An inductor is an electrical component that has two terminals and is passive. It accumulates energy around the surrounding of a magnet when there is current flow past it. An insulator is composed of an insulated wire that is wrapped around the core. Its functioning is dependent on the flow of currency, and when there is continuity of electric current flow through induction changes, the magnetic field generates an electromagnetic field in the conductor. An insulator is characterized by inductance, values, and a magnetic core. Inductance is the characteristic of an electric conductor such an inductor that causes an electromotive force to be generated as a result of the change in the currently flowing current. The values in an inductor are also essential and rare denoted as 1 µH (10−6 H) to 20 H. The magnetic core, although bot present in all inductors is present in many of them and is made of iron instead of a coil. Its function is to increase the magnetic field within an inductor and is used in alternating current. There are different uses of inductors such as air-core inductors, molded inductors, and iron powder inductors depending on what constitutes the magnetic core. There are various applications/uses of inductors are discussed below, but their primary function is the storage of the electrical energy in the magnetic field form. The biggest challenge associated with inductors, however, is their size and add up a lot of weight to other electronic components.
1. Tuning circuits
The tuning circuits under the help of inductors can select the desired frequency. The capacitors type specifically together with inductors in electronic devices such as televisions, and radios to modify and select a frequency.
2. As transformers
In this case, multiple inductors are combined to make a transformer as long as they share a common magnetic field. The transformer is later used in the power transmission system in increasing and decreasing the power transmission.
3. Energy storage
Inductors are proper forms of storing energy although for a short period because by the time the power supply is removed, the energy is stored in the form of the magnetic field will be gone. The best application of this use of inductors can be found in computers which depend on the power supply.
4. As sensors
The reliability of inductive proximity sensors in their operation can be attributed to the fact that induction is the main principle in making them. The magnetic field in the coil and the flow of electric current in these sensors oppose each other hence facilitating their functioning. These sensors are used to detect traffic intensity in traffic lights.
5. As ferrite beds
Application of ferrite beds is evident in mobile charging cables as well as some parts of computers. The role of inductors in ferrite beds is reducing the frequency of a radio interface that is created by the cables.
6. Use in chokes
The term “choking” in inductance originates from blocking that takes place in high frequencies while passing low frequencies due to the opposite flow of current in inductors. This mechanism is used in sources of power that involve the conversion of AC into DC supply.
7. Use in induction motors
The reason for rotation of the shaft in induction motors is as a result of the magnetic field produced by the alternating current. Inductors in these motors act as speed regulators because it entirely depends on the frequency of power supply.
8. Used as filters
For inductors to be used as filters, it requires them to be combined with capacitors. These filters regulate the frequency of the input signal entering the circuit. The supply frequency and the impedance of inductors are directly proportional to each other such that an increase in one leads to a rise in the other and vice versa.
9. Use as relays
Relays work similarly as electrical switches. When an inductor coil is inserted in the switch, a magnetic field is produced anytime there is a contact between the switch and the AC current flow.
10. Signal controller
When inductors control signals, it means that noise is eliminated or only the desired signals are passed. For a coil to function properly, there is a signal frequency that has to be considered. This is because when the frequencies are high, the signal will flow less easily as compared to when the frequencies are low.
11. Noise eliminator
When an electric current flows through a conductor, the magnetic fields gain the capability of capturing unnecessary noise.
12. Limit fault currents
Inductors are used in limiting fault currents and switching currents.
13. Production of high flux densities
This is usually possible with air-core inductors. Air core inductors offer high reluctance passage for magnetic flux, hence resulting in minimal inductance.
14. Frequency receivers
There are larger coils which are present in the air-core inductors. These coils produce high densities which are used by high-frequency gadgets such as television and radio receivers.
15. Voltage stabilization
Without the copper wire that has been wrapped around the inductors, a more electric current is produced and can make the whole system unstable. This is why inductors are trusted with stabilization of volts.
