Current Source Project Ideas

[ggbc11]

Hi,

I'm doing a project for my final year of BEng. As part of it I need to design a module that can take mains supply,ie 240/110VAC 50Hz, and output 0-100A at a resolution of 100mA controlled by a PIC.

My current solution is to have a variac actuated by a stepper motor controlled by a feedback loop via a current transformer (CT). So the PIC will recieve a set point value ie. 50A, and move the stepper motor comparing the set point to the input from the CT with some kind of PID control. I think this will work but itll be heavy as this is supposed to be a portable device.

I work with distribution and control so three phase theory and protection is more my thing not power electronics but I have some understanding. I would like to ask if anyone could point me in the right direction of a lighter, electronic solution. Im not asking for blueprints as I will research and learn anything I need to make a good project, just a rough concept or research area.

My last project was a single phase inverter controlled by a PIC, could this be backed by a current amplifying circuit and followed by a transformer?

Would appreciate any advice on this,

GG

[pebe]

What is the maximum voltage you want at 100A?

[ggbc11]

the input inpedance the project is feeding is around 20mOhms, so about 2 volts.