Advanced Universal Hybrid Power Filter Configuration for Enhanced Harmonic Mitigation in Industrial Power Systems: A Field-Test Approach

Power quality is a critical concern for large-scale industrial operations, necessitating advanced power conditioning equipment to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Shunt active power filters (APFs) have gained significant attention for their profound impact on power quality, being valued for their system applicability, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. This study investigates the performance of an APF module connected upstream of a wide spectrum passive filter, the Advanced Universal Harmonic Filter (AUHF). The hybrid connection aims to reduce current total harmonic distortion (THDi) more effectively than using either the AUHF or the APF alone. Tests conducted under half-load and full-load conditions evaluate the performance of passive filters, active filters, and a hybrid configuration combining both. Results show that the hybrid configuration offers superior harmonic mitigation compared to individual filters. At full-load test, the combination of APF and AUHF reduced THDi to 1.2%, compared with 3.4% for the APF and 6.3% for the AUHF, demonstrating the enhanced performance of the hybrid setup. At half-load test, the THDi was reduced to 1.8%, compared with 7.2% for the APF and 8% for the AUHF, confirming the hybrid connection’s superior performance over the AUHF alone. Practical experiments corroborate these findings, demonstrating that the hybrid filter configuration not only meets but exceeds even the most stringent industrial power quality requirements. To further validate the experimental results, each test case was also simulated using Mirus SOLV v6.6.4b12 software. Comprehensive data underscores the hybrid filter’s potential as the optimal solution for significant power quality improvements. This research supports the adoption of hybrid filtering solutions, offering a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach to power quality management in industrial power systems.