Modelling, Simulation and Implementation of Optimisation Algorithm Based Shunt Active Filter for Harmonics Mitigation of Non-Linear Loads

Abstract

The use of active power filters is widely accepted and implemented as a solution to the power quality problems in utility, industry and commercial applications. This paper presents an optimisation based control algorithm for determining the reference compensation currents of shunt active power filter (SAPF) to maintain sinusoidal source currents supplied to non-linear loads and to maintain the total harmonic distortion (THD) less than 5% according to IEEE-519 standard and improve power factor. Optimisation is due to the combined effect of perfect harmonic cancellation (PHC) and unity power factor (UPF) strategies. Reference compensation current is calculated through MATLAB using discrete Fourier transform. The optimisation-based control algorithm gives the best power factor while satisfying the constraints such as THD limits and average power balance of source currents. It is also flexible to adopt different compensation characteristics based on the supply voltage conditions. The proposed technique is implemented using MATLAB/Simulink and optimisation tool boxes for both balanced and unbalanced load conditions. The algorithm is validated by using a prototype of digital signal processor (TMS320F2812) based SAPF. Detailed experimental results are presented.

Keywords:

• Active power filter (APF)
• digital signal processor
• load compensation
• optimization
• perfect harmonic cancellation
• unity power factor

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Charles

S. Charles obtained his BE degree (2004) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and ME (2006) in Power Electronics and Drives from Anna University, India. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. His current research interests include power electronics, power electronics applications in power systems, and active power filters for power conditioning.

P. Venkateshkumar

P. Venkateshkumar obtained his BE degree (2004) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and his ME (2010) in Power Systems from Anna University of Technology, Tamilnadu, India. Currently he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Karunya University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. His areas of interest are optimisation techniques, power electronics applications to power systems and power conditioning.