New Control Algorithm for Single-Phase Series Active Power Filter

Abstract

This article presents a single-phase series active power filter for mitigation of the load voltage harmonic content while maintaining the voltage on the DC side regulated without the support of a voltage source. The proposed series active power filter control algorithm eliminates the additional voltage source to regulate the DC voltage, and with the adopted topology, a coupling transformer is not used to interface the series active power filter with the electrical power grid. The article describes the control strategy that encapsulates the grid synchronization scheme, compensation voltage calculation, damping algorithm, and dead-time compensation. The topology and control strategy of the series active power filter have been evaluated in simulation software, and simulations results are presented. Experimental results, obtained with a developed laboratorial prototype, validate the theoretical assumptions and are within the harmonic spectrum limits imposed by the international recommendations of IEEE Standard 519.

Keywords:

• power quality
• active power filters
• power conditioning
• harmonics
• digital control
• power electronics converters

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nuno F. Teixeira

Nuno F. Teixeira received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from University of Minho in 2009 and 2012, respectively, with a specialization in power electronics and control theory. Since 2012, he worked as a researcher with the Group of Energy and Power Electronics (GEPE) in the Algoritmi Centre, focusing his efforts on power quality, APFs, and renewable energies. In 2013 and 2014, he developed power converters for commercial photovoltaic power plants. Currently, he is working with Robert Bosch GmbH in the development of automotive applications. His research interests range from power quality and power converters to photovoltaic systems and automotive applications.

José Gabriel Oliveira Pinto

José Gabriel Oliveira Pinto was born in Guimarães, Portugal, in 1977. He received his B.Sc. degree in electronics engineering and his M.Sc. in industrial electronics from University of Minho, Portugal, in 2001 and 2004, respectively. From 2002 to 2006, he worked as an invited assistant lecturer at the Electrical Department of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal. From 2006 to 2012 he worked as a researcher at the GEPE of the Centro Algoritmi at University of Minho. He received his Ph.D. in electronics and computer engineering from the University of Minho, in 2012. Since 2013, he has been working as an invited assistant professor at the Industrial Electronics Department of University of Minho. His research interests are related to power electronics, power quality, and digital control of power converters.

Manuel J. Sepúlveda Freitas

Manuel S. Sepúlveda Freitas graduated in electrical engineering and computers at the Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto in 1991 and the Educational Aptitude and Scientific Capacity Tests at the University of Minho in 1996. He finished his Ph.D. in industrial electronics engineering at University of Minho in 2004. He has been an assistant professor at the Department of Industrial Electronics of the University of Minho since 2004, having been assistant lecturer at the same department between 1996 and 2004 and a junior teaching assistant between 1991 and 1996. Currently, he lectures at University of Minho in the courses of energy systems, project, electronics, and circuit analysis. His research work relates to the development of APFs and power quality monitoring systems with the realization of power quality studies, energetic efficiency, and renewable energies.

João L. Afonso

João L. Afonso was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He received his B.S. and M.Sc. in electrical engineering from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1986 and 1991, respectively, and his Ph.D. in industrial electronics from University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal, in 2000. Since 1993, he has been with the Department of Industrial Electronics, University of Minho, where he is an associate professor. He teaches electrical machines, electrical energy systems, complements of power electronics, electrical power quality, APFs, and renewable energy. He is a researcher with the GEPE, and he coordinates the thematic strand of Sustainable and Smart Cities of the Centro Algoritmi. His research interests include power quality, APFs, renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, energy storage systems, smart grids, and smart cities.