FRIDAY TIDBIT: AC Inverter for Hybrid Cars

Alternating Current Inverter for Hybrid Cars

The AC inverter converters high voltage alternating current in the Hybrid systems to direct current high voltage to charge the high voltage battery and also converts high voltage direct current to alternating current to run the electric motor that powers the car.

These systems have their own cooling system separate from the engine cooling system. They are very dangerous to work on because the voltage can be up around 650 volts. Only trained professionals should work on these systems with specialized safety equipment. To put it in perspective, the heavy cable for an electric clothes drier in most peoples homes is 220 volts AC. Some of the hybrid cars on the road are putting out almost three times that amount of power at 650 volts.