Enhanced active power filter control for nonlinear non-stationary reactive power compensation

Abstract: This paper describes a method to implement Reactive Power Compensation (RPC) in power systems that possess nonlinear non-stationary current disturbances. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) introduced in the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) is used to separate the disturbances from the original current waveform. These disturbances are subsequently removed. Following that, Power Factor Correction (PFC) based on the well-known p-q power theory is conducted to remove the reactive power. Both operations were implemented in a shunt Active Power Filter (APF). The EMD significantly simplifies the singulation and the removal of the current disturbances. This helps to effectively identify the fundamental current waveform. Hence, it simplifies the implementation of RPC on nonlinear non-stationary power systems.