Controllable Impulse Current Generator for PHIL Applications in Surge Protection

Abstract

This study presents a novel controllable impulse current generator tailored for incorporation into a power hardware-in-the-loop testing framework. The generator is capable of producing impulse current waveforms both computed via simulation software and recorded from real-world field data. This capability enables enhanced testing of surge protective devices and sensitive electrical and electronic equipment, supporting the advancement and deployment of next-generation surge protection technologies. Detailed technical specifications for both power and control circuits are outlined, with a comparison between targeted and recorded waveforms found in good agreement. An application of simulation-based impulse currents on various surge protective devices is provided, determining the use of this tool for insulation coordination and surge protection applications to address challenges of modern power systems.