What is the primary function of an inverter in an aircraft electrical system, and when is it typically used?

What is the primary function of an inverter in an aircraft electrical system, and when is it typically used?

• A. The inverter converts DC to AC power to run devices that require AC power, typically used when AC is not otherwise supplied.
• B. The inverter increases DC voltage to multiple phases for propulsion motors.
• C. The inverter acts as a passive splitter of DC power to multiple buses.
• D. The inverter stores energy in a battery for backup power.

Answer: (A)

An inverter in an aircraft electrical system is used to convert DC power from the aircraft’s batteries or DC buses into AC power for devices that require AC. This lets equipment that runs on AC—typically 115 V AC at 400 Hz in many aircraft—operate when the aircraft’s AC generators or APU aren’t supplying power, such as on the ground or when AC power isn’t otherwise available. The other options don’t describe this conversion: increasing DC voltage for propulsion would be a different type of power conversion, a passive splitter merely distributes DC without conversion, and storing energy in a battery is about energy storage, not converting DC to AC.

An inverter in an aircraft electrical system is used to convert DC power from the aircraft’s batteries or DC buses into AC power for devices that require AC. This lets equipment that runs on AC—typically 115 V AC at 400 Hz in many aircraft—operate when the aircraft’s AC generators or APU aren’t supplying power, such as on the ground or when AC power isn’t otherwise available. The other options don’t describe this conversion: increasing DC voltage for propulsion would be a different type of power conversion, a passive splitter merely distributes DC without conversion, and storing energy in a battery is about energy storage, not converting DC to AC.