Shunt active filter for reactive power compensation

Abstract

A simple control technique for three-phase shunt active filters without computation of the reactive current component is presented. A current controller with fast dynamics for an active filter is described. Reactive current is directly controlled without the need for sensing and computing the reactive component of the load current, thus simplifying the control system. Current compensation is done in the time domain, allowing a fast time response. The dc voltage control loop keeps the voltage across the dc capacitor constant. High power factor control by an active filter is described. All control functions are implemented in software using a single-chip microcontroller, thus simplifying the control circuit. Any current-controlled synchronous rectifier can be used as a shunt active filter through only the simple modification of the software and the addition of current sensors. It is shown through experimental results that the proposed controller gives good performance for the shunt active filter.