Enter the inductance and current of an inductor into the calculator below to determine the total energy stored in that inductor. An inductor is an electrical instrument that stores energy when a current is passed through it.

Inductor Energy Formula

The following equation can be used to calculate the total energy stored in an inductor when a current is passing through it.

ES = 1/2 * L * I²
  • Where ES is the total energy stored (Joules)
  • L is the inductance (Henries, H)
  • I is the current (amps, A)

To calculate inductor energy, multiply the inductance by the current squared, then divide by 2.

This inductor calculator takes the values you enter above and calculates the resulting answer on the back end. It’s important to remember that this energy storage only occurs when a current is present. This is because the actual cause of the energy is a magnetic field generated by the current. Another name for an inductor is a solenoid, one of the most prevalent electronic components in the world. Solenoids produce magnetic fields when they see a current.

Inductor Energy Definition

Inductor energy is defined as the total amount of energy stored in an inductor due to the current and inductance of the material.

How to calculate inductor energy?

How to calculate inductor energy?

  1. First, determine the inductance.

    Measure the inductance of the the inductor/material.

  2. Next, determine the current.

    Measure the current running through the inductor.

  3. Finally, calculate the inductor energy.

    Calculate the total energy stored using the equation above.

FAQ

What factors affect the amount of energy stored in an inductor?

The amount of energy stored in an inductor is primarily affected by two factors: the inductance of the inductor (measured in Henries, H) and the current passing through the inductor (measured in Amperes, A). The relationship between these factors and the stored energy is given by the formula ES = 1/2 * L * I², where ES is the energy stored in Joules.

Can the energy stored in an inductor be used for practical applications?

Yes, the energy stored in an inductor can be used in various practical applications. For example, inductors are used in power supplies to smooth out varying DC currents, in filters to block certain frequencies while allowing others to pass, and in energy storage devices where temporary storage of energy is needed. The ability of an inductor to store energy in a magnetic field and release it when needed makes it a valuable component in many electrical circuits and devices.

How does the inductance value of an inductor affect its energy storage capacity?

The inductance value of an inductor, measured in Henries (H), directly affects its energy storage capacity. A higher inductance value means that the inductor can store more energy for a given current. This is because the inductance represents the inductor’s ability to resist changes in current, and a higher inductance results in a stronger magnetic field for a given current. Therefore, increasing the inductance of an inductor allows it to store more energy in its magnetic field.

Inductor Energy Storage Calculator