Comparing reactance one-port and notch filters for voltage and current harmonic reduction in nonlinear distribution systems

Harmonic distortion in distribution systems has escalated in recent years due to the widespread use of different nonlinear and electronically switched loads. This paper deals with decreasing the harmonics in three-phase four-wire distribution systems loaded with different nonlinear loads. Two approaches have been implemented in order to achieve the desired goal. The first is the utilization of a reactance one-port compensator and the second is the use of notch filters tuned at the prospective harmonics to be eliminated. A concrete example is given to demonstrate the differences between both methods. The harmonic analysis is carried out in the time-domain utilizing the EMTP package in order to accurately represent both system nonlinearity and voltage dependency.