A Comprehensive Study on Shunt Active Power Filters for Grid – Tied wind systems

Abstract The term power quality (PQ) has got major attention at the distribution side and consumer side in the recent years. Continuous rise of power electronic devices in grid-tied applications, uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) and motor drive applications etc, simplifies the control technology, and makes the system robust and flexible. But, these devices inject the current harmonics into the line which pollutes the electrical system. In addition, it draws more reactive power and creates the unbalance in the system. Initially, passive filtering techniques (inductors and capacitors) were used to lessen the PQ problems. Because of the lacking of the quality performance, the passive filter methods have been replaced with advanced power electronic topologies. Researchers, constantly investigates for better and cost effective solutions to improve system PQ. Shunt active power filter (SAPF) is one of the better solutions for enhancing the power quality by compensating the harmonic currents and other reactive power problems in the grid-tied system. In this paper, the basic structure of SAPF is briefly discussed along with the detailed control system functionalities. This paper provides a concise assessment on SAPF classifications, topologies and comparisons of single-phase, three-phase three-wire (3P3W) and four-wire (3P4W) systems. The features of all the configurations are provided along with their complications, so as to identify the better topology for specific application. The merits and demerits of these configurations are also discussed briefly.