Investigation of Harmonic Reduction Using Passive Filters in a Distribution Network in Basra City

Abstract

Harmonics in current and voltage waveforms produced by nonlinear loads in a distribution system can be minimised using passive filters; however, implementing these filters requires the calculation of several suitable parameters for filter components. This work aimed to simulate and analyse the harmonics in the Al-Itihad 11 kV distribution system that branches off from Zubayr substation (33/11 kV) in Basra in Iraq using MATLAB/SIMULINK. Five non-linear loads were simulated to generate harmonics in the simulated Al-Itihad distribution system, and for each non-linear load three types of filters were tested: a single tuned filter (STF), double tuned filter (DTF), and C-type filter. The objectives of these filters to minimise the total harmonic distortion (THD) in the voltage and current waveforms, to minimise the total current, and to improve the power factor of the distribution system. The simulation results showed a reduction in total harmonic distortion, a reduction in the current at the main distribution feeder, and an improvement in the power factor of the feeder.