Can Inductors Discharge Their Stored Energy?

AI Thread Summary
Inductors can indeed discharge their stored energy, although the terminology differs from that used for capacitors or batteries. While capacitors and batteries are associated with electric charge storage, inductors store energy in a magnetic field. The discharge of an inductor typically involves releasing this magnetic energy into an external circuit. Superconducting magnets, which function as large inductances, can also discharge energy under controlled conditions, highlighting the unique behavior of inductors. Understanding these principles is essential for applications involving inductors in electrical systems.
chahya
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inductor can discharge or not?
 
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Yes, and inductor can discharge.
 
chahya said:
inductor can discharge or not?

Well, at least in English, the term "charge" refers to electric charge storage, or electrical potential energy storage (like in a battery). So you would charge and discharge a capacitor or battery, for example.

The energy stored in an inductor is magnetic in nature, so the terms charge and discharge would not normally be used, I believe. I'm not sure what alternate term might be used with an inductor, as you store and release the magnetic energy...
 
Hey Berke,
When I was a kid, I used to put batteries to most anything. I tried tried it on a flourescent ballast I had salvaged. It "felt" like it discharged >O.o<

- Mike
 
Mike_In_Plano said:
Hey Berke,
When I was a kid, I used to put batteries to most anything. I tried tried it on a flourescent ballast I had salvaged. It "felt" like it discharged >O.o<

- Mike

:biggrin: That made me chuckle a little Mike...
 
Superconducting magnets used in MRI's are essentially large zero-resistance inductances running in persistent mode (large dc current, shorted coil). Even though they have a large inductance, the L/R time constant is extremely long. These inductances can be discharged into external resistances under controlled conditions. Sometimes the magnet coil can absorb its own stored energy under certain self-discharge modes.

Bob S
 

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