Magnetic Reluctance - Applications

Applications

• Constant air gaps can be created in the cores of certain transformers to reduce the effects of saturation. This increases the reluctance of the magnetic circuit, and enables it to store more energy before core saturation. This effect is also used in the flyback transformer.

• Variable air gaps can be created in the cores by a movable keeper to create a Flux Switch that alters the amount of magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit without varying the constant magnetomotive force in that circuit.

• Variation of reluctance is the principle behind the reluctance motor (or the variable reluctance generator) and the Alexanderson alternator. Another way of saying this is that the reluctance forces strive for a maximally aligned magnetic circuit and a minimal air gap distance.

• Multimedia loudspeakers are typically shielded magnetically, in order to reduce magnetic interference caused to televisions and other CRTs. The speaker magnet is covered with a material such as soft iron to minimize the stray magnetic field.

Reluctance can also be applied to:

• Reluctance motors
• Variable reluctance (magnetic) pickups