Optimal allocation and sizing of shunt active power filter in radial distribution systems using particle swarm optimization

The reduction of harmonics in terms of improving power quality is usually achieved using passive or active filters. Due to their advantages over passive filters, active power filters (APF) are receiving increased attention from researchers focusing on optimal sizing and allocation of APFs in the network with the aim of reducing total harmonic distortion. This paper proposes methodology for determining optimal size, location and settings of APF while observing total harmonic distortion of voltage (THDV). It emphasizes the importance of controlling individual harmonic distortion (IHD). Furthermore, due to the different nature of the injection of harmonics into the radial distribution system (RDS), proposed methodology takes into account the load variation as well as changes in generation of the PV systems as distributed generation (DG). Optimal settings of APF is determined using particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Evaluation of the proposed method is performed on three different study cases. Results show that variation of generation and consumption have significant impact on sizing, allocation and settings of the APFs. Furthermore, results pointed out that in apart from observing THDV, it is also necessary to observe IHD.