
In electrical engineering, power conversion is the process of converting electric energy from one form to another.
A power converter is an electrical device for converting electrical energy between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). It can also change the voltage or frequency of the current.
Power Converters can include simpler tools such as transformer or more complex like a resonant converter. The term can also refer to a class of electrical machinery that is used to convert one frequency of alternating current into another. Power conversion systems often incorporate redundancy and voltage regulation.
Power converters are classified based on the type of power conversion they perform. One way of classifying power conversion systems is based on whether the input and output is alternating current or direct current.[1]
The following devices can convert DC to DC:[further explanation needed]
The following devices can convert DC to AC:[further explanation needed]
The following devices can convert AC to DC:[further explanation needed]
The following devices can convert AC to AC:[further explanation needed]
There are also devices and methods to convert between power systems designed for single and three-phase operation.
The standard power voltage and frequency vary from country to country and sometimes within a country. In North America and northern South America, it is usually 120 volts, 60 hertz (Hz), but in Europe, Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world, it is usually 230 volts, 50 Hz.[2] Aircraft often use 400 Hz power internally, so 50 Hz or 60 Hz to 400 Hz frequency conversion is needed for use in the ground power unit used to power the airplane while it is on the ground. Conversely, internal 400 Hz internal power may be converted to 50 Hz or 60 Hz for convenience power outlets available to passengers during flight.
Certain specialized circuits can also be considered power converters, such as the flyback transformer subsystem powering a CRT, generating high voltage at approximately 15 kHz.
Consumer electronics usually include an AC adapter (a type of power supply) to convert mains-voltage AC current to low-voltage DC suitable for consumption by microchips. Consumer voltage converters (also known as "travel converters") are used when traveling between countries that use ~120 V versus ~240 V AC mains power. (There are also consumer "adapters" which merely form an electrical connection between two differently shaped AC power plugs and sockets, but these change neither voltage nor frequency.)
Transformers are used in power converters to incorporate electrical isolation and Voltage step-down or step up.
The secondary circuit is floating, when you touch the secondary circuit, you merely drag its potential to your body''s potential or the earth''s potential. There will be no current flowing through your body. That''s why you can use your cellphone safely when it is being charged, even if your cellphone has a metal shell and is connected to the secondary circuit.
Operating at high frequency and supplying low power, power converters have much smaller transformers as compared with those of fundamental frequency, high power applications. Usually, in power systems, transformers transmit power simultaneously, no charge!
The current in the primary winding of a transformer help to sets up the mutual flux in accordance with Ampere''s law and balances the demagnetizing effect of the load current in the secondary winding.
Flyback converter''s transformer works differently, like an inductor. In each cycle, the flyback converter''s transformer first gets charged and then releases its energy to the load. Accordingly, the flyback converter''s transformer air gap has two functions. It not only determines inductance but also stores energy. For the flyback converter, the transformer gap can have the function of energy transmission through cycles of charging and discharging.
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A voltage converter (also known as a power converter or voltage transformer) is an electric power conversion device which is used to change the electrical output of a power source. The most common use for these converters is to change the voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts, or from 110 volts up to 220 volts. When an electronic device, appliance or power tool was built for a specific voltage which is not available, the only way the device can be used is by converting the power up or down to the correct level. The need for a voltage converter often arises for people who travel abroad or take overseas vacations and bring electronics along with them.
The video above contains helpful, detailed information about international voltage differences as well as the various types of converters. Please watch the video and then read the information below to have a complete understanding of how a voltage converter works, the different types of converters, and how to identify the proper converter for your specific needs.
Step Down voltage converters are used to step down the electricity in the countries that use 220 volts, 230 volts, or 240 volts. These step the electricity down to 110 volts so you can use 110 volt electronics and appliances.
Step up voltage converters allow the user to step-up from 100 to 220 volts. Additionally, all of the step up converters we carry also work for step down, meaning they can be used in both ways - to step up voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts, and also to step down voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. This style of converter is commonly known as step-up/step-down, or a 2-way converter.
We carry a complete line of step up and step down converters available in sizes up to 25,000 watts. Click here to see our selection of Voltage Converters.
If you plan to take electronics or appliances that were purchased in a 110 volt country and use them in a 220 volt country, a “Step-Down” converter is needed. If you plan to take electronics or appliances that were purchased in a 220 volt country and use them in a 110 volt country, a “Step-Up” converter is needed. To determine whether you''ll be best suited with a step up or a step down converter, use our global voltage guide map as a reference. This will help you to identify the correct voltage being used in the area(s) you''ll be traveling to. Next, see our voltage converter comparison chart for more information on the different types of converters and the features they offer.
To determine the correct model of voltage converter or heavy duty transformer you need, you''ll first have to identify the wattage of the electronic devices or appliances that you plan to take with you. You can find this information listed on the manufacturer''s label which is located on the back or bottom of the device or appliance, or in the specifications section of the appliance owner''s manual.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Watts may be abbreviated as W on your appliance. However if you can''t find Watts or W on the label of your appliance, then you may be able to find Amps, also known as amperage or A. This can be converted to Watts in order to select the correct converter.
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