Optimal selection of harmonic filter branch parameters using PSO and differential evolution algorithm

Passive and Resonant Harmonic Filters (RHF) are the effective devices installed in distribution systems for reducing distortions caused by nonlinear loads by means of creating a low impedance path. Achieving both harmonic reduction and filter performance is complicated and contradictory. To attain optimum filter performance, a compromise is to be made between these two conflicting goals. Optimal selection of filter parameters reduces supply current harmonics and improves filter performance. This paper examines Passive Harmonic Filter and RHF for three-phase rectifier system acting as a nonlinear load. It seeks to find optimal values of filter branch parameters to diminish harmonics using Evolutionary Algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evolution. Also, it improves system power factor. The detailed simulation results using MATLAB are presented to support the performance of the proposed optimized filters. The actual measurement of the harmonic levels from the hardware implementation validates the superiority of the optimized filter over conventional filter. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.