A Low-Cost Generator for Testing and Calibrating Current Transformers

Current transformers for ac power systems applications are usually calibrated by applying sinusoidal currents at different frequencies. The main limitation of this approach is that it does not take into account nonlinearities that may have a significant impact on harmonic current measurement. A more accurate characterization should be based on test currents that are similar to those found in normal working conditions. However, this demands a proper current generator able to generate multitone waveforms with proper accuracy, which is seldom available in laboratories. This paper proposes a simple approach to implement a current generator, based on a waveform generator, a power amplifier, and a transformer which allows boosting the output current capability. Its uneven input-output response can be compensated through linear prefiltering of the desired current waveform. When the generator is employed to reproduce a specific class of current waveforms, such as those typically found in ac distribution grids, an optimal compensation filter can be easily designed. This approach allows canceling systematic nonlinearities introduced by the transformer and the power amplifier, thus significantly increasing accuracy with respect to a conventional frequency response compensation, as confirmed by experimental results.