Real-time simulation of 7-level Packed U-Cell shunt active power filter

In this paper the three-phase 7-level Packed U-Cell (PUC) converter has been employed as a shunt active power filter (APF) to compensate the load harmonics in a power network. Using multilevel converter as APF results in generating low distortion waveforms as well as operating in low switching frequency. A PI controller has been used to compensate the load harmonics and to correct the source side power factor. Real-time simulations are performed in RT-Lab using OPAL-RT simulator. Results validate the efficiency of the 7-level PUC APF in eliminating the nonlinear load harmonics and also prove the good dynamic performance of the implemented controller in regulating the capacitors voltages of the PUC converter.