Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The Thompson Coil is a well-known system used in undergraduate electromagnetism courses to demonstrate electromagnetic induction. Traditionally, the system employs a βjumping ringβ to visualize induced currents. This project seeks to repurpose this phenomenon for practical energy transfer by replacing the jumping ring with a wire coil, allowing the measurement of the power delivered to an electric load. Using Faradayβs Law of Induction, π = βπΞ¦π΅ /ππ‘ , where Ξ¦π΅ represents the magnetic flux, the induced electromotive force (EMF) in the receiving coil is determined. Finally, the systemβs power transfer efficiency is evaluated using the formula π =πππ’π‘/ πππ Γ100% where πππ is the power supplied to the Thompson Coil, and πππ’π‘ is the power received by the electric load. The goal is to investigate whether the Thompson Coil can serve as an effective power transfer system, with potential applications extending beyond consumer products to larger systems including powering electric vehicles. This project bridges the gap between classroom demonstrations and real-world innovation, showcasing how fundamental electromagnetic principles can be harnessed for practical energy solutions.
Faculty Mentor
Randy Bybee, Gary Hall
Recommended Citation
Wengert, Christopher; Dingus, Dominick; Barsoum, Madouna; Ceballos, Jacqueline; Ent, Michael; and Stephens, Jackson, "Assessing the Electrical Efficiency of the Thompson Coil" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 36.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/36
Assessing the Electrical Efficiency of the Thompson Coil
The Thompson Coil is a well-known system used in undergraduate electromagnetism courses to demonstrate electromagnetic induction. Traditionally, the system employs a βjumping ringβ to visualize induced currents. This project seeks to repurpose this phenomenon for practical energy transfer by replacing the jumping ring with a wire coil, allowing the measurement of the power delivered to an electric load. Using Faradayβs Law of Induction, π = βπΞ¦π΅ /ππ‘ , where Ξ¦π΅ represents the magnetic flux, the induced electromotive force (EMF) in the receiving coil is determined. Finally, the systemβs power transfer efficiency is evaluated using the formula π =πππ’π‘/ πππ Γ100% where πππ is the power supplied to the Thompson Coil, and πππ’π‘ is the power received by the electric load. The goal is to investigate whether the Thompson Coil can serve as an effective power transfer system, with potential applications extending beyond consumer products to larger systems including powering electric vehicles. This project bridges the gap between classroom demonstrations and real-world innovation, showcasing how fundamental electromagnetic principles can be harnessed for practical energy solutions.