Description

Main uses of an inductor: 

Current smoothing – Reduces ripple in DC power supplies and battery chargers.
Filtering – Used in LC filters to remove unwanted AC/noise from a DC supply.
Energy storage – Stores electrical energy temporarily, especially in SMPS/DC-DC converters.
Chokes – Limits high-frequency or unwanted current while allowing DC to pass.
Power factor correction – Used in some power-electronics circuits to improve power quality.
Noise suppression – Helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and switching noise.
Transformers & magnetic circuits – Inductors use the same magnetic principle as transformer windings.
Motor and drive circuits – Used to control current and reduce harmonics.

In a battery charger:

For the type of industrial battery charger shown in your previous picture, an inductor may be used for output current smoothing, ripple reduction, and filtering. It helps provide a more stable DC charging current to the batteries.