Development of a Dynamic Arbitrary Current Source for Power-HiL Simulations and HVDC Breaker Characterization

In this paper, the focus is on the DynACuSo, a dynamic arbitrary current source, with a modular design. The source aims to fulfill a list of specifications that arise from a wide range of applications, and explore performance boundaries in terms of output ripple and dynamic. The DynACuSo is a second-generation arbitrary current source with a peak current of 1.5 kA, a continuous current of 1 kA, and a bipolar output voltage of up to ±10 kV. It can also generate current gradients above 10 A µs
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through a wide range of loads, and a low flattop ripple below 500ppm. The topology and operation principle of the source are discussed and models to derive the maximum theoretical potential of the system are established. Furthermore, the advanced control system that enables the utilization of the full potential of the topology is presented. Finally, experimental results with a prototype system verify the concept. The measurements show the ability of the source to generate current gradients that exceed 15 A µs
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and a current ripple of some tens of mA. Experimental measurements also show the ability of the source to generate complex current waveforms, with very short current rise/fall times with a DC-arc as a load. The result opens new potential research opportunities for further DC-arc investigations and verifies the applicability of the source in the field of Power-HiL simulations.