Title: Investigating The Effect of Active Filters On Power Quality (Voltage and Current Harmonics)
Authors: Kemelayefa Kelvin Emiemokumor, Damfebo Franklin Ayebagbalinyo, Jenny Ebitonere Fawei , Anyalewechi Chika Juliana
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Pages: 200-211
Publication Date: 2025/12/28
Abstract:
This study, titled Investigating the Effect of Active Filters on Power Quality (Voltage and Current Harmonics), examines the impact of active filtering techniques on power quality challenges in low-voltage (LV) distribution systems with integrated photovoltaic (PV) generation. While PV systems support global decarbonization and energy diversification, their inverter-based interfaces introduce harmonics, voltage rise, and flicker, which compromise compliance with international standards such as IEEE Std 519-2014 and IEC 61000. Traditional passive filters (L, LC, and LCL) provide partial mitigation but remain limited by frequency dependency, resonance issues, and poor adaptability to dynamic PV output. To address these shortcomings, this research investigates the performance of active filters in suppressing voltage and current harmonics. A MATLAB/Simulink model was developed to represent the PV system, voltage source inverter, filter topologies, and the LV distribution feeder. Simulations were conducted under varying operating conditions to evaluate harmonic profiles and total harmonic distortion (THD) at the point of common coupling (PCC). The results reveal that active filters significantly reduce harmonics, with the LCL filter achieving voltage THD of 1.66% and current THD of 4.16%, well within IEEE-recommended thresholds. The results confirm that active filters, particularly LCL configurations, provide an effective and reliable solution for harmonic mitigation in PV-integrated LV networks, thereby enhancing equipment lifespan, improving compliance, and supporting stable integration of renewable energy.