Hardware Implementation and Validation of Suitable Control Algorithms to Improve Power Quality of a PV-Integrated Distribution System

The increasing integration of distributed generation (DG) systems, specifically photovoltaic (PV) systems, into the grid makes power quality maintenance a critical concern. Shunt active power filters (SAPFs) have emerged as effective solutions for mitigating power quality issues such as harmonic distortion and reactive power imbalance. This paper presents a comparative study of various control techniques employed for PV-integrated SAPF in grid-connected DG systems. The study aims to evaluate the performance of different control strategies in terms of efficiency, reliability, and harmonic compensation capability. The investigated control algorithms include three prominent harmonic compensation theories: instantaneous active and reactive power theory, synchronous reference frame theory, and instantaneous symmetrical component theory. Simulation studies are conducted using MATLAB/Simulink to assess each control technique’s dynamic response and harmonic compensation performance under various operating conditions. Also, the control techniques have been validated in a laboratory prototype test setup. The results provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of each control strategy, aiding in the selection of an optimal control algorithm for PV-integrated SAPFs in grid-connected DG systems.