Eli5: the difference between a standard gas generator and an inverter gas generator.
In: Technology
All generators that produce AC power try to stick to 60Hz (or 50Hz, depending on where you live) in order to match both the mains voltage and frequency.
Older (non-inverter) gas generators accomplish this by running the engine at a fixed speed, which spins the generator (technically an alternator since it makes AC) at a constant speed. The alternator is designed to output 60Hz at that fixed speed. The engine has a govenor on it that maintains the fixed speed independent of the load on the alternator (which is load on the engine).
Inverter-type generators are similar, but do away with the need to run at a fixed speed, instead using electronics to create a 60Hz output at all times. When lightly loaded electrically, the engine runs slower, saving gas and minimizing noise. When heavily loaded, the engine runs faster.
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