Storage chokes are passive electronic components that are used in electrical circuits to limit or regulate the flow of current. They consist of a coil that is usually wound from insulated wire.
The operation of a storage choke is based on the properties of inductances. When a current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field around itself. This magnetic field stores energy. If the current flow is stopped abruptly, the storage choke releases the stored energy in the form of a counter-current.
Storage chokes fulfill various tasks in electrical circuits:
1. current limiting: storage chokes limit the current flow in a circuit by limiting the increase in current. This can be useful to protect circuits and devices from excessive current.
2. filtering: Storage chokes can also be used to filter electrical signals. Due to the inductance of the coil, higher frequencies are attenuated more than lower frequencies. This makes it possible to reduce or remove unwanted high-frequency signals.
3. energy storage: Storage chokes can also be used to store energy in circuits. For example, when a current flow is interrupted, the storage choke releases the stored energy in the form of a reverse current that can be used in the circuit.
In summary, storage chokes play an important role in electrical circuits by limiting the flow of current, filtering unwanted signals and storing energy. They are used in a wide range of applications, from power supplies to switching power supplies and high-frequency circuits.