Switching losses analysis of an asymmetric multilevel Shunt Active Power Filter

A switching losses analysis is performed for an asymmetric multilevel Shunt Active Power Filter aimed to simultaneously compensate linear and nonlinear currents. The asymmetric approach consists in the inclusion of two types of modules; one meant for reactive power compensation and the other to cancel out the harmonic currents. Using the non-ideal behavior of the switching process in the power valves, the commutation losses of the presented approach are determined. Moreover, a comparison is performed with the symmetric counterpart and a power losses evaluation is made for both approaches. The analyses are carried out for a single operating point and for the entire operating region, considering the distorted power coming from the load. The presented results are supported with theoretical considerations and simulated waveforms.