An Integrated AC Choke Design for Common-Mode Current Suppression in Neutral-Connected Power Converter Systems

This paper presents an integrated ac choke that incorporates the common-mode (CM) suppression function into a three-phase differential-mode (DM) inductor. The proposed choke, together with other filter components, provides a transformerless solution to issues caused by the switching CM voltage in neutral-connected power converter systems. The required high CM-to-DM inductance ratio is generated by different magnetic paths in the novel structure. An approach based on magnetic circuit calculation can be applied to the weight-minimized design in which a reasonably small core loss confirms the choke´s heat dissipation capability. The existence and uniqueness of the optimization are proven by a design example and analysis. Comparison to separate DM and CM inductors demonstrates the benefits of integration: the iron and copper material savings, the volume and weight reduction, and overall system efficiency improvement. The finite element method is used to tune the design parameters with which a prototype is implemented. The simulation and experimental results of the prototype in a voltage source converter verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the integrated choke.