What is the difference between UPS and inverter?

The basic function of UPS and inverter is the same because they store electricity in a battery when power is available, and provide it to various devices in the event of an electricity outage. However, there are big differences in their circuitry, price, functions, etc. All UPSes contain an inverter as well as a battery charger, but not all inverters offer a built-in battery charger, which would then need to be purchased separately.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

The UPS allows the power to flow through the system so that the data can be saved before the primary supply is fully shut down. It also protects the system from power surges. The UPS has a battery which comes in contact with the power supply of the devices when it senses the power loss from the main supply. Their circuit consists the inverter, battery and the controller. The UPS converts the AC to DC by the help of the rectifier and again converts the DC power into AC power by the help of an inverter.

Power inverter

An inverter is a device that converts DC electricity into AC electricity.When electricity is available from the mains, an inverter obtains it in the form of AC(with external or build-in charger), to store it in a battery. In the process, the inverter convert that AC power to DC power and store it. When there is a power outage, the inverter will draw power from battery and deliver to electronic appliances to keep them working, but it cannot be distributed in the form of DC. Therefore, the inverter converts DC back to AC and supplies it to the appliances until the outage ends. Once grid power is restored, the inverter continues the process of converting AC power to DC power in its battery for later consumption.

Key Differences Between UPS and Inverter

1.The UPS is the electric device that has a rectifier for providing the backup power to the system whereas the inverter converts DC into AC.

2.The main function of the UPS is to store the electric supply whereas the inverter converts the AC power into DC power.

3.During the power outages, the UPS immediately switch over from the main supply to the battery whereas the inverter has a time delay.

4.The UPS provides the electrical backup power, and the inverter provides the electronics backup power supply.

5.The Offline, Online and Line Interactive are the types of the UPS whereas the inverter is of two types, i.e., the off grid inverter and Grid tie inverter.

6.The UPS is directly connected to the home appliances whereas the inverter is first linked to the battery and then attached to the appliances circuit.

7.The UPS is more expensive as compared to the inverter.

8.The rectifier and battery are inbuilt in the circuit of UPS. The rectifier converts the AC into DC and stores the energy into battery whereas the inverter has an external battery for storing the DC power.

9.The UPS provides the backup supply for very short duration whereas the inverter supplies the power for an extended period.

10.The UPS does not have voltage fluctuation because their input is independent of the output supply whereas the inverter has voltage variation.

11.The UPS is used for the domestic purpose, in offices and industries whereas the inverter is used in the office.