The Whats and Hows
What is the inverter technology in air conditioners?
The inverter technology (or DC inverter) is the latest evolution of technology concerning the electromotor of compressors. An inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor, so as to continuously regulate the temperature. The DC inverter units have a variable-frequency drive that comprises an adjustable electrical inverter to control the speed of the electromotor, which means the compressor and the cooling/heating output. The drive converts the incoming AC current into DC and then through a modulation in an electrical inverter produces the current of desired frequency. A microcontroller can sample each ambient air temperature and accordingly adjust the speed of the compressor.
How does an inverter save energy?
The inverter technology eliminates wasted operation in air conditioners by efficiently controlling motor speed. In inverter ACs, temperature is adjusted by changing motor speed without turning the motor on and off. The motor speed in non-inverter ACs remains constant and temperature is adjusted by turning the motor on and off, thereby consuming more energy.
What is the benefit of inverter technology?
Every air conditioner is designed for a maximum peak load – for example, a 1.5 ton AC is designed for a certain room size, a 1 ton AC for a different size, and so on. But not all rooms are of same size. A regular air conditioner of 1.5 ton capacity will always run at peak power requirement when the compressor is running. On the other hand, an air conditioner with inverter technology will run continuously but will draw only that much power that is required to keep the temperature stable at the level desired. It automatically adjusts its capacity based on the requirement of the room it is cooling, thereby drawing much less power and consuming lesser units of electricity.
Are window ACs with inverter technology available in the market?
There is no window AC with inverter technology.
Are there star ratings for inverter ACs?
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has established a new star rating standard for inverter technology ACs. Most of the inverter AC models are in 3, 4 and 5 stars rating range of BEE. The star ratings for energy labelling became mandatory for inverter ACs in January 2018.