Operation of the unified power flow controller as harmonic isolator

The unified power flow controller (UPFC) is a tool in the implementation of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS). It provides for the equivalent of static VAr compensation and series injection using back-to-back force commutated converters. This paper proposes a control strategy to extend UPFC operation to allow for the isolation of harmonics due to nonlinear loads. Simulation results based on the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) are used to illustrate device performance in a power system environment. Experimental results based on a single phase laboratory implementation verify the proposed control algorithm.