This article is a comprehensive comparative analysis of inverter compressors and fixed frequency compressors, covering multiple dimensions such as working principle, cost of use, effect, energy consumption, and comfort, and etc.
With the improvement of technology and the enhancement of people's environmental awareness, Inverter(variable frequency)compressors are increasingly
used in real life. People may only know that inverter compressors represent advancement, but why are they advanced? Why do they cost so much more?
Is it worth it? You may have questions, and my ant dehumidifier team will try to clarify this issue for you. Why us? Because our dehumidifiers use a
lot of compressors, and we are going to launch dehumidifiers with variable frequency compressors:)
The following is a comprehensive comparative analysis of inverter compressors and fixed frequency compressors, covering multiple dimensions such as
working principle, cost of use, effect, energy consumption, and comfort, and etc.
|
Items |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Speed |
It runs at a fixed speed, and completely stops when the temperature reaches the set value, and restarts when the temperature deviates from the set range. |
The motor speed is adjusted by the inverter, and the output power is dynamically adjusted according to the temperature demand (such as 30%~120%). |
|
Operation logic |
full power operation → shutdown → full power operation (cycle start and stop). |
high power rapid cooling → low power to maintain temperature (continuous operation). |
|
Technical features |
simple structure, relying on mechanical switch to control start and stop. |
It needs to be equipped with inverter and complex circuit to achieve stepless speed change |
2. Comparison of usage costs
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Initial purchase cost |
Low (simple structure, mature technology) |
High (increased cost of variable frequency module) |
|
Long-term electricity cost |
High (frequent start and stop, high power consumption) |
Low (reduced start and stop, high efficiency of partial load) |
|
Maintenance cost |
Low (mature maintenance technology, cheap accessories) |
High (high failure rate of variable frequency module, complex maintenance) |
3. Effect
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Temperature control accuracy |
large temperature fluctuations (±2°C or more), start and stop lead to periodic hot and cold changes. |
Variable frequency: small temperature fluctuations (±0.5°C or less), continuous operation remains stable. |
|
Applicable scenarios |
suitable for environments with low temperature or humidity sensitivity (such as warehouses for general goods, or small spaces(Nonliving areas).
|
suitable for long-term use and scenes that require precise temperature or humidity control (such as bedrooms and high-end refrigerators or dehumidifiers). |
The instantaneous current during start and stop is as high as 3~5 times the rated current, and frequent start and stop increase energy consumption. So,
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Energy efficiency ratio (EER) |
Usually 2.8~3.4, lower than variable frequency models. |
Its EER is significantly improved when running at low speed, and the comprehensive power saving is 30%~50%. So, the EER can reach more than 4.0, and some high-end models exceed 5.0.
|
|
The higher the energy efficiency ratio (EER), the better; |
||
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Temperature fluctuation(for A/C mainly) |
Inverter equipment provides a more even feel, avoiding sudden changes in temperature. |
|
|
Noise level |
The noise is obvious when starting and stopping (compressor startup sound + fan running at full speed). |
The noise can be as low as 20dB (close to the ambient noise floor) when running at low speed. |
|
Humidity control |
Inverter devices dehumidify more gently(frequent shutdown of fixed frequency units can easily lead to humidity fluctuations). |
|
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Life&reliability
|
Frequent starting and stopping accelerates motor wear, and the life is about 8 to 10 years. |
Reduces the number of starts and stops, but the risk of failure of electronic components (such as inverters) is higher, and the life is about 10 to 15 years |
Fixed frequency: Frequent starting and stopping accelerates motor wear, and the life is about 8 to 10 years.
Variable frequency: Reduces the number of starts and stops, but the risk of failure of electronic components (such as inverters) is higher, and the life is about 10 to 15 years
(depending on brand technology).
|
Item |
Fixed frequency compressor |
Inverter compressor |
|
Recommended scenarios |
Limited budget, short-term use |
Long-term operation, pursuit of comfort |
|
Commercial places (such as convenience store, shopping malls, machine just need to run always at fixed speed) |
Family bedroom/high-end home appliances(comfortable and energy-saving) |
Trend: With the improvement of energy efficiency standards (such as China's and other main economy’s energy efficiency standards), inverter(variable)frequency
technology is gradually replacing fixed frequency and becoming the mainstream.