What is an inverter motor or compressor

An inverter motor or compressor implies that it does not use mains voltage to operate. Stabilized secondary voltages are used to operate these motors or compressors. The voltage can be varied and thus the speed of the motor or compressor can be adjusted.

Inverter washing machine

An inverter washing machine is different because it has an inverter motor. The inverter motor has an additional control board. With which the voltage is not fed to the motor directly, but after conversion. In turn, the motor is controlled by the inverter board. The design of the motor is slightly different, but this motor can not be called very innovative.

Inverter refrigerator and an air conditioner

Inverter compressors for refrigerators and air conditioners also have a separate control board that inverts the voltage to control compressor operation. But there is a difference in that it is not always necessary for a refrigerator and air conditioner to run the compressor at full power. In conventional refrigerators and air conditioners, this is controlled by the time and frequency at which the compressor is turned on (when the desired temperature is reached, the compressor is turned off) . In inverter refrigerators and air conditioners, the compressor runs continuously, but the speed of the compressor motor changes, and, of course, the power of the unit changes. The compressor runs continuously, when the desired temperature is reached, the compressor speed is reduced to minimum. To maintain the temperature, the compressor can operate at a low power, e.g. 20-30% of rated capacity.

Washing machines: standard vs inverter motor

Now let’s look at the differences between standard motors and inverter motors in washing machines. Now almost all washing machines are made with inverter motors. Such a motor is easier and cheaper to produce. This is the main reason for the transition of the industry to the production of washing machines with inverter motors.

Washing machines with a classic (standard) motor

Classic motor: These are motors with graphite brushes; the current through the brushes is fed to the armature contacts, and the current flowing through the armature winding creates a magnetic field that rotates the motor armature. Permanent magnets or windings can be used as the stator of the motor. The speed of rotation of the motor, as well as the direction of rotation, varies depending on which windings are energized. The washing machine has a control circuit in which the desired motor windings are connected at certain times. During washing, the motor rotates slowly, and the motor rotates quickly during the spinning.

Inverter motor washing machine, digital inverter motor

Inverter motor: in inverter motor washing machines, the motor has a slightly different design; the motor armature is assembled on static magnets, and the rotation speed depends on the voltage applied to the stator winding. In addition, the voltage is not fed directly from the mains. First, the voltage comes to the inverter board and is converted. This makes it possible to adjust the desired speed of rotation of the motor by using different stator windings and changing the amount of voltage.

Some manufacturers improve washing machines and offer their names for inverter washing machines. For example, LG developed a washing machine with a drum installed on the motor shaft. And they called such washing machines: direct-drive washing machines.

Frequently asked questions about washing machines with inverter motors.

• What is the difference between an inverter motor and a standard motor? Considering this question for the average washing machine owner, inverter washing machines are quieter and less susceptible to power surges. This makes them preferable when choosing a washing machine. 
• What is the difference between a direct motion motor and an inverter motor washing machine? As I said before, in direct-motor washing machines, there is a motor and a drum on one shaft; in such a washing machine, there is no belt. In standard washing machines, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the drum through a system of pulleys and a belt. A direct-drive washing machine is quieter.
• What is the disadvantage of the inverter washing machine: there are no special disadvantages in the inverter washing machines; the only difference is the additional inverter board, and it is a possible additional fault in the inverter. 
• Why use an inverter for a motor: Inverter is a voltage conversion board and a motor speed control board. 
• Why is a direct-drive motor better: Direct-drive washing machines are quieter and have less vibration.
• Does the inverter motor save electricity: in washing machines, the inverter motor does not save electricity due to the washing cycles. The washing program sets the speed of the motor, and the motor type, in this case, does not matter. 
• Does the inverter motor have brushes: no inverter motor has no brushes; the current is fed to the stator, and the armature (it rotates) has magnets to create a magnetic field.

Frequent questions about refrigerators and air conditioners with inverter motors.

• How does the inverter in an air conditioner work? The main difference between inverter compressor is that such compressor has a floating frequency of operation. The air conditioner’s power changes smoothly; the inverter compressor works all the time, and there are no large starting currents. Refrigerant is constantly moving through the system; in such air conditioners, no water hammer occurs when starting the compressor. Air conditioners with inverter motors use an average of 20-30% less electricity than conventional air conditioners. 
• What’s the difference between an inverter and a conventional refrigerator? A regular refrigerator turns on periodically when the temperature inside rises. If you load a lot of room-temperature food into the refrigerator, the refrigerator will turn on often. After starting, the refrigerator compressor runs at maximum power, the temperature drops quickly, and the refrigerator shuts off. Still, because it has a lot of warm food, the temperature rises quickly and turns on again. The compressor has a floating operating speed (power) in an inverter refrigerator. When the desired temperature is reached, the compressor power decreases, but it will run to maintain the desired temperature. In addition, inverter refrigerators use less electricity. 
• Which is better – an inverter or a regular compressor in a refrigerator? A refrigerator with an inverter compressor is better; it uses less electricity and is more durable. 
• Are inverter compressors noisy? Refrigerators with inverter compressors are less noisy but can make high-frequency squeaky noise, which is how the inverter works.