Design of Passive Filters for Industry Applications Using Genetic-Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization

Due to the increase in non-linear loads, power lines have become highly polluted. Passive filters have been used near harmonic-producing loads or at the point of common coupling to mitigate the current harmonics. For industries, having large number of variable frequency drives power fed through power cable reduces the reactive power requirement in the power system. Under such reduced reactive power requirement, the design of passive filter conforming to the IEEE 1531 standard is presented in this study. The objective is to propose a new approach for designing the tuned harmonic filters by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The main goal in projecting the harmonic filters is to minimize the net source RMS current. The optimal parameters obtained through GA and PSO are used to design the passive filter parameters. The performance and operation of the so-designed passive filter has been studied through simulation under Matlab environment.