Deck 8: Inverters

Question 1

List the three common waveforms that inverters produce.

Answer 1

Inverters produce square waves, modified square waves, and true sine waves.

Question 2

A converter is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Equipment that can perform electrical power processing and control functions as well as performing as an inverter is called a power ____________________ unit.

Answer 3

conditioning

Question 4

A true sine wave inverter is suitable for sensitive electronic equipment because it produces an output with very little distortion.

Question 5

____________________ operation of inverters allows more loads to be served because the current ratings of the inverters add up.

Question 6

If a PV system is utility interconnected but also has battery back-up to power loads when the grid is down a(n) ____________________ inverter needs to be specified.

Question 7

When are batteries needed to store electricity produced by PV modules?

Question 8

A(n) ____________________ inverter is suitable for operating a wide variety of loads, including motors, lights, TVs, and other electronic equipment.

Question 9

What is the function of a micro-inverter?

Question 10

Micro-inverters are only used in ____________________ PV systems.

Question 11

The inverter type that is connected to, and works in parallel with, the electric utility grid is the ____________________.

Question 12

A bimodal inverter is an inverter type that can operate as either a grid-tie or stand-alone inverter.

Question 13

Stand-alone inverters are connected to the batteries in a stand-alone PV system.

Question 14

Inverter efficiency has improved over the years and now many grid-tie inverters are rated up to 95% efficient.

Question 15

Inverters designed for installation in North America will have a(n) ____________________ Hz output frequency.

Question 16

What are typical functions offered by a Power Conditioning Unit (PCU)?

Question 17

Inverters that have both capabilities built in (stand-alone and grid-tie) for future utility connection are referred to as ____________________ inverters.

Question 18

The ____________________ inverter type is connected to the PV system batteries and operates independently of the PV array and the utility grid.

Question 19

Why should inverters be required to have low harmonic distortion?

Question 20

What needs to be considered when specifying a stand-alone inverter?