Introduction to Inverters

Hello friends, I hope you all are well and doing great in your lives. In today's tutorial, I am going to share the Introduction to Inverters. An inverter converts DC voltage or current to AC voltage or current. You can also say that it transfers or converts power from a DC source to an AC load. The aim of this circuit is to supply AC power similar to the one that we receive at homes.

Firstly, I am going to share some basic information related to inverters. In the second section, I will give you the basic configuration or parts of it and in the last section, I will tell you the types and applications. Let's now get started with the Introduction to Inverters:

Introduction to Inverters

  • An inverter is connected to a DC source and it converts it into AC power in its circuit.

The details on input and output are as under.

  • The input is DC power. The value of input voltage depends upon the application. Some applications require 12 V while some may require very high voltages of thousands volts.
  • The ideal output of an inverter is a sinusoidal waveform. Such a wave gives continuous flow of power. But the output from the circuit is generally not ideal. It gives output in the form of square wave, quasi-square wave or PWM.
  • The conversion of DC power to AC power can be done using two approaches. Both do conversion in two steps.
    • In the first approach, a low voltage DC power is converted into high voltage DC power and then in the second step this high voltage DC power is converted to AC power.
    • In the second approach, a low voltage DC power is converted to low voltage AC power and then this output is stepped up to high voltage AC power.
  • They are available in different types in market. They exist in different shapes and sizes. They vary from low power to high power functions.

Let’s move towards the second section in which I am going to tell you all about the main parts of an inverter’s circuit.

Parts of an Inverter

In this section of my article, I am going to tell you about the configuration and constituents of the circuit. The generally used ones may consist of these four parts:

  1. Converter

This is the circuitry to convert commercial power to required DC power.

  1. Smoothing Circuit

This circuit smooths the pulses in DC power.

  1. Inverter

This is the most important part whose purpose is to convert DC to AC power.

  1. Control Circuit

This part controls the entire inverter operation.

In the next section, I am sharing some knowledge on the classification of inverters.

Classification

Inverters can be classified according to a number of different factors.

Output Waveform

First classification is based on the nature of output waveform for example, sine, square, quasi-square or PWM. Inverters can produce a pure sine wave or a modified sine wave. A modified sine wave is the one which is more close to a square wave.

Power Device

Second classification is based on the type of power or switching device used. This power device may be one from transistor, thyristor or MOSFET etc.

Configuration

On the basis of configuration, it can be classified into three types which are given below.

Single Phase Half Bridge

  • This type of inverters is used in low power applications and also known as inverter leg.
  • The circuit of single phase half bridge inverter consists of 2 choppers and a DC source with 3 wires.

Single Phase Full Bridge

  • Full bridge inverters are also used for applications which require low power.
  • The circuit consists of 4 choppers and a DC source with 3 wires.

Three Phase Inverters

  • Three phase inverters are used in medium to high power applications.
  • They provide a three phase voltage source.
  • It is used where frequency, amplitude and phase of the voltage should be controllable.

Now I am moving towards the last section of this article where I will be sharing some applications of this device.

Applications

Inverters got a variety of applications. I am going to mention some of those.

  • They are used in AC motor drives with adjustable speed.
  • They are used in UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) which is a very common application now a days.
  • They are being used in portable devices.
   
  • Inverters are used in controlling air flow. For example they are used in fans, blowers and drying machines.
  • They are used in power generation systems.
  • Inverters have helped in increasing efficiency of machines and decreasing their sizes. To change speed and other conditions is now easier than before. They are used in driving machine tools, tables, etc.
  • They also find application in conveyor belts as they can be used for controlling speed.
  • Inverters are used where there is a need to run AC devices from batteries.
  • They are used in industries in packaging machines, weighing machines and carts.
  • They are also used in hybrid and electric cars.
  • They also find applications in motor speed controllers.
  • This device is used in voltage compensators.
So, that's all about the Introduction to Inverters. I hope you will get some knowledge from this Introduction to Inverters. Let us know about your questions in the comment section.

Embedded System Projects

Hello everyone, I hope you all are fine and having fun with your lives. Today, I am going to share a detailed Embedded System Projects list for Engineering Students. I hope you guys are gonna enjoy this list of Embedded System Projects. I have shared a lot of Arduino and PIC Microcontroller related projects on my website but they are all posted randomly and are mixed with each other. That's why I have thought of creating this post, so that others can easily access them at one place.

