Using Bi-directional technology in inverter

As the uninterrupted supply of power for household and commercial use is becoming more uncertain, the demand for energy backup technologies such as UPS and inverters is skyrocketing. But pervasive adoption of energy backup devices also requires the manufacturers to integrate more efficient technologies such as bi-directional technology to provide the users with better and more efficient energy backup options.

Let’s have a look at what bi-directional technology is, why it is essential for a UPS, and how it protects your appliances from malfunctioning.

What is bi-directional technology?

A bi-directional technology is a technology that allows for two-way charging due to its ability of two-way conversion—from AC to DC and from DC to AC.

A bi-directional technology uses the same PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) based, MOSFET (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor) circuit to charge and discharge the battery.

In the presence of electricity supply from the grid, it pulls the AC power from the grid and converts it into DC to charge UPS/inverter batteries. When the power supply from the grid disconnects, it takes DC power from the battery and transforms it into AC using the same circuit earlier used for charging.

In India, Su-Vastika Solar is the only company using bi-directional technology in its UPS/inverter systems.

Bi-directional technology in UPS

Bidirectional technology is opening up new roles and possibilities for the currently employed UPS/inverter systems.

Normally, the main power flows from the utility supply through the UPS/inverter to the load. Similarly, power from the network charges the battery; if needed, any output is fed to the load. And the inverter performs one-way conversion only, which is to convert DC to AC and supply power to the appliances in the absence of energy from the main’s supply.

In the presence of a bidirectional technology, the MOSFET circuit converts AC from the power mains into DC to charge the battery. In the absence of current from the mains supply, the same MOSFET converts DC stored in the battery into AC used by the appliances in the house.

For charging the battery, the bi-directional technology provides pure DC. It uses pure sine-wave output for discharging, which ultimately increases battery life.

How is bidirectional technology of paramount importance in an inverter?

A bi-directional technology is important for an inverter as it improves the efficiency of the system.

A switch-mode DC-to-AC inverter using dc-to-dc technology capable of interfacing a battery bank to the AC grid has many benefits over the traditional inverters.

Let’s look at the benefits of using bi-directional technology in a UPS inverter.

Reduce harmonics

A bidirectional inverter provides pure sine-wave output during DC to AC conversion. This is the same power supplied by the grid when electricity from the main supply is available. Pure since-wave reduces harmonics (the audible noise you hear in fans and fluorescent lights, etc.), prevents resetting your computers, and weird printouts. As a result, your data remains safe.

Makes your inverter more efficient

Bi-directional technology makes your inverter system more efficient because MOSFET-based technology is far better than any other electronic component used in ordinary inverters. As a result, a bi-directional inverter’s conversion power is much superior to inverters without bidirectional technology.

Cost reduction

With bi-directional technology, an inverter uses the same circuit for charging and discharge. Whereas, in ordinary inverters, more components are used, which makes the UPS/inverter system more expensive.

Maintain the health of your appliances

Harmonics stresses the electrical network and causes unwanted current and overeating of the appliances. The bi-directional technology reduces power losses, avoids deterioration of voltage quality supplied to the devices, and saves your appliances from misoperation. Resultantly, your load runs faster, cooler, and quieter.

Conclusion

Bi-directional technology is an advanced technology used by Su-Vastika solar in their UPS inverter systems. The technology reduces harmonics, improves the system’s efficiency and provides clean power to your appliances.