Design and simulation of synchronous reference frame based shunt active power filter using SIMULINK

A power quality problem is an occurrence manifested as a nonstandard voltage, current or frequency that results in a failure or faulty operation of end use equipment. The presence of harmonics in power lines poses a power quality problem and results in greater power losses in the distribution system, interference problems in communication systems and, sometimes, in operation failures of electronic equipment. Active filters are special equipment that use power electronic converters to compensate for current and/or voltage harmonics originated by non-linear loads, or to avoid those harmonic voltages that might be applied to sensitive loads. This paper presents the application of a simulation tool to analyze the effectiveness of a filter in harmonics currents suppression in real time power system. A model of a three-phase three-wire shunt active power filter based on synchronous reference frame control strategy has been designed and simulated on MATLAB/SIMULINK. Simulation results indicate that the proposed active power filter can restrain harmonics of electrical source current effectively and also demonstrates the usability of simulation.