I am a research scholar working on mechanical metallurgy as a part of my engineering study.
For my project (a new kind of electroplating,) I need voltage ranging from minimum 0V to maximum 170V DC. We need a minimum of 130V to trigger the reaction and 150V to effectively carry out the reaction.
I am currently achieving the voltage regulation using a 3 phase auto transformer-bridge rectifier-capacitor setup. To avoid short circuits, I have installed a 32A MCB on the primary and 15A fuse on the filtered DC side.
As my solution heats up, the resistance drops, and current draw increases preventing me from achieving the desired result. Is there a way to regulate or set or limit current to a certain value. For example, 15A DC or 32A DC. while still maintaining the same voltage.
My lab has wiring to handle 45A per phase continuous load, I have access to a 3-phase auto-transformer with 36A/phase capacity corresponding rectifier-filter setup. I do not want to add variable resistor or incandescent lamp in series as it would waste power and reduce the voltage.
Please suggest a suitable way to limit the current and meet my requirements.