To get alternating current (AC) from a battery, you need to convert the direct current (DC) from the battery to AC. This is done using a device called an **inverter**.
### Here's how it works:
1. **Battery (DC source):** A battery provides DC voltage, which means the current flows in one direction only.
2. **Inverter:** The inverter takes the DC from the battery and uses electronic circuits to convert it into AC. The process involves:
- **Switching:** The inverter switches the direction of the DC voltage on and off rapidly.
- **Transformation:** It may also use a transformer to increase or decrease the voltage of the AC to the desired level.
- **Filtering:** After switching, the AC output can be "smoothed" with filters to make the waveform more like pure sinusoidal AC, similar to what you get from the electrical grid.
### Steps to get AC from a battery:
1. **Choose an inverter**: You need an inverter that matches the power requirements (voltage and current) of the devices you want to run.
- For example, if you want to run home appliances that need 120V AC, you need an inverter that converts the battery's DC voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V) to 120V AC.
2. **Connect the inverter**: Attach the battery to the inverter's DC input terminals. Make sure the battery's voltage matches the inverter's input requirements.
3. **AC output**: Once connected, the inverter will convert the DC to AC, and you can use the AC output to power devices that require alternating current.
### Types of Inverters:
- **Pure Sine Wave Inverters**: These produce clean, high-quality AC suitable for sensitive equipment.
- **Modified Sine Wave Inverters**: These are cheaper and produce a more "rough" AC waveform, which might work fine for basic devices but could damage sensitive electronics.
So, by using an inverter, you can efficiently get AC power from a DC battery!