Active filter solutions in energy systems

Authors: SABİR RÜSTEMLİ, MEHMET SAİT CENGİZ

Abstract: Recent developments in power electronics have increased the usage of nonlinear loads in energy systems. With increases in the usage of semiconductor-sourced nonlinear loads, the adverse effects of harmonics-sensitive loads (e.g., protection control circuits and circuit breakers) have also increased. Generally, the negative effects of harmonics in power systems include the following: increased power losses; motor, generator, and transformer overheating; faulty operation of measurement and protection systems; lifetime shortening of electrical components; and parallel and series resonance problems. Therefore, harmonics has become a serious problem in current power electronics systems. However, harmonics can be reduced, particularly through drainage using filters. In this study, some power losses were detected in different facilities in the city of Van, Turkey, on the basis of the variable measurements (e.g., instantaneous electrical values, harmonics, flow, and voltage waveforms) obtained using ZERA MT 310 power analyzers. The harmonics causing these power losses were examined. Some simulation results for active filters were evaluated, and the overall effects of the harmonics are discussed. Shunt active power filter (SAPF) simulation was conducted using Simplorer 6.0, which is known to produce successful results in power electronics simulation applications. SAPF simulation requires the use of measurement points. This utilization of SAPF simulation has demonstrated that voltage drop and power loss in power distribution systems can be reduced. However, it was found that owing to their structure, semiconductor components produce harmonics and consume power.

Keywords: Power quality, harmonics, active filter, distribution system

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