An optimized shunt active power filter using the golden Jackal optimizer for power quality improvement

Integration of nonlinear loads in modern power systems has led to many issues arising mainly due to the generation of harmonic currents and the presence of reactive power, both having adverse effects on power quality and grid stability. Harmonic currents cause increased losses, overheating of equipment, and voltage distortions, while reactive power imbalances result in inefficiencies in power delivery and compromised system performance. To overcome these problems, a Shunt Active Power FIlter design and an optimal control strategy for harmonic mitigation and reactive power compensation are proposed in this paper. The design incorporates an optimized anti-windup PI controller for DC-link voltage regulation and an optimized output filter to enhance the quality of the injected current. This design is formulated as an optimization problem and solved using the Golden Jackal Optimizer. MATLAB/Simulink simulations validate the proposed method under different operating conditions, covering dynamic change of loads and unbalanced grid conditions. The result shows a remarkable reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of grid current, and reactive power compensation meanwhile maintaining the stability of the grid.