What is the Difference Between a Transformer and a Frequency Inverter?

2022-05-23

1. What is a transformer?

A transformer is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to change the AC voltage. The main components are the primary coil, the secondary coil and the iron core (magnetic core). The main functions are: voltage transformation, current transformation, impedance transformation, isolation, voltage regulation (magnetic saturation transformer), etc. According to the purpose, it can be divided into: power transformers and special transformers (electric furnace transformers, rectifier transformers, power frequency test transformers, voltage regulators, mining transformers, audio transformers, intermediate frequency transformers, high frequency transformers, impact transformers, instrument transformers, electronic transformers, reactors, transformers, etc.). Circuit symbols often use T as the beginning of the number.

2. What is an industrial frequency converter?

The frequency inverter is a power control device that uses frequency conversion technology and microelectronics technology to control the AC motor by changing the frequency of the motor's working power supply.

The inverter is mainly composed of rectification (AC to DC), filtering, inverter (DC to AC), braking unit, drive unit, detection unit and micro-processing unit. The industrial frequency converter adjusts the voltage and frequency of the output power supply by switching on and off the internal IGBT, and provides the required power supply voltage according to the actual needs of the motor, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving and speed regulation. In addition, the frequency inverter has a lot of protection functions, such as overcurrent, overvoltage, overload protection, etc. With the continuous improvement of industrial automation, industrial frequency converters have also been widely used.

3. The difference between transformer and frequency inverter

Transformer technical parameters have corresponding technical requirements for different types of transformers, and the corresponding technical parameters are expressed. For example, the main technical parameters of power transformers are: rated power, rated voltage and voltage ratio, rated frequency, operating temperature level, temperature rise, voltage rate, insulation performance and moisture-proof performance. For low-frequency transformers, the main technical parameters are: transformation ratio, Frequency characteristics, nonlinear distortion, magnetic and electrostatic shielding, efficiency, etc.

As the name implies, frequency conversion changes the frequency, that is, the frequency of the motor. The intuitive point is the motor speed. The frequency conversion, as the name implies, changes the frequency, that is, the frequency of the motor. The intuitive point is the motor speed. Transformers can be seen everywhere in our daily life.

The industrial frequency converter can achieve the required power frequency (50hz, 60hz, etc.) through its adjustment to meet our special needs for power consumption. The transformer is generally a "step-down device", which is often found near the residential area or near the factory. Its function is to reduce the ultra-high voltage to the normal electricity voltage of our residents to meet people's daily electricity consumption.

A transformer is a power converter, but in contrast to a frequency inverter, it can only change the voltage but not the frequency. The frequency inverter can not only change the voltage, but also change the frequency to meet the control law of V/f.