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What Is the Role of an Inductor in a DC Circuit?

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What Is a DC Inductor and How Does It Function in a Direct Current (DC) Circuit? Working Principle, Applications, and Benefits in DC welding and DC to DC voltage booster 

Current smoothing: 

For high-current DC rectifier applications, such as electroplating or DC welding, there is no need for voltage smoothing; instead, a large inductor is used in series for current smoothing. It acts like a capacitor, storing energy in the magnetic field and releasing it to maintain a continuous current. It also protects semiconductor diode P-N junction from high transient current spikes, esp. in a DC welding operation. 

A DC welding gives a superior result due to continuous current compared to AC welding. 

DC arc Welding. Inductor do the current smoothing and protector of diodes



Smoothing reactor (inductor)

Current smoothing reactor (inductor)

Current smoothing waveform

DC to DC voltage booster: 

Generally, we know that a transformer can scale up AC voltage, but is it possible to scale up DC? Yes, using the following circuit principle.

When the switch closes, the inductor stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. When the switch opens, the magnetic field collapses to develop a back EMF which is in reverse polarity to that of the battery voltage, as shown in the circuit below. So this back EMF, as in series with the battery, add up to charge a capacitor above battery voltage. This is how we get a step-up DC voltage from the battery.

DC voltage booster also called DC transformer

di/dt protection:

Reverse polarity protector. Inductor(optional) as a dv/dt protector for diode

Most electronic circuits get harmed when supplied with the wrong DC supply polarity by mistake. The above circuit protects the load from the wrong DC polarity.

When DC leads get interchanged, diode D1 become forward biased to conduct a large current to blow the fuse in series. Sometimes, to increase reliability, a large value inductor is connected in series (not shown in the above circuit) to limit di/dt that may harm diode D1.

FAQ Set:

Q1: What is a DC inductor?
A DC inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in its magnetic field when a direct current flows through it.

Q2: How does a DC inductor work in a DC circuit?
It opposes sudden changes in current by generating a magnetic field, which smooths current fluctuations and limits spikes.

Q3: What are the main applications of DC inductors?
DC inductors are used in power supplies, filters, chokes, energy storage circuits, and DC-DC converters to regulate current flow.

Q4: How does an inductor affect a steady DC current?
Once the current stabilises, the inductor acts almost like a short circuit with minimal resistance, allowing steady DC to flow.

Q5: Can a DC inductor store energy?
Yes, it stores energy in its magnetic field while current is changing and releases it when the current decreases, which helps in smoothing and filtering applications.

Q6: Why are inductors important in DC circuits?
They prevent sudden current surges, reduce voltage spikes, and improve the stability and efficiency of DC circuits.

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