An Inductively Active Filtering Method for Power-Quality Improvement of Distribution Networks With Nonlinear Loads

Abstract

This paper proposes an inductively active filtering (IAF) method to comprehensively improve the power quality (PQ) for not only the distribution network (public grid) but also the power-supply system (nonlinear load) connected to the network. At first, a new main-circuit topology for implementing the IAF method is presented, which consists of an inductively filtered transformer and a fully tuned branch controlled by an inverter. Its operating principle and technical features are introduced by comparing with the traditional active filtering method. Based on this, the equivalent circuit is established and by means of mathematical modeling, the unique filtering mechanism of the IAF method is revealed in theory. Further, the control strategy of the FT branch and the impedance coordination for the inductively filtered transformer are designed based on theoretical analysis. A case study is investigated in detail to illustrate the operating characteristics of the IAF method. Both the theoretical and the case studies show that the IAF method can effectively prevent harmonic components from flowing into the primary (grid) winding of the transformer. Since the harmonic components are suppressed near the harmonic source, it is good for the power-supply system and especially good for the converter transformer. Besides, since the harmonic flow is limited to near the harmonic source, the PQ of the public network can be guaranteed completely.