Choke system for reducing common mode currents in alternating current drive systems

An alternating current (AC) choke assembly for reducing common mode and bearing currents in AC drive systems, comprising:

• (a) an AC choke, comprising:
• a magnetic core;
• an axial bore defined by the magnetic core;
• a dielectric separator, surrounding the magnetic core;
• and
• a metallic casing, surrounding the dielectric separator;
• wherein the AC choke assembly further comprises:
• (b) at least one coaxial electrical cable disposed inside of, and passing through, the axial bore of the magnetic core;
• wherein the dielectric separator electrically isolates the magnetic core from the metallic casing;
• and
• wherein the at least one coaxial electrical cable comprises:
• (1) an axial central conductor;
• (2) a coaxial dielectric insulator surrounding the axial central conductor;
• (3) a conductive coaxial shield surrounding the coaxial dielectric insulator;
• and
• (4) a dielectric coaxial jacket surrounding the conductive coaxial shield.

A vehicle, comprising:

• a vehicle body;
• one or more road wheels connected to the vehicle body;
• and
• an alternating current (AC) choke assembly connected to the vehicle body;
• wherein the AC choke assembly comprises:
• (a) an AC choke, comprising:
• a magnetic core;
• an axial bore defined by the magnetic core;
• a dielectric separator surrounding the magnetic core;
• and
• a metallic casing surrounding the dielectric separator;
• (b) at least one coaxial electrical cable disposed inside of, and passing through, the axial bore of the magnetic core;
• and
• (c) a traction drive unit (TDU) or a traction power invertor module (TPIM) connected to the AC choke;
• wherein the dielectric separator electrically isolates the magnetic core from the metallic casing;
• wherein the at least one coaxial electrical cable comprises:
• (1) an axial central conductor;
• (2) a coaxial dielectric insulator surrounding the axial central conductor;
• (3) a conductive coaxial shield surrounding the coaxial dielectric insulator;
• and
• (4) a dielectric coaxial jacket surrounding the conductive coaxial shield;
• wherein the axial central conductor is connected to the TDU or TPIM;
• and
• wherein the conductive coaxial shield is connected to the metallic casing.