Active power filters: Technology and challenges in the era of distributed renewable energy systems

Abstract

Power quality is always an important issue within the area of power systems. According to a Copper Development Association survey, the cost of poor power quality is in excess of $100 billion dollars a year. With the wide spread of distributed renewable energy systems, the poor power quality problem is expected to be even worse. Also with the increase number of ‘modern’ non-linear loads, mainly Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) used in computers, telecome systems, etc. the cost of poor power quality is expected to rise even further. Active power filters are well known in terms of improving several factors within the power quality (harmonics, power factor, voltage regulation/unbalance, voltage sags/swells, flickers, transients, etc.). Yet, active power filters are not widely used because of their costs, complexity, and premature technology. In this presentation, the speaker will present critical view of the technology and challenges of active power filters in the new era of distributed renewable energy systems.