A novel three-phase multilevel AC-DC converter operating as a shunt active power filter: Validation considering an industrial environment

Abstract

Power quality problems are an issue that requires, each more, particular attention, among others, to prevent equipment failure and improve efficiency. In this context, this paper presents a novel three-phase four-wire multilevel AC-DC converter operating as a shunt active power filter aiming to reduce the current harmonic distortion, low power factor, and current unbalances, which are introduced by the non-linear loads. The proposed topology comprises a total of six full bridges, where every two full bridges are arranged in a cascade structure and connected to one of the phases of the power grid. Both the proposed topology, as well as the applied control algorithm, are validated using computer simulations considering the most relevant conditions of operation in an industrial environment. The obtained results validate the proposed three-phase multilevel converter when operating as a shunt active power filter, showing that the power quality problems presented in the currents are compensated and the converter operates with the multilevel characteristic for all the conditions of operation.