Comparison between active and passive power filters in harmonic reduction

Abstract

Harmonic distortion has become a serious problem that needs to be resolved. With the development of power electronics equipment, high technology nonlinear loads have increased rapidly. This alteration of the load structure resulting in an increase of the harmonic value present in the system resulting in a deterioration of the power quality. Without a filter, harmonics can damage equipment, increase electricity bills and reduce product quality and production output. This can lead to inefficiency and financial losses, particularly in industrial buildings. This project will study the harmonics and the nonlinear loads, design the Passive Power Filter (PPF) and the Active Power Filter (APF), model and simulate both the APF and the PPF. Next, a simulation of the three-phase circuit with PPF and APF will be conducted accordingly and the percentage of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) will be compared in the simulation. At the end of this project, it has been shown that APF is the most efficient in terms of harmonic mitigation and presented the greatest improvement in the percentage of THD.