Inverters

Inverters are used to generate AC power using only a DC power source.  They take power from a battery and make it into alternating current, usually at a much higher voltage.  There are two main types: 1) those that have a true sinewave output similar to that found in shore power supplies, and 2) those that produce a "modified sinewave" output which just gives an approximation of the waveform found in shore power supplies.

 

Inverters are coverered in the ABYC standard by section A-31 Battery Chargers and Inverters.  For more technical details see our application notes on Inverters: All about inverters

 

As well as marine applications inverters are increasingly being used in solar energy applications.