iNtON
Harmonic current compensation via intelligent active grid-connected filters
Electrical systems with harmonic current consumption reduce the voltage quality and consequently the supply reliability in low-voltage power grids. In project iNtON, shunt active harmonic filters are being investigated with the aim of compensating for this nonlinear behavior and the associated grid disturbances.
The progress in the field of electrical energy conversion through power electronic systems has led to a continuous increase in switched and hence nonlinear loads (as well as generators) in the public power grid. The influence of the harmonic current consumption of these loads on the grid can have serious impact on power quality and, consequently, the reliability of electrical energy supply. This issue is further exacerbated by the energy transition and the associated electrification of our energy supply. Increased grid utilization, as well as fluctuating supply and thus variable grid impedances, make the grids more susceptible to repercussions due to current harmonics.
Shunt active harmonic filters (AHF) can make a significant contribution to solving this issue. These power electronic systems provide low-voltage grids locally with highly dynamic, load-adaptive reactive power. This ensures a substantial reduction in the degradation of voltage quality caused by these loads. In addition to the compensation of current harmonics, AHFs also have the capability to rectify load asymmetries and minimize neutral currents.
In the iNtON project, the potential of shunt active harmonic filters is being explored. The objective in the field of control engineering is to develop new application-specific observer and control algorithms that surpass existing approaches in terms of performance and efficiency. Furthermore, the hardware aspects will be investigated to assess the potential advantages of employing multilevel inverter topologies and the use of modern wide-bandgap power semiconductors for AHFs. Within the project's framework, a corresponding system will be developed and evaluated in field tests. During this process, insights into scalability, parallel operation and the technical maturity of the technology
will be gained.
The iNtON project represents a collaboration between the Laboratory for Power Electronics (LLE) and the Laboratory for Mechatronic and Renewable Energy Systems (LMRES), both located at the University of Applied Sciences Munich.
Project Staff:
- Dietmar Fehrenbach
- Christoph Göttsberger
General project information:
- Project duration: 01.09.2023 - 31.08.2026
- Funding organisations: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Project partner:
- Siemens AG
