A single phase active filter as a harmonic compensator

This paper presents the design and implementation of a single-phase parallel active filter for harmonic compensation. The idea of the work is to optimize the processed power by the active single-phase filter restricting the compensation only to harmonic currents without processing the linear reactive one. The linear reactive current can be compensated by capacitors, since this method is extremely widespread and efficient for this type of compensation. It is made a comparison study of processed power by a conventional active power filter compensating the entirely reactive power and another compensating only the harmonic contents. It is presented the control methodology employed, the power circuit design and the results obtained through a 500VA experimental prototype.