Biased core devices and method of use are disclosed in which magnetic core
energy losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents are greatly reduced in comparison
to the core losses in prior art transformers and inductive devices. The present
invention sets forth a transformer or choke device in which permanent magnets are
surrounded by electrical steel materials and may be held in place by pole pieces.
The magnetic core transformer structure also permits a method of use in which current
passing through the device is controlled by the field strength of the permanent
magnets. In addition, the biased magnetic core transformer operation may be linear
or non-linear, and placed in series or parallel within a circuit. The magnetic
components disclosed in the present invention affords both energy loss reductions
and size reductions in comparison to known prior art transformers. The invention
has many applications, including, but not limited to, the protection of switch
gear, current limiting, voltage transformation in power distribution and for current
control in arc discharge lamp circuits.
