Modular, highly dynamic and ultra-low ripple arbitrary current source for plasma research

High power pulsed current sources with high dynamic performance and ultra-low current ripple, are key elements for plasma research in fusion reactors and circuit breakers for DC grids as well as for bumper/septum magnet supplies. There, the current source must be able to drive resistive as well as inductive and highly fluctuating loads without any compromise in its performance. In this paper, a flexible modular current source, able to generate arbitrary current waveforms with amplitudes up to 30kA and bipolar voltages up to 10kV, is introduced. The system's operating principle and design procedure are explained and an overview of its control system is presented. The considerations are verified by simulation results for various operating scenarios, including driving a chaotic arc load.