Storage chokes

Storage chokes are electronic components that are used to limit or filter the flow of electrical current. They are used in various applications to reduce unwanted electrical signals, minimize interference or improve the protection of devices.

The main function of a storage choke is to limit the flow of current by increasing the resistance for certain frequencies. This can help to improve the stability of circuits by reducing the current flow in certain frequency ranges.

Storage chokes are often used in switching power supplies to reduce noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI). They help to smooth the current flow and minimize unwanted voltage peaks or drops.

In addition, storage chokes are used in inverters, DC motors, switching networks and other electronic circuits to limit current flow, minimize energy loss and improve efficiency.

Overall, storage chokes are used to control current flow and minimize unwanted electrical signals to improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices.

Storage chokes are passive electronic components that are used in electrical circuits to limit or regulate the flow of current. They consist of a coil that is usually wound from insulated wire.

The operation of a storage choke is based on the properties of inductances. When a current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field around itself. This magnetic field stores energy. If the current flow is stopped abruptly, the storage choke releases the stored energy in the form of a counter-current.

Storage chokes fulfill various tasks in electrical circuits:

1. current limiting: storage chokes limit the current flow in a circuit by limiting the increase in current. This can be useful to protect circuits and devices from excessive current.

2. filtering: Storage chokes can also be used to filter electrical signals. Due to the inductance of the coil, higher frequencies are attenuated more than lower frequencies. This makes it possible to reduce or remove unwanted high-frequency signals.

3. energy storage: Storage chokes can also be used to store energy in circuits. For example, when a current flow is interrupted, the storage choke releases the stored energy in the form of a reverse current that can be used in the circuit.

In summary, storage chokes play an important role in electrical circuits by limiting the flow of current, filtering unwanted signals and storing energy. They are used in a wide range of applications, from power supplies to switching power supplies and high-frequency circuits.

There are various types of storage chokes that differ in their properties and applications. Here are some of the most common types:

1. air coil chokes: These chokes consist of a wire wound around a core. They are often used in power supplies and switching power supplies. Air-core chokes are characterized by their high current carrying capacity and low losses.

2. ferrite core chokes: These chokes use a ferrite core that amplifies the magnetic flux. They are often used in switching power supplies, filters and interference suppression applications. Ferrite core chokes offer high inductance and good suppression of high-frequency interference.

3. iron core chokes: These chokes use an iron core to amplify the magnetic flux. They are often used in power supplies as EMC filters. Iron-core chokes offer high inductance and good suppression of low-frequency interference.

4. switching chokes: These chokes are used in switching regulators and inverters. They are characterized by their fast switching capability and low losses.

5. power chokes: These chokes are used in high power applications such as electric vehicles and industrial equipment. They offer high current carrying capacity and low losses.

The selection of the right power choke depends on the requirements of the application, such as current carrying capacity, inductance, losses and suppression of interference.

Storage chokes offer various advantages in terms of energy efficiency and stability in electrical systems:

1. reduction of energy losses: storage chokes can help to reduce energy losses in electrical systems. By limiting current flow and increasing resistance, they reduce energy consumption and can therefore help to improve energy efficiency.

2. voltage stabilization: storage chokes can help to reduce voltage fluctuations and peaks. They act as a filter by absorbing and smoothing high-frequency interference and voltage peaks. This improves the stability of the system and extends the service life of electrical devices and components.

3. reduction of interference: Storage chokes can also help reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). They filter out high-frequency signals and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the system. This helps to improve signal quality and reduce interference.

4. protection against current peaks: Storage chokes can act as protective devices by counteracting current spikes and surges. They limit the current flow and can thus protect components and devices from damage caused by excessive current.

5. improving power factor correction: Storage chokes can also help with power factor correction. By changing the phase angle between current and voltage, they can help to improve the power factor and increase the efficiency of the system.

Overall, storage chokes help to improve energy efficiency, increase system stability, reduce interference and protect components from damage. They are therefore used in a wide range of electrical systems.

The dimensioning of storage chokes depends on various factors and can vary depending on the application. Here are some important factors to consider when dimensioning:

1. amperage: The storage choke must be able to withstand the required current without overheating or limiting its function. The current depends on the application and should therefore be calculated carefully.

2. voltage: The storage choke must also be able to withstand the applied voltage. The voltage depends on the current source or circuit in which the choke is used.

3. inductance: The inductance of the storage choke determines how strongly it limits the current flow. The higher the inductance, the more the current flow is throttled. The inductance should be selected so that it provides the necessary throttling but is not too high so as not to influence the circuit too much.

4. frequency: The frequency of the current flowing through the choke is an important factor in dimensioning. Storage chokes often have a specific frequency at which they operate most efficiently. It is important to know the frequency of the current and choose a choke that is suitable for this frequency.

5. temperature: The temperature of the circuit in which the storage choke is used must also be taken into account. The choke should be dimensioned in such a way that its function is not impaired even at higher temperatures.

6. space: The space available for mounting the storage choke can also be a factor. It is important to choose a choke that fits into the available space and also provides the required electrical characteristics.

It is advisable to consult an expert or manufacturer when sizing storage chokes with the specific requirements of your application to ensure that the correct choke is selected.