Calculator Inputs
The form uses 3 columns on large screens, 2 on medium, and 1 on mobile.
Example Data Table
| Phase | Vdc (V) | Idc (A) | Vac (V) | Iac (A) | PF | Total Loss (W) | Output Power (W) | Modeled Efficiency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three-Phase | 650 | 16.3 | 400 | 15 | 0.92 | 995 | 9553.90 | 90.57 |
Formula Used
DC input power: Pin = VDC × IDC
Single-phase output power: Pout = VAC × IAC × PF
Three-phase output power: Pout = √3 × VLL × IL × PF
Total specified loss: Ploss,total = Pswitch + Pcond + Pcore + Pcontrol + Pcooling + Pstandby
Measured efficiency: ηmeasured = (Pout / Pin) × 100
Modeled efficiency: ηmodeled = (Pout / (Pout + Ploss,total)) × 100
Annual energy loss: Eloss = (Ploss,total / 1000) × operating hours × 365
Annual loss cost: Cost = Eloss × electricity rate
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the inverter operating mode as single-phase or three-phase.
- Enter rated power, DC input voltage, and DC input current.
- Enter AC output voltage, AC current, and power factor.
- Provide detailed loss values for switching, conduction, magnetic, control, cooling, and standby stages.
- Add daily operating hours and electricity rate for annual loss costing.
- Press Calculate Efficiency to show results above the form.
- Review measured efficiency, modeled efficiency, loss breakdown, and the Plotly graph.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the calculated report.
FAQs
1) What does inverter efficiency mean?
Inverter efficiency shows how much DC input power becomes usable AC output power. Higher efficiency means less wasted heat, lower losses, and better system performance.
2) Why compare measured and modeled efficiency?
Measured efficiency uses real electrical readings. Modeled efficiency uses loss components you enter. Comparing both helps identify hidden losses, sensor issues, or unrealistic assumptions.
3) Which AC voltage should I enter for three-phase systems?
For three-phase calculations, enter the line-to-line voltage. The formula multiplies by √3, line voltage, line current, and power factor to estimate real output power.
4) Can efficiency be above 100%?
No. Values above 100% normally indicate inconsistent measurements, unit mistakes, or incorrect voltage, current, or power factor entries.
5) Why include standby and cooling losses?
Auxiliary loads reduce real efficiency, especially at partial load. Ignoring fans, controls, and standby circuits can make the inverter appear better than it actually performs.
6) How does power factor affect the result?
Power factor converts apparent power into real power. Lower power factor reduces usable output power even when voltage and current readings stay high.
7) How can I improve inverter efficiency?
Reduce switching and conduction losses, improve thermal management, optimize control strategy, use better magnetic design, and keep the inverter operating near its best load range.
8) What does annual loss cost represent?
It estimates the yearly cost of wasted power based on specified losses, operating hours per day, and your electricity price per kilowatt-hour.