What are inductors and Capacitors? Explain different quality parameters in electrical power supply.

Inductors and capacitors are passive electronic components commonly used in electrical circuits for various purposes. Here's an explanation of each component and different quality parameters in electrical power supply:

1. Inductors:
   Inductors are passive electronic components designed to store energy in the form of a magnetic field when current flows through them. They consist of a coil of wire wound around a core material, typically made of ferromagnetic material like iron or ferrite. Inductors resist changes in current flow and generate a voltage proportional to the rate of change of current, according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Inductors are used in circuits to filter out unwanted high-frequency signals, smooth out voltage fluctuations, and block DC currents while allowing AC currents to pass. They are commonly found in applications such as power supplies, filters, oscillators, and transformers.

2. Capacitors:
   Capacitors are passive electronic components designed to store and release electrical energy in the form of an electric field between two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. Capacitors can store energy when connected to a voltage source and release it when the voltage is removed, acting as temporary energy storage devices. Capacitors are used in circuits for various purposes, including energy storage, power factor correction, noise filtering, voltage regulation, and signal coupling. They are commonly found in applications such as power supplies, filters, amplifiers, oscillators, and timing circuits.

3. Quality Parameters in Electrical Power Supply:
   Several quality parameters are essential for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of electrical power supply. These parameters include:

4. Voltage Stability: Voltage stability refers to the ability of the power supply to maintain a consistent voltage level within acceptable limits under varying load conditions. Fluctuations in voltage can adversely affect the performance and lifespan of electrical equipment and appliances.

5. Frequency Stability: Frequency stability refers to the ability of the power supply to maintain a consistent frequency of alternating current (AC) within acceptable limits. Deviations in frequency can disrupt the operation of sensitive electronic devices and equipment.

6. Harmonic Distortion: Harmonic distortion refers to the presence of unwanted harmonic frequencies in the electrical waveform, typically caused by nonlinear loads such as power electronics, variable speed drives, and lighting ballasts. Harmonic distortion can degrade power quality, cause equipment malfunction, and increase energy losses in electrical systems.

7. Power Factor: Power factor is a measure of the efficiency of electrical power utilization in a system and represents the ratio of real power (active power) to apparent power (total power). A low power factor can result in increased energy consumption, voltage drops, and power losses in electrical distribution systems.

8. Transient Response: Transient response refers to the ability of the power supply to respond quickly and accurately to sudden changes in load demand or operating conditions. Transients, such as voltage spikes, surges, and sags, can damage sensitive equipment and disrupt system operation if not adequately mitigated.

Ensuring optimal performance and reliability of electrical power supply requires monitoring and maintaining these quality parameters within specified limits to meet the needs of end-users and minimize the risk of equipment damage, downtime, and safety hazards.