Vanner IQ12-2600, Owner'S Manual

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VANNER POWER GROUP VANNER POWER GROUP IQ SERIES IQ SERIES
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7 APPENDICES
7.1 Inverter Overview
An inverter converts DC electrical power into AC power. This power can be used to operate various AC-driven
appliances.
The most common battery systems are 12 or 24 volt. Some systems, however, operate on higher voltages such
as 32, 36, 48, or 120 volts. The most common inverter AC output power is 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz,
although some inverters are designed to produce 240 volts, or both 120 and 240 volts at 60 Hz. Because some
countries use power of different voltage and frequency (e.g. 230 volts at 50 Hz), inverters are available to conform
to these requirements.
Inverters use electronic circuits to switch DC input power at the required frequency, such as 60 Hz. This
"switched" DC resembles AC power, and is then stepped up in voltage through a transformer. The result is a
modified sine wave AC output of the required voltage and frequency that can power AC-driven equipment.
Inverter Types
The three available inverter types are distinguished by the type of AC output wave form they produce. This wave
form affects the AC loads they operate. This section provides an overview of these inverter types, including the
advantages and disadvantages associated with using each type.
Sine Wave Inverters
produce an AC output wave form like power produced by the electric utility companies and rotating
generators. The sine wave inverter's wave form is characterized by the highest peak voltage and smooth
voltage transitions (no square wave components). Such inverters are the most costly of the three inverter
types because they contain extra electronics to produce the required wave form.
Modified Sine Wave Inverters
are sometimes called "quasi sine wave inverters" or "modified square wave inverters."
Modified sine wave inverters produce an AC output wave different from the power produced by the
electric utility companies and rotating generators. Although this wave form has a higher peak voltage than
do square wave inverters, its peak voltage is not as high as a pure sine wave. Therefore, AC loads
containing power supplies might not always operate properly on the modified sine wave inverter.
Square Wave Inverters
are low cost devices that produce a square wave AC power output. This AC power can be an accurate 60
Hz frequency if it is crystal controlled. It does not have the peak voltage necessary to properly operate
many AC appliances that contain electronic power supplies (e.g. computers, TVs, and VCRs). The square
wave is appropriate when operating AC loads such as resistive heating devices, lighting loads or
universal motor loads.
7.2 Problem Loads
Although modified sine wave inverters will operate most AC loads, some loads may exhibit problems because the
wave form is different than the pure sine wave of utility power. This is due to the square wave components and
that the peak voltage is not quite as high as a pure sine wave. Loads that may exhibit problems include motor
speed controls found on ceiling fans and air conditioner fans; light dimmer controls; clocks; microwave ovens
(cooking time may vary and the clock may be erratic); video monitors and TVs (may have lines in the picture); AM
radios (may pick a noise); laser printers; copying machines; fluorescent lights; and power supplies in some
electronic devices. Rechargeable battery devices may also overheat and be damaged by the inverter. If you