Not too long ago an air conditioning compressor had one speed – these are now referred to as non-inverter, fixed speed or conventional air conditioning units. Non inverter or fixed speed air conditioning units deliver a fixed amount of power via a fixed speed. This means the compressor has to stop and start to maintain the desired room temperature.
The unit was either turned off or running at 100%. An inverter air conditioning unit, varies the speed of the compressor, delivering precise cooling or heating power as required. It is basically a variable speed motor.By incorporating a variable speed compressor, the inverter air conditioning split system regulates the frequency of power required to match the outside and indoor air temperature, set temperature and room size. The result is a powerful, quiet, precise, energy saving solution to your air conditioning needs.
Almost all wall splits, ducted and multihead air conditioning units now use inverter technology.
An inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor, so as to continuously regulate the temperature. The inverter units have a variable-frequency drive that comprises an adjustable electrical inverter to control the speed of the electromotor, which means the compressor and the cooling / heating output. The drive converts the incoming AC current to DC and then through a modulation in an electrical inverter produces current of desired frequency. A micro controller can sample each ambient air temperature and adjust accordingly the speed of the compressor.
The amount of cooling or heating required by an air conditioning unit varies depending on the outdoor temperature and the amount of heat in the room. When the cooling or heating capacity needs to be increased, the compressor will operate at a high speed and will increase the amount of refrigerant flow. Conversely, during moderate outside temperatures for example, when the cooling and heating capacity needs to be decreased,the compressor will operate at a low speed and will decrease the amount of refrigerant flow.
When the inverter air conditioning is switched on, the compressor operates at a high speed in order to cool or heat the room quickly. As the room temperature approaches the set temperature, the compressor slows down, maintaining a constant temperature and saving energy. Any sudden fluctuation in the room temperature, will be sensed and instantly adjusted to bring the room temperature back to the set temperature. Inverter air conditioning use between 30-50% less electricity to operate.