A power converter converts one form of electrical energy into another. Power converters are used for converting electric energy from one voltage and frequency to another, or to boost or step down the output voltage of an AC source from a higher level to a lower level. Let’s learn about the different types of power converters:
1. AC to DC converter
An AC-to-DC converter is a device that converts the alternating current (AC) from a power source into a direct current (DC). It can be used to power electronic circuits, motors and other equipment that work with direct current. It is mainly used for charging batteries, but it can also be used to power other devices such as lamps or electronic equipment. The most common AC-to-DC converter is a transformer that converts 120 volts AC into 6 volts DC at 1 amp per phase. This type of converter is commonly used in solar panels and wind turbines because they need to charge batteries directly with DC power generated by taking advantage of the voltage drop that occurs when converting AC into DC.
2. DC to DC converter
A DC-to-DC converter is a device that converts a direct current (DC) power source into a direct current (DC) output. It can be used in applications where the power supply must be converted from one voltage level to another, such as charging batteries or powering LEDs. A DC-to-DC converter has no internal resistance and therefore does not suffer from any losses.
3. AC to AC converter
An AC-to-AC converter converts an alternating current (AC) input into an alternating current (AC) output while passing zero or near zero voltage across its terminals. The primary function of an AC-to-AC converter is to convert the high-frequency components present in an AC input into lower-frequency components that are usable by electronic devices without loss of data integrity or performance degradation due to voltage drop across their cores.
4. DC to AC converter
You probably have heard that this is the main power converter in electric vehicles. A DC-to-AC power converter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). The most common application of this device is in the household, where it allows you to power electronic devices that use mains electricity.
A DC-to-AC converter can be used as part of an electrical circuit or as an independent unit. It is usually used with a mains transformer and other accessories such as fuses, voltage regulators and transformers. The DC voltage can range from 0V to 100V, although some units are capable of higher voltages. The output voltage depends on the model of the converter and its specifications.
There are two main types of DC to AC-converters: linear and switching types. Linear converters use diodes, transistors or thyristors to convert direct current into alternating current at a constant rate without any losses or variations in the output power supply frequency (50Hz or 60Hz). Switching converters use semiconductors like bipolar transistors or MOSFETs which switches on/off at certain times depending on the input voltage waveform.
