Since the 1800s, engineers and scientists have worked to find a way to harness energy. They have sought to utilize the forces of nature to make life easier for humans. This is one reason the magnetic coil exists. This simple electrical conductor forms the basis for devices that ensure our homes are lit up at night and heated on cold days.
What Are Magnetic Coils?
Magnetic coils are simple devices. In composition, nothing could be simpler. At its very basic, an electromagnetic coil consists of wire, wrapped in a clockwise fashion around a core – also known as a bobbin. The core may be classified as ferromagnetic. This refers to its composition as being largely comprised of iron. This improves the capability of the wire to retain energy. Alternatively, the bobbin may be made from porcelain which does not increase the ability of the component to retain a charge or electrical energy.
The wire tended, originally to be of copper. Today, some use aluminum. What is also to be noted is the formation. The wire is not always circular in shape. It can also be wrapped to produce other configurations. These include cylindrical, spiral, disk-like or toroidal shapes.
Yet, this simplistic static device has several names. As well as magnetic coil, it goes under the following names:
* Coil inductor
* Electric coil
* Electromagnetic coil
* Inductance coil
* Inductor
* Magnet coil
All refer to the intent and characteristics if not capabilities of the device.
Applications of Magnetic Coils
Used singularly or as part of a dual system, magnetic coils may be employed in various electronic devices including:
* Transformers
* Electromagnets
* Electronic oscillators
* Sensors
* Solenoids
* Motors
* Loudspeakers
In order to ensure the optimization of the coil, designers and producers focus on certain aspects and properties.
Coils: Finding the Right Inductance
Inductance is an electrical property of magnetic coils. It also refers to the electrical size of the coil. Estimation of this characteristic is extremely important for functionality. In the initial design process, estimation of such things as resistance and the cross sectional area are required before moving on to any other phase. An engineer will express the amount of inductance in terms of henries or millihenries. The term receives its name from one of the pioneers who experimented with transformers, inductors and wire coils – Joseph Henry (1797-1878). The symbol for a henry is H.
The Magnetic Coil
Electromagnetic or magnetic coils can acts generators of magnetic fields or as inductors. This simple device is found in many electronic and electric devices. Also referred to as inductor coils, a magnetic coil accomplishes so much, although, at its very basic, it is merely a piece of wire coiled in different configurations around a core.
