Harmonics Mitigation using Active Filter for Grid Connected PV System

Abstract

In the midst of increased demand of energy and depleting resources, the world is moving towards the renewable sources of energy. Out of all available renewable resources, solar proves to be the best energy source; due to its various advantages over other renewable energy sources. The Photovoltaic (PV) system when connected with the grid proves to be a boon to the modern society. Although various power quality issues arises while integrating large PV system with grid. Poor or Low power quality could lead towards financial falls and disturbance to end users. Also due to low power quality issue, the power system components get overheated and start functioning in unwanted regions; causing great damages. With the rise in the installations of grid connected PV system, the concern towards harmonics is being increased. The grid connected systems requires the use of several power electronic devices, also the load is non-linear which gives rise to harmonics. This issue of Harmonics needs to be resolved so as to not damage the electrical system. Harmonics can be mitigated using Active Power Filters. In this work Shunt Active Filter (SAF) is used to mitigate the current harmonics. In this thesis as a part of research, I have simulated a section of considered PV power plant site and simulated the same with the help of Matlab software for without the SAF and with SAF. Various controller configurations are used for SAF. At the end the comparative analysis has been made for best controllers based SAF to mitigate harmonics of the considered system. newline