Evaluation of Energy Efficiency of Active Power Filters using P-Q Theory for Current Harmonic Mitigation in Production Process

This work presents an evaluation of the energy efficiency through Matlab simulation of an Active Power Filter (APF), to reduce the Total Harmonic Distortion of the current (THDi) produced by non-linear loads from production processes such as adjustable speed drives, electronic equipment, LED lighting, among other, through the P-Q control method. For this purpose, a parallel APF connected to a three-phase power system of 380 Vrms and 50 Hz was used to feed a nonlinear load consisting of a rectifier controlled at different firing angles. The APF uses the control strategy based on P-Q theory, and the measurement of the total current distortion with the filter operating and its respective power consumption was performed. These values are compared with those established by the standards to verify the correct operation of the filter and to finally determine the energy efficiency presented.