The effect of the new harmonic limitation standards on PWM rectifier AC filter minimization

A new method for PWM (pulse width modulation) rectifier AC filter reactive component minimization is used. The method uses new criteria in accordance with the recently updated IEEE Standard 519. The algorithm of the AC filter minimization procedure is given. The effects of this approach are discussed by comparison with results of a standard method. Results show that the AC filter´s total kVA is reduced for a low number of pulses in the PWM pattern, while individual and total harmonic distortion are kept inside certain limits. The reduction is greater for small-sized rectifiers.