
3. The size to power output ratio is typically much higher for an inverter, as most are compact units. Generators tend to be large, unwieldy devices that require their own area with proper ventilation to operate. Power outputs for a large inverter range from 3kW (3000 watts) to 5kW (5000 watts), while a generator matching that peak output would be many times the size of a comparable inverter.
Peak Power
4. Generators are usually more tolerant of peak power spikes, where the electrical use exceeds the power output of the unit. An engine-powered generator will "surge" but typically keep running if the surge is brief. An inverter will have an automatic shut-down circuit that will cut off power if the output is exceeded to prevent damage to the unit, requiring the user to inspect the unit and possibly reset its breaker fuse. This can be overcome by purchasing an inverter with many times the output required, but they can get expensive at higher power ranges. While generators use inverters, manufacturers usually do not include shut down circuitry on inexpensive models, relying instead on the generator's fail-safes.
Longevity
5. Inverters, having no moving parts, will typically outlast a generator. The advantage to having a generator instead of a separate inverter is repair; when an inverter "breaks down", it almost always requires replacement because there are no serviceable parts. Generators use the same technology as an automobile, so fixing them is relatively simple.