Integral backstepping control of three-phase active power filter for power quality improvement: simulation and experimental validation

Abstract The increased adoption of nonlinear loads, particularly in the renewable energy and automotive sectors, generates harmonics that directly affect electricity transmission systems, influencing the operation of the power grid and potentially leading to a significant deterioration in the quality of electrical energy, as well as socioeconomic repercussions. This means that it is essential to improve the quality of electrical energy while ensuring that nonlinear loads are integrated in a manner that is compatible with the grid. To overcome these problems, the use of active power filters is one of the most effective solutions for improving electrical power quality. In this article, we propose an integral backstepping control technique for a three-phase active power filter to improve electrical power quality by providing better harmonic compensation. The integral action integrated into backstepping improves the robustness of the system against parametric uncertainties and external and/or internal disturbances, thus ensuring the optimization of the active power filter, and consequently improving the quality of electrical energy in the network by compensating for harmonics. This control technique is compared to classic backstepping in order to verify the effectiveness of the integral action backstepping controller proposed for the APF. The results of simulations and experimental tests carried out in various cases demonstrate its performance. Our system perfectly compensates for harmonics in accordance with standards. The proposed integral backstepping controller is more robust than the classic backstepping controller in terms of harmonic distortion reduction, stability, and speed thanks to a reduced response time and minimized ripple. The results obtained demonstrate its increased performance and efficiency in improving power quality, as well as its socioeconomic impact for industries.