Introduction to Marine Engineering

An inductor is an electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It consists of a coil of wire wound around a core material. When current passes through the coil, a magnetic field is created around it, and this field stores energy. Any device which uses electrical current to produce a magnetic field is an inductor.

An inductor is like a "magnetic energy storage" device. It resists changes in current and helps regulate and control the flow of electricity. They are used in applications like filtering, energy storage, and electromagnets.

Ferrite core inductors have a core made of ferrite, a ceramic material containing iron oxide and other elements. The ferrite core concentrates magnetic fields, enhancing the performance of the inductor.

Iron core inductors have a core made of iron or iron-alloy material. They offer higher inductance values and are often used in power supply and filtering applications.

Toroidal inductors have a coil wound around a doughnut-shaped (toroidal) core, providing high inductance and reduced electromagnetic interference.

Variable inductors allow manual adjustment of inductance, and are often used in tuning circuits.

Solenoids are cylindrical coils used to create strong magnetic fields to produce mechanical motion in devices like electromechanical actuators and relays.

Field windings are used to create magnetic field in motors and generators.