Active filtering of electric power has now become a mature technology for harmonic and reactive power compensation in two-wire (single phase), three-wire (three phase without neutral), and four-wire (three phase with neutral) AC power networks with nonlinear loads. This paper presents a comprehensive review of active filter (AF) configurations, control strategies, selection of components, other related economic and technical considerations, and their selection for specific applications. It is aimed at providing a broad perspective on the status of AF technology to researchers and application engineers dealing with power quality issues. A list of more than 200 research publications on the subject is also appended for a quick reference.

A review of active filters for power quality improvement

Solid-state switch-mode rectification converters have reached a matured level for improving power quality in terms of power-factor correction (PFC), reduced total harmonic distortion at input AC mains and precisely regulated DC output in buck, boost, buck-boost and multilevel modes with unidirectional and bidirectional power flow. This paper deals with a comprehensive review of improved power quality converters (IPQCs) configurations, control approaches, design features, selection of components, other related considerations, and their suitability and selection for specific applications. It is targeted to provide a wide spectrum on the status of IPQC technology to researchers, designers and application engineers working on switched-mode AC-DC converters. A classified list of more than 450 research publications on the state of art of IPQC is also given for a quick reference.

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A review of single-phase improved power quality AC-DC converters

In the first part of this paper, three-phase power factor correction (PFC) rectifier topologies with sinusoidal input currents and controlled output voltage are derived from known single-phase PFC rectifier systems and/or passive three-phase diode rectifiers. The systems are classified into hybrid and fully active pulsewidth modulation boost-type or buck-type rectifiers, and their functionality and basic control concepts are briefly described. This facilitates the understanding of the operating principle of three-phase PFC rectifiers starting from single-phase systems, and organizes and completes the knowledge base with a new hybrid three-phase buck-type PFC rectifier topology denominated as Swiss Rectifier. Finally, core topics of future research on three-phase PFC rectifier systems are discussed, such as the analysis of novel hybrid buck-type PFC rectifier topologies, the direct input current control of buck-type systems, and the multi-objective optimization of PFC rectifier systems. The second part of this paper is dedicated to a comparative evaluation of four rectifier systems offering a high potential for industrial applications based on simple and demonstrative performance metrics concerning the semiconductor stresses, the loading and volume of the main passive components, the differential mode and common mode electromagnetic interference noise level, and ultimately the achievable converter efficiency and power density. The results are substantiated with selected examples of hardware prototypes that are optimized for efficiency and/or power density.

The Essence of Three-Phase PFC Rectifier Systems—Part II

Based on the combination of a three-phase diode bridge and a DC/DC boost converter, a new three-phase three-switch three-level pulsewidth modulated (PWM) rectifier system is developed. It can be characterized by sinusoidal mains current consumption, controlled output voltage, and low-blocking voltage stress on the power transistors. The application could be, e.g., for feeding the DC link of a telecommunications power supply module. The stationary operational behavior, the control of the mains currents, and the control of the output voltage are analyzed. Finally, the stresses on the system components are determined by digital simulation and compared to the stresses in a conventional six-switch two-level PWM rectifier system.

A novel three-phase utility interface minimizing line current harmonics of high-power telecommunications rectifier modules

Three-phase multipulse AC-DC converters (MPC) are developed for improving power quality to reduce harmonics in AC mains and ripples in DC output. This paper deals with the multipulse AC-DC converter configurations, state of art, their performance, power quality aspects, components selection considerations, latest trends, future developments, and potential applications. It is targeted to provide broad perspective on multipulse converter technology to the researchers, engineers, and designers dealing with them. A classified list of more than 250 research publications on the subject is also given for quick reference.

Multipulse AC–DC Converters for Improving Power Quality: A Review

Power electronic loads inject harmonic currents into the utility system. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of harmonic reduction techniques which satisfy the current harmonic limits specified by the IEEE Standard 519, and at the same time provide a regulated DC output voltage. The techniques considered include active and hybrid filters, and various current waveshaping approaches for a three-phase utility interface. These techniques are compared in terms of their complexity (number of switches) and their component ratings. Based on the application requirements and the cost of active and passive components, this paper enables the estimation of the minimum cost topology. >

A comparative evaluation of harmonic reduction techniques in three-phase utility interface of power electronic loads

A novel approach to achieving nearly sinusoidal line current rectification of three-phase utility voltages is presented. The scheme incorporates two step-up DC-DC power converters to modulate the DC link currents at the third harmonic frequency. The modulated currents are then reinjected on the AC side of the diode bridge rectifier. Simulation results for a three-phase, 208 V (line-to-line), 3 kW system are presented. The sensitivity of the interface to unbalances in various system parameters is included. Results from experimental investigations on a small-scale laboratory model are presented. >

Third-harmonic modulated power electronics interface with three-phase utility to provide a regulated DC output and to minimize line-current harmonics

A three phase rectification scheme that draws line currents with reduced distortion and provides a regulated DC output voltage is analyzed. The scheme employs two boost DC-DC converters to modulate the DC link currents. The modulation current is injected into the AC side through an impedance network consisting of series tuned L-C branches. The theoretical analysis and the basic simulation results, which can be used to carry out the design of a system based on this approach, are presented. >

Analysis of a new power electronics interface with approximately sinusoidal 3-phase utility currents and a regulated DC output

Utility-interactive photovoltaic, wind-electric and fuel-cell systems are being planned at sufficiently large power levels. The technical and economic feasibility of such systems partially depends on the reliability, cost, and the efficiency of their grid interface. Here, a novel interface, which takes advantage of the system conditions in a utility-scale application is presented. The paper describes the basic principle of operation and characteristics. It is shown that the Total Harmonic Distortion in the line currents meets the 5 percent limit recommended by the IEEE. 519-1992, with one-third the high frequency switch kVA ratings as compared to other topologies. Various options are discussed for utility-scale applications. Simulation results for a 25 kW unit are presented. The new conceptual circuit is validated by a prototype hardware design at the 2.2 kW power level. >

R. Naik

Papers

A comparative evaluation of harmonic reduction techniques in three-phase utility interface of power electronic loads

Third-harmonic modulated power electronics interface with three-phase utility to provide a regulated DC output and to minimize line-current harmonics

Analysis of a new power electronics interface with approximately sinusoidal 3-phase utility currents and a regulated DC output

A novel grid interface, optimized for utility-scale applications of photovoltaic, wind-electric, and fuel-cell systems

Analysis of a new power electronics interface with approximately sinusoidal 3-phase utilrty currents and a regulated dc output