Industrial inverters allow us to make the best use of available energy sources and convert energy into a suitable and usable form for various devices and systems. Depending on the application, these devices come in various types. The best industrial inverter depends on technical features, build quality, control and management capabilities, as well as support and compatibility with industrial needs. Choosing the best industrial inverter should be done based on the requirements and specific usage specifications of each industry and system being used.
What is an Industrial Inverter?
An industrial inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) energy into alternating current (AC), in other words, it provides the use of DC energy for devices and equipment that require AC current. Industrial inverters are designed for use in various industries including manufacturing, transportation, energy systems, industrial automation, power electronics, and the manufacture of devices such as UPS, electric motors, speed controllers, oil extraction, and other industrial applications.
Phases
Industrial inverters are typically produced in two types of phases: three-phase and single-phase, which differ in the number of output phases.
Single-phase: Single-phase inverters have one AC output and are used for smaller equipment or household purposes. These inverters are commonly used in household electronic devices, lighting systems, or small industrial devices.
Three-phase: This type of inverters has three-phase inputs and outputs, meaning that the input and output currents are in three-phase AC form. Three-phase inverters are typically used in larger industries such as manufacturing, construction, industrial machinery, pumps, compressors, and other large industrial applications.
Waveforms
Industrial inverters are usually divided into three categories based on the type of wave they produce:
Pure Sine Wave:
Characteristics: Very similar to the AC city wave, with direct voltage and frequency, high quality, and stable energy production.
Applications: Suitable for highly sensitive and sophisticated industrial equipment such as medical equipment, advanced electronic devices, and precision machinery.
Square Wave:
Characteristics: Operates in a square shape, cheaper than other waveforms but has lower quality.
Applications: Used in some simpler devices such as lights, fans, or devices that require a simple inverter.
Modified Sine Wave:
Characteristics: A combination of sine wave and square wave, with quality between sine wave and square wave.
Applications: Used for some devices that are relatively sensitive but do not require a sine wave.
Advantages of Industrial Inverters
Precision Control of Speed and Current: Industrial inverters assist in precisely controlling the speed of motors and electric devices, enabling adjustments in speed and current based on current needs.
Energy Saving: By altering voltage and frequency, inverters contribute to higher efficiency and energy savings, thereby reducing energy costs.
Equipment Protection: Precise control of current and voltage helps protect electrical equipment against fluctuations, irregular voltages, and excessive wear, leading to an extended lifespan.
Noise and Vibration Reduction: Inverters can continuously and smoothly control motors, resulting in reduced noise and vibration in industrial processes.
Flexibility in Performance: Inverters provide the flexibility to change motor speed and rotation direction, which is crucial in various industrial processes and production lines.
Utilization of Renewable Energies: Inverters can efficiently utilize renewable energies such as solar and wind power.
Applications of Industrial Inverters
Industrial inverters serve as crucial components in various industries, especially in electronics and electrical sectors, with a wide range of applications. Some of their main applications include:
Industrial Machinery: Industrial inverters are used in industrial machinery such as pumps, fans, compressors, and electric motors to control speed and voltage fluctuations.
Solar and Wind Energy Systems: Inverters are utilized to efficiently convert and utilize renewable energies like solar and wind power by converting DC current generated by solar panels or wind turbines into AC current.
Automotive Industry: They are employed in vehicles to supply power and regulate voltage.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems: In industrial UPS systems used to provide backup power during outages or voltage fluctuations, industrial inverters play a fundamental role.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: In industrial HVAC systems, inverters are used to control motors and fans.
Industrial Automation Systems: Inverters are used to control and execute industrial processes to enhance efficiency and control.
Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industries: Industrial inverters are utilized in these industries to control motors, pumps, and other equipment.
Brands
Comparing Iranian and foreign brands of industrial inverters can be done based on various criteria. For a more accurate comparison, these criteria can be examined in terms of quality, price, support, technology, technical features, and compatibility with specific needs.
Comparison based on different criteria:
Quality and Performance:
Foreign brands usually have a high reputation for quality and performance, but some Iranian brands have also been able to offer acceptable quality.
Price and Cost:
Iranian brands may be more cost-effective due to their lower prices and the possibility of providing local parts and after-sales services.
Support and After-Sales Services:
Foreign brands usually provide access to after-sales services and spare parts internationally, which sometimes gives them an advantage in terms of support.
Technology and Technical Features:
Foreign brands may use newer technologies and more advanced features, which results in better performance and efficiency.
Compatibility with Specific Needs:
Iranian brands may be able to provide better compatibility with local and specific country needs.
Next, we will introduce the best Iranian and foreign brands.
Best Iranian Brands:
(Inox)
Energy Club Industry (Inox) is one of the top manufacturers of industrial inverters in Iran. This company utilizes advanced technologies and produces high-quality and high-performance products. Inox products include inverters with various capacities and powers for various industries such as steel, petrochemicals, mining, paper, cellulose, and more. In terms of build quality, technical support, and diverse control capabilities, Inox is one of the top choices for industrial inverters in the Iranian market. Other popular Iranian brands include:
Pars Electric:
Samangan Tavan Sanat:
Saei Electric:
Persian Power Industry:
Aria Electric:
Sepehr Energy:
Each of these brands can be the best option based on the specific needs of different industries. Choosing the best brand depends on the requirements, budget, and specific conditions of each individual or company. Before making a purchase, it is better to compare different products based on your needs and desired technical specifications, and then make a decision.
Best Foreign Brands:
ABB:
One of the world’s largest companies in the field of electrical technology and automation. This brand produces high-quality industrial inverters with various capabilities for various industrial applications. Some of the best models of ABB industrial inverters, known as the most widely used and advanced, include:
ACS880: Among the best of ABB for heavy-duty and critical industrial applications. With precise motor speed control, the ability to connect to various networks, and high performance, this model is recognized as one of the best ABB inverters.
ACS580: This model of inverters is very suitable for general and medium industrial applications with multi-control and high performance.
ACS550: ACS550 inverters, with high performance, non-linear lift control, and the ability to be used in various applications and motors, are among the top products of this brand.
ACS380: If you need smaller inverters for low-volume applications, the ACS380 can be a suitable option. This model is also one of the best in its category due to its flexibility and performance.
Siemens:
Siemens drives are also one of the products of a large and reputable company in the electrical and electronic industry, which produces high-performance static inverters widely used in various industries. Features of this brand include precise control and adjustment of motor speeds, optimal energy transfer, digital input/output control, and networking capabilities that enable remote control and monitoring. The company offers various types of industrial inverters, including MICROMASTER and the S, G, V series.
LS (LG Electric):
LS Electric is also a global leader in the electronics and electrical industry, producing a variety of products, including LS inverters used in various industrial applications.
Schneider Electric:
Schneider is also one of the largest manufacturers of inverters and electrical equipment in the world. It offers industrial inverters with advanced features and high performance. Some of Schneider’s inverter series include:
Altivar Machine ATV340: Suitable for machinery and automation with advanced monitoring features and flexibility in connectivity.
Altivar Process ATV900: Suitable for industrial and process applications with advanced process control and the ability to connect to various networks.
Altivar Machine ATV320: Designed for industrial machinery and automation with precise control features and flexibility in various applications.
Altivar Process ATV600: For medium industrial and process applications with reliable control and the ability to connect to various networks.
Danfoss:
Danfoss brand is also renowned for producing high-quality industrial inverters that are widely used in various industries, including automotive, processing, and construction industries. Some prominent products of Danfoss include:
VLT and FC Series Inverters: The VLT (Variable Frequency Drives) and FC (Frequency Converters) series inverters are among Danfoss’s popular products used to control the speed of electric motors in industrial applications. They offer various features to improve efficiency and energy savings.
HVAC Inverters: For heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, Danfoss offers products designed to control and optimize heating and ventilation systems effectively. These products contribute to reducing energy consumption and improving the performance of HVAC systems.
AquaDrive Series Inverters: This series of inverters is used to control pumps and pumping systems in the water and wastewater sector. They help optimize the performance of irrigation systems, water treatment, and other related processes.
Mitsubishi Electric:
This brand is also another reputable manufacturer of industrial inverters known for their quality construction and versatile features. Some of the best industrial inverter products by Mitsubishi Electric include:
FR-A800 Series Inverters: This series of inverters are highly suitable for industrial and general applications. They feature precise motor speed control, advanced protective capabilities, energy savings, and fault detection systems.
FR-F800 Series Inverters: Designed for applications requiring precise speed control and rapid changes, this series of inverters are particularly suitable for industrial machinery and pumping systems. They offer high performance and versatility.
FR-E800 Series Inverters: These inverters are ideal for smaller to medium-sized applications. They are compact in size and offer high control capabilities and stability, making them suitable for small industries and specialized systems.
Inverters are electronic devices responsible for converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). They are used to control the speed, current, and voltage of electric motors. These converters are electronic equipment that utilize transistors to convert input DC to output AC. Industrial inverters are commonly used in various industries including steel, petrochemicals, mining, automotive, construction, and electronics.
In general, the choice of waveform depends on the type of devices and equipment connected to the inverter and the specific requirements of each device. Complex and sensitive industrial devices typically use sine waves due to their high quality and stability, while simpler devices may use square or modified waveforms.
Industrial inverters are used in various industries to control and modify electrical currents with the aim of improving efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, decreasing energy consumption, and achieving more precise control over industrial processes. They play a significant role in enhancing the performance and productivity of different industries and are valuable in terms of energy control and savings.
Ultimately, selecting the best industrial inverter depends on your needs, budget, and priorities. While foreign brands may be the best option for some applications, domestic and Iranian brands may be a suitable choice for others.