What can an inductor store as an energy storage element

Why should you use an inductor for energy storage?

Because the current flowing through the inductor cannot change instantaneously, using an inductor for energy storage provides a steady output current from the power supply. In addition, the inductor acts as a current-ripple filter. Let’s consider a quick example of how an inductor stores energy in an SMPS.

Where is the energy stored in an inductor?

Unlike resistance, inductance cannot convert this energy into heat or light. Instead, the energy is stored in the magnetic field as the rising current forces the magnetic lines of force to expand against their tendency to become as short as possible—somewhat as a rubber band stores energy when it is stretched.

Can people store energy in an inductor and use it later?

Yes, people can and do store energy in an inductor and use it later. People have built a few superconducting magnetic energy storage units that store a megajoule of energy for a day or so at pretty high efficiency, in an inductor formed from superconducting "wire".

When does the energy stored by an inductor stop increasing?

The energy stored by the inductor increases only while the current is building up to its steady-state value. When the current in a practical inductor reaches its steady-state value of Im = E/R, the magnetic field ceases to expand.

Why is inductance important?

The inductance (\ ( L \)) of an inductor, a measure of its ability to store energy in a magnetic field, is a fundamental property that determines how much opposition the inductor presents to changes in current, thus affecting the induced voltage.

What is the rate of energy storage in a Magnetic Inductor?

Thus, the power delivered to the inductor p = v *i is also zero, which means that the rate of energy storage is zero as well. Therefore, the energy is only stored inside the inductor before its current reaches its maximum steady-state value, Im. After the current becomes constant, the energy within the magnetic becomes constant as well.