How does a saturable reactor work?
A saturable reactor consists of a coil or winding connected to a DC circuit which is used to energize a core which has an AC coil or winding. As the DC current increases it reduces the impedance of the core and allows the AC current to pass at a particular point on the wave. By increasing or decreasing the DC current the AC current can be made to average at a desired value. Thus, reactors are used to control AC for heavy loads, current limiting or where great precision is required in an analog mode. Reactors can also be used in reverse to measure AC current. Marelco has long made a wide range of saturable reactors.