Embedded System Projects are those Projects which are used in almost all kinds of automation. All the modern electronics based projects come in this category. In simple words, all those projects where we use Microcontrollers are termed as Embedded system Projects. So, here I have divided these Embedded system Projects in terms of the Microcontroller used. Before going into the details of these projects, you must first have a look at what is Embedded Systems. If your project is not listed in this list of Embedded System Projects then use the Contact Form and we will reply you. So, here's the detailed list of Embedded system Projects:

Basics of Embedded Systems

Our team has started this section recently and we are sharing the tutorials on basics of Embedded Systems. I will share the links of these tutorials in this section. Let us know if you like these tutorials:

  • What is Embedded Systems? ? In this tutorial, I have shared the basics of Embedded Systems i.e. what are Embedded System Projects and how to design them, but tis not in details just the basics.
  • What is embedded Computer? ? In this tutorial, I am going to share the basics of Embedded Computer. If you have read the previous tutorial then you must be well aware of Embedded systems so now its time learn about Embedded Computers.
  • 8 Things for Learning Embedded Systems Programming ? In this tutorial, I have shared the 8 essential things which are required for Learning Embedded Systems Programming.
  • 10 Things for Choosing Microcontroller ? In this tutorial, I have shared the 10 basic things required for selecting the right Microcontroller for your Embedded System Projects.
  • Real Life Examples of Embedded Systems ? In this tutorial, I have discussed the Embedded Systems Examples and these examples belong to real life. I have shared them in detail.

Arduino Based Embedded System Projects

Below mentioned Embedded System Projects are all designed using Arduino Board. These Embedded System Projects are listed from basics to pro. So, if you are new to Embedded Systems, then I would recommend you to start from the very first project and then move lower but if you are pro then you can find your favorite one from this list of Embedded System Projects.

  • Circuit Designing of LCD With Arduino in Proteus ? Its first project In this list of Embedded System Projects. In this project, I have interfaced a small LCD with Arduino UNO board and then I have printed words on it. You can use this project to create a simple notice board. Its a good project for beginners.
  • Interfacing of Keypad with Arduino in Proteus ISIS ? Next thing to learn in this list of Embedded system Projects is Keypad. So, in this proejct we have interfaced Keypad with Arduino. Now you can easily design a small security system where user need to enter password using this keypad and then you print the result on LCD which we learn in previous tutorial.
  • Intelligent Energy Saving System ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed an Intelligent Energy Saving System. In this project, the system automatically turns ON or OFF the lights & Fans depending on presence of person in the room. Its YouTube video is also given in this tutorial.
  • Voice Recognition Project Using EasyVR Shield ? Its a series of tutorials on EasyVR shield and its the first tutorial in this series. In this tutorial, I have given an overview of the Project named as Voice Recognition Project using EasyVR Shield.
  • Home Automation Project using XBee & Arduino ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed a complete Home Automation Project in which the Loads of a room are controlled via remote. For wireless communcation between remote and the loads I have used XBee module.
  • GSM Based Home Security System ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed a Home Security System and used seven sensors for security purposes and when any of those sensors gave warning then a tet message is sent over to user’s mobile phone.

PIC Microcontroller based Embedded System Projects

Here's the list of Embedded System Projects where I have used PIC Microcontroller as a controlling board. These are not much in number because I have mostly worked on Arduino but still much to have a look. I hope you will like them:
  • Control Servo Motor with PIC Microcontroller in Proteus ISIS ? Its a simple project in this list of Embedded System Projects, in which I have controlled a Servo motor using PIC Microcontroller. This Servo Motor project can be used in many engineering proejcts where you need rotation.
  • Interfacing of LM35 with PIC Microcontroller ? Its a digital Thermometer using LM35 and PIC Microcontroller. It will give you the atmospheric temperature in digital form, which you can display on any LCD. Its also a simple beginner level project in this list of Embedded System Projects.
  • Stepper Motor Control using PIC Microcontroller ? Its a Stepper Motor Control Project in which I have controlled the stepper motor using PIC Microcontroller. Its a medium level project and needs some skills to accomplish it.
  • Electronic Door Lock using PIC Microcontroller ? Its quite a good project in this list of Embedded System Projects and by adding some more functionalities in it you can make it as a final year project. So, if you have any questions related to this proejct then ask in comments.
  • Password Protection using PIC Microcontroller ? Its also a good project in which I have designed a simple Password Protection System using PIC Microcontroller. I have given the Proteus Simulations for download on this project link.

8051 Microcontroller based Embedded System Projects

Here's the list of Embedded System Projects where I have used 8051 Microcontroller. I hope you guys are gonna like them, if you have any comments then share them. I hope you have enjoyed this Embedded System Projects List for Engineering Students. Let me know if you have any other project in mind. So, till next tutorial take care and have fun !!! :)

Wound Rotor Induction Motor

Hi friends, I hope you are fine and having fun. In my last article, we have discussed Squirrel Cage Induction Motor which is a type of 3 Phase Induction Motor.  Today, I am going to tell you about a Wound Rotor Induction Motor , which is also a type of 3 phase induction motor. This motor is the one which uses a wound rotor. I will tell about the construction of a wound rotor later in this article. A Wound Rotor Induction Motor is also known as slip ring induction motor.

I will tell you about the construction of Wound Rotor Induction Motor in the first section. In the second section, I would be throwing light on the operation and working principle of Wound Rotor Induction Motor. After that, I will tell you some of the key features and uses of Wound Rotor Induction Motor.

Construction of Wound Rotor Induction Motor

As in other induction motors, the basic parts are stator and rotor. Stator of this motor is the same as the one used in squirrel cage induction motors.  Rotor is the part which distinguishes it from other induction motors. Let me give you a brief idea of stator first and then I will tell you about the structure of rotor.

Stator of Wound Rotor Induction Motor
  • As the name implies, stator is the stationary part of Wound Rotor Induction Motor.
  • The stator and rotor are separated from each other by a small air gap.
  • Stator of any type of induction motor is a cylindrical frame inside which rotor rotates.
  • The cylindrical frame has grooves on its internal periphery to carry electrical circuitry.
  • The stator winding is excited by AC supply.
  • That was the basic structure of stator, now let’s talk about rotor.
Rotor of Wound Rotor Induction Motor
  • In Wound Rotor Induction Motor, the rotor has a 3 phase winding similar to stator winding.
  • Rotor is also cylindrical in shape and has slots to carry winding.
  • The winding is placed evenly on slots of the rotor.
  •  are connected to 3 slip rings.
  • These slip rings are mounted on the shaft.
  • Each phase is connected to one of the three slip rings. These slip rings are associated with brushes.
  • The three slip rings rotate with rotor, while brushes remain stationary.
  • This is all about construction of rotor. Now let’s discuss the working principle.

Working of a Wound Rotor Induction Motor

  • The working principle of Wound Rotor Induction Motor is as same as in any other induction motor.
  • AC supply is given to stator winding, which produces a magnetic field that is rotating because of the time changing AC supply.
  • The flux lines of the magnetic field will cut the rotor and induce an emf according to Faraday’s law.
  • The induced emf will induce a current that will generate another magnetic field. This magnetic field is called rotor magnetic field.
  • The magnetic field of stator and the magnetic field of rotor will interact and give rise to a torque which will turn the rotor.

This motor is different because the rotor windings are connected to external resistances through slip rings. The speed and torque can be adjusted in these motors by changing resistance.  Now I am going to tell you about some of the key features of these motors.

You may also like to read:

Key Features

Some of the features of wound rotor induction motors are as under:

Speed Control
  • It is possible to control the speed of such motors. The torque can also be controlled.
High Starting Torque
  • These motors have high starting torque.
Maintenance
  • Wound Rotor Induction Motor require more maintenance because of slip rings and brushes.
Cost
  • Such motors are expensive than other induction motors. The maintenance cost also counts.
Low Starting Current
  • This motor draws less current at start as compared to squirrel cage induction motors.
Efficiency
  • Wound Rotor Induction Motor are less efficient than squirrel cage induction motors.
Power Factor
  • These motors have a low power factor.

Now I am moving towards the last section, in which I am going to tell you all about some of the application areas of Wound Rotor Induction Motor .

Applications

The uses and applications of this induction motor are:

  • They are used in areas where high starting torque is required. And where squirrel cage induction motors cannot be used because of their high starting currents.
  • These motors are used with high inertia loads.
  • Wound Rotor Induction Motor is used in applications which require smooth start and adjustable speed.
  • Some of the applications of this motor include cranes, mills, hoists and conveyors.
  • Wound rotor induction motor is also used in fans, blowers and mixers.
  • They are used in large pumps in water industry.
Syed Zain Nasir

I am Syed Zain Nasir, the founder of <a href=https://www.TheEngineeringProjects.com/>The Engineering Projects</a> (TEP). I am a programmer since 2009 before that I just search things, make small projects and now I am sharing my knowledge through this platform.I also work as a freelancer and did many projects related to programming and electrical circuitry. <a href=https://plus.google.com/+SyedZainNasir/>My Google Profile+</a>

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Syed Zain Nasir