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Engineering Projects For You1500+ Electronics Projects For You

Simple Low-Cost Inverter

By

Rakesh Jain

March 1, 2023

efy testedThere are different types of inverters available in market, but their circuits are
generally complex, so their cost is high. Here is a proposed low-cost inverter circuit based on
MOSFET IRF250, which can also be used as an emergency light.

The circuit is simple and therefore can be wired even on a breadboard. The author’s prototype
on a breadboard is shown in Fig. 1 while the circuit diagram is shown in Fig. 2.

The circuit comprises step-down transformers X1 and X2, bridge rectifier BR1, 5V voltage
regulator 7805 (IC1), 5V single-changeover relay RL1, and a few other components. Capacitors
C1 through C3, connected across the supply terminals, minimise ripples and other noise signals.
Transformer X2 is an ordinary step-down transformer that is used here for the reverse function,
that is, to step up the voltage.

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Fig. 1: Author’s prototype

Fig. 1: Author’s prototype

The circuit works on 5V DC, which is obtained through the 230V AC primary to 9V, 500mA step-
down transformer X1. The 230V AC mains is connected to the primary of X1 at CON1 in the
circuit. The transformer’s 9V AC secondary is connected to bridge rectifier BR1 for rectification
and filtered by capacitor C1. The rectified and filtered voltage goes to IC LM7805 to get
regulated 5V DC voltage for the circuit.

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Circuit diagram of the inverter

Fig. 2: Circuit diagram of the inverter

In the inverter, this 5V DC is used to drive/energise relay RL1 when 230V AC mains supply is
available. When RL1 is energised, its common point (pole) is connected to NO point.

When AC mains supply stops, the relay’s common point (pole) gets connected to NC point. This
completes the connection of the load (bulb) via transformer X2, which is driven by IRF250 power
MOSFET and 2N2222 transistors based circuitry to generate AC from transformer X2.

So, working of the circuit is simple. Transformer X1 is used to drive the relay when 230V AC
mains supply is available to power the load (a bulb in this case). And when this supply goes off,
transformer X2 is used to power the load via its primary—while its secondary is connected to
the battery and the oscillator circuit. Thus, the bulb always remains on.

Construction and testing

The circuit can be assembled on a general-purpose PCB and enclosed in a suitable box.
Connect 230V AC mains supply to primary terminals of transformer X1 across CON1. Connect
the load (bulb) across CON2. The circuit is now ready to use. The author’s prototype assembled
on a general-purpose PCB is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3: Author’s prototype assembled on general-purpose PCB

Fig. 3: Author’s prototype assembled on general-purpose PCB

Part List

Semiconductors:

IC1 – LM7805, 5V voltage regulator

D1 – 1N4007 rectifier diode

BR1 – 1A, bridge rectifier

IRF1, IRF2 – IRF250 MOSFET

T1, T2 – 2N2222 NPN transistor

Resistors (all 1/4-watt, ±5% carbon):

R1, R4 – 650-ohm

R2, R3 – 12-kilo-ohm

Capacitors:

C1 – 1000µF, 50V electrolytic

C2, C3 – 100nF ceramic disc

C4, C5 – 2.2µF, 50V electrolytic

Miscellaneous:

CON1-CON2 – 2-pin connector

RL1 relay – 5V, single changeover relay

Batt.1 – 12V, 7Ah battery

X1

– 230V AC primary to 9V, 500mA secondary transformer

X2
– 230V AC primary to 12-0-12V, 5A secondary transformer

– General-purpose PCB/ Breadboard

– 230V, 25W bulb (load)

– Heatsinks for IRF250

While assembling the circuit, use heavy-duty wires between the battery and transformer X2, and
between the load and MOSFET, as they will be carrying higher current. Also, use heatsinks for
the two MOSFETs.

EFY note. The design does not have a charger circuit, so ensure that the battery is fully charged
before it is used.

Rakesh Jain, with a master’s in VLSI, B.E. in electronics and communications, and diploma in
electronics, is Assistant Professor in ECE Department of Geetanjali Institute of Technical
Studies, Udaipur. His research areas are sensors and microcontrollers; has 21 copyrights and 3
Indian patents to his credit

TagsDIY projectsDo it yourselfelectronics projectsfeaturedNov 2022

Rakesh Jain

Rakesh Jain

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