Every application that requires control of current involves the usage of power inductors. It could be any small household appliance, or an electronic device, or the largest power grid of a country. Inductors store energy in a self-generated magnetic field and pull energy from the highest points of current, releasing it into low currents, thereby eliminating the ripple effect and stabilizing the flow of current. In this way, they control current, which allows electrically powered equipment to function effectively without any kind of interruption. This is why inductors are one of the most important magnetic components of the electrical industry. Because inductors are used to choke out certain frequencies, they can also be known as chokes by some. These inductors or chokes are used in interference reduction filters, filter reactors, and saturable reactors.
However, with the importance of these elements, even their construction becomes important. Several factors need to be taken into consideration when designing and constructing a power inductor to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Application
First and foremost, it is important to understand the application in which the inductor needs to be used. It is specific needs of the application that will determine the style and type of inductor. Once the specifications and properties that the application demands is determine, the following variables can be considered.
The core
The material of the inductor’s core should be such that it has low permeability and a high saturation point as inductors generally require very high induction levels. Another consideration is the shape of the core. The ‘C’ shaped core is the most popular, ideal for operating at high inductance. The core is wrapped with a single continuous thing strip of material before being cut into 2 C-shaped halves.
Insulation material
As we read above, inductors are installed to control current. This current controlling generates heat in the inductor which negatively impacts one of the most important aspect of the inductor’s functioning – its dielectric strength. This is why it is important that power inductors are insulated, which makes the insulation material another important element to be considered while constructing and inductor. The material should be such that it can withstand extreme operating temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that the material should be so strong that it dampens the inductor’s performance.
These are three most important factors to consider while constructing inductors, but this doesn’t mean they are the only important factors. There are many more electrical and standardization characteristics that every inductor must possess for flawless performance of any application. However, if you get your power inductors from a reputed brand like Miracle Electronics, you needn’t worry about the quality of materials and construction. This is because we construct equipment that are highly standardized, and are RoHS and REACH compliant. We are not only known for our inductors, but a variety of devices that we manufacture like the best cables, cable assemblies, box build assemblies, voltage stabilizers, and the finest power transformers in India.