Synchronization of active power filter current reference to the network

This paper presents an improved method of current reference determination for a parallel active power filter. To insure sinusoidal line currents, thus reducing reactive power, an integrative method of reference calculation is applied. As a result, satisfactory response of line current to the load change is achieved. One of the major problems, the synchronization to the net voltage, is also considered. Classical solution is based on zero-cross detection of line voltage. Since this approach is very sensitive to the voltage distortions, a new method is suggested, relying on voltage fundamental harmonic calculation. These ideas were tested on a three-phase active power filter, controlled by 32-bit microcontroller.