A new configuration for shunt active power filters

Abstract

This thesis presents a new power circuit configuration to be used in shunt active power filters. A new control algorithm based on the linear voltage control suitable for the proposed circuit is introduced. The system is analysed both in time and frequency domains. The practical implementation of the system proves its suitability for the proposed task. The switching frequency of the proposed circuit is much lower than that in other active filters. The switching losses are then considerably reduced, in addition to the fact that the switching devices can withstand larger values of currents being switched on and off at lower frequencies which is an advantage to this circuit. The component sizes (capacitors and inductors) in the proposed circuit are also much smaller than those in other filter configurations.

In addition, the thesis presents a new method for categorising the active filter systems proposed in the surveyed literature. The survey includes a comparison of these techniques showing their respective merits and drawbacks. The thesis also includes an implementation of a reference current generator that is suitable for single-phase applications without the need for excessive computations. The technique involves a modified Fourier analysis, which is suitable for active filtering applications.