Newer designed inverters

SLEEK AND LIGHT...OR BIG AND HEAVY?
First, what might you assume if you saw two
1000W inverters and one is a sparse 16 lbs.,
sleek with a low profile … while the other is
a large, 50 lbs. heavyweight in a sheet metal
box? Might you conclude that the smaller,
lightweight version represents “newer
technology,” or would you think it’s cheaper,
disposable and lower quality than the heavier
weight competitor?
Take it from Tech Doctor: in Inverter World,
size and packaging can be very deceiving!
Without understanding the distinctions of
each, you may make some inaccurate
assumptions based on your preconceived
notions. In our example, you may be looking
at a low-frequency inverter and comparing it
to a high-frequency inverter. The standard
constant rate output will likely be identical on
both, but there will be some differences in
operation outside the normal wattage
output.
Low-frequency inverters use high-speed
switches to invert (or change) the DC to AC,
but drive these switches at the same
frequency as the AC sine wave which is 60
Hz (60 times per second). This requires the inverter’s transformer to work a bit harder,
plus demands it to be larger and heavier, thus
the result is a bigger, beefier package.
High-frequency models typically drive the
switches at a frequency closer to 50 KHz
(50,000 times per second) or higher, thus
allowing for a smaller, more efficient
transformer and overall smaller package.
However, that efficiency comes with a price.
High-frequency inverters typically surge at a
lower rate, or for shorter periods of time
than its low-frequency counterparts.
The moral of this example is straightforward:
don’t make quick assumptions based solely
on size and shape. Take the time to get the
facts, compare the differences and then
make an educated analysis.