What is inverter technology and what advantages does it offer?

Inverter technology was developed, patented, and introduced by the Japanese electronics company Toshiba, in the early 1980s. It can be found in many devices that we use in our daily lives. We will explain in more detail what it consists of and what its advantages are.

What is inverter technology?

Inverter technology is actually an electronic component that is applied to a system to make it more efficient. Many refrigeration and air conditioning devices use it, but you will also find it in other appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.

The main advantage is that it has the ability to self-regulate by controlling compressor speed.

How does inverter technology work?

An inverter technology motor is kept in continuous, minimal motion to reach the desired temperature. When it is switched on, the compressor should only accelerate in order to reach the optimum temperature in the shortest possible time, once this temperature is reached, the air conditioner does not turn off. The regulator modulates the minimum possible speed required to keep it constant and stable, and is only activated when necessary. So the motor only turns off when you switch the device off.

This approach stressing efficiency means that the minimum energy is used to achieve the desired temperature while using less electricity.

What are the advantages of inverter technology?

Some of the main advantages of the inverter system are as follows:

1) It saves energy: By always keeping compressor speed to a minimum, less electricity is used. This is because switching equipment on and off usually uses more energy: Inverter technology avoids this by maintaining a minimum speed, consuming between 25% and 50% less than traditional devices.

2) Comfort: Air conditioners using inverter technology take less time to reach the desired temperature and maintain it over time so sudden changes of temperature are avoided. And by keeping the speed to a minimum, these devices are quieter, which has an impact on noise emissions.

3) Savings on maintenance: Although the parts and systems for equipment using inverter technology are more complex than traditional ones and, therefore, are more expensive, they usually suffer less wear and tear. Firstly, because they do not need to be switched off and on. Secondly, because they maintain the minimum necessary speed for the compressor and thus avoid breakdowns due to use. This means that devices using inverter technology usually have a longer useful life than those that do not use it.

How was inverter technology invented?

The 1970s were a challenge for society from the energy point of view. Geostrategic conflicts had depleted the supplies of crude oil gas for the world's major economies. In this context, Toshiba began to propose the design of an efficient air-conditioning system which would use less energy. 1981 saw the launch of the first air conditioning with inverter technology with the resulting energy savings, comfort and a manageable size and weight. Since then, inverter technology has been applied to other domestic appliances.

Air conditioners using inverter technology vs traditional air conditioners

The traditional operation of an air conditioner has the motor always running at the same speed, once it has reached the indicated temperature it turns off completely. When the temperature goes up again, the motor needs to start again, following an ON/OFF logic, that is, it turns on only when it needs to work and the rest of the time it remains off.

As we have seen, this switching on and off represents a high consumption of electricity, in addition to a peak of voltage increase. Inverter technology overcomes this problem with staggered ignition, which avoids these peaks and unnecessary energy consumption.

The ability of inverter equipment to regulate and adapt to the surroundings also implies a difference compared to traditional air conditioners. Furthermore, you also get a greater feeling of comfort with air conditioners using inverter technology, since they keep the temperature constant and generate less noise.

It is also important to make correct use of inverter air conditioners and not use them in the same way as a traditional air conditioner. It is recommended to select a stable, reasonable temperature (27ºC), never put it to the maximum so that it cools more quickly, since, due to its very nature this will involve using an unnecessary amount of electricity. The best thing is to set the ideal temperature and keep it on as long as it is needed.